Marine Automation Technologies to Look for in 2025

The maritime industry is one of the strongest pillars when it comes to global trade network. More than 80 per cent of goods are transported via sea network. Vessel tracking is an integral part of maritime logistics, which has seen a significant evolution in the past couple of years. Moving into 2025, there are emerging technologies and trends which are taking the centre stage when it’s coming to shaping the future of vessel tracking and their implications in the maritime industry. 

One of the most significant developments in this technology is the upcoming Marine Automation Systems. Automation is set to transform this industry to help get into a more developed and safer marine system.

Let’s have a look  which of the following technologies are seen as expected to have a huge rise in 2025 and beyond.

Autonomous vessels

The shipping industry means the future of shipping. So, whether it is a large industry or a small business organization, to have the right shipping is absolutely necessary for its success. One of the most significant topics in marine automation is that of fully autonomous vessels. The seaborne vessels are manufactured in such a way that it can travel independently with little or no interference from any human monitoring. 

It has devices like sensors, navigation system and everything is controlled by advanced artificial intelligence. Companies such as Rolls Royce has already used this integrated automation systems which can command different functions of a vessel, including the navigation and engine controls from a distance. The idea of these systems is to increase productivity and minimize the human error, which is certainly very beneficial in getting a safer and more reliable navigation through the sea.

In these advanced systems, there is a radar, LIDAR, infrared vision and high definition cameras which can capture the 360° view of the surrounding and get going even in restricted or adverse conditions. The other side of this intelligent marine vision is the integration of autonomous vessels which can coordinate and command with other vessels around and have station based control centers for efficient navigation. One of the biggest advantages of this is that there is much less fuel requirement and therefore helps in creating a more eco-friendly solution. 

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

Big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, we’re all hearing these three terms now and again; and there is no doubt that 2025 and beyond will be dominated by these three. These technologies allow the vessel to learn, improve and perform accordingly. When done correctly, it can even identify some equipment which would require maintenance and thus avoid any downtime.

The software used in artificial intelligence can help to determine the best performance of a vessel by getting all the data from the sensors on the vessel. It would help to save time on the routes, save fuel and also improve the lifespan of vehicles and other transport equipment because the software will prompt in getting any kind of necessary upgradation that is required much before it gets faulty.

The AI-powered vessels can enable data collection from various systems onboard and will offer efficiency and improve the operational costs.

Most often, this is a centralized system which helps to monitor all the data that is gathered from the various systems on board and thus improve on the efficient working of these maritime equipments. 

The advanced functioning of the maritime automation systems makes it easier to predict when the parts need to be replaced and thus keep going with the project seamlessly.

Sustainable Technologies

Over the years, environmental regulation is one of the biggest concerns in any industry. Maritime industry also has to incorporate some of the sustainable methods which can minimize the carbon emissions. Automation is instrumental in green revolution because it helps in efficient energy consumption and therefore cut down on the emission. 

There are some leading manufacturers like Siemens who are already launching the automation systems which uses lower energy and helps to adhere to set the environmental laws for the vessels.

One of the biggest examples of this is Siemens Hybrid Powertrain, which includes electric motor dynamics, batteries and energy efficient management. All of these when monitored properly can enhance fuel economy and cause minimal emission.

Cyber security

As for the first security epistemology, protecting the connected vessels will need proper understanding of the security as both a process and an outcome. So, cyber security is one of the most essential issues in the shipping industry, which needs to be updated. There are self run systems with very advanced software that can be now checked and monitored through Machine learning.

The cyber security platform helps to protect the industrial networks, including those on the vessels. It also offers live traffic analysis on the network and gets the vessel out of any potential suspicious activities. 

Market growth and projections

The global market for vessel tracking tools is expected to see a huge growth in the upcoming years. There are a number of factors which are increasing its high demand such as real time tracking solutions, sophistication in tracking technologies and rise in maritime trade volumes. 

As per the industry reports from the experts, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate. This growth will reflect the increasing reliance on digital tools, which means all the above advancements mentioned will see a huge rise. The companies which invest in these technologies will be better positioned to navigate through the complexities of the maritime global trade.

Geopolitical events have always had profound impact on the maritime logistics. When it comes to vessel tracking, it is no exception.

Shipping companies and thus now leveraging advanced tracking tools to mitigate any risk which might be associated with any crisis. With the real time monitoring systems and getting actionable insights, the companies can respond quickly in case of any movement disruption. This agility is absolutely necessary to maintain a supply chain resilience amidst this increasingly volatile global trade market.