Shipping industry faces a pivotal turning point in 2025

2025 marks a pivotal year for the shipping industry as it grapples with challenges around emissions regulations, fuel choices, market volatility and the rise of AI.

shipping industry

The shipping industry is entering a pivotal year, with many important factors influencing its future. According to Lloyd’s List’s 2025 Annual Outlook, key trends will be shaped by regulatory clarity, changes in trade and increased market volatility.

Carbon Regulation: A Crucial Turn

One of the key issues in 2025 is how the International Maritime Organization (IMO) handles carbon regulations. The decisions made this year will not only shape the decarbonisation agenda, but will also impact investment in zero-emission fuels and supporting infrastructure. If the IMO can provide a clear roadmap for emissions reductions, the global shipping industry will have a solid foundation to make major green transitions. Conversely, if consensus is not reached, there is a risk that a fragmented regulatory environment could undermine the integrity of the global shipping market, creating uncertainty in international trade.

Fuel debate: Reality or vision?

Another major issue for 2025 is the choice of fuel for the shipping industry. Despite high expectations for ammonia and other zero-emission fuels, an immediate switch is unlikely due to technical and infrastructure challenges. As a result, the industry is expected to continue to rely on traditional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Even as ammonia engines are being tested, cost and technological hurdles mean that widespread adoption of the fuel is still years away. In the meantime, fuel practicality will prevail, with many shipowners opting for the most readily available and cost-effective option, according to Lloyd’s List’s outlook.

Shipbuilding: More uncertainty ahead

The shipbuilding industry also faces uncertainty. While new ship orders remain high, particularly at Chinese shipyards, high asset values and full capacity make it difficult to expand the market.

If demand weakens, new ship prices could fall, but this is expected to be a slow process. Another possibility is that the depreciation of the Chinese yuan could help ease shipbuilding costs, creating some price correction. However, even in this scenario, shipyards will still face many constraints due to the high demand for new ships.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): From Trend to Practical Application

The year 2025 could mark a significant step forward for artificial intelligence (AI) in the shipping industry. Despite high expectations, AI has not yet had a truly breakthrough impact. However, the potential of this technology to improve operational efficiency and automate processes is huge.

Businesses are increasingly interested in AI systems and digitalization tools, in which enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is forecast to continue to change the way the shipping industry operates. However, the comprehensive digitalization process will still take time to reach widespread application.

Operating Efficiency and Older Ship Decommissioning

The shipping industry is also under increasing pressure to improve the efficiency of its older fleet. Despite efforts to adopt new technologies and switch to alternative fuels, much of the existing fleet still has room for improvement.

However, with increasingly stringent safety regulations and demands for operational optimization, some older vessels may be phased out of the market sooner than expected. This will create a wave of change in the global shipping fleet.

2025: A Year of Change and Challenges

2025 is expected to be a year of change for the shipping industry. Geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions and changing trade patterns will continue to create market uncertainty.

In this context, the ability to adapt and manage risk will be the key to the success of shipping companies. As we enter a year of uncertainty, the industry needs to prepare for unexpected changes, as 2025 promises to be a challenging and volatile year.

See more: