According to research from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and OneOcean, shipping companies must actively harness and standardise operational data to stay competitive in a rapidly digitalising and regulated industry.
The report, Mastering maritime data for competitive advantage, launched on 18 March at the Smart Maritime Network Conference in Athens, finds that while the sector is generating more operational information than ever, much of it remains fragmented, poorly structured or underused.
This leads to low data quality and limited standardisation, which in turn affects digital transformation across fleets.
Regulatory pressure is rising through frameworks such as the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, making reliable operational data central to both compliance and commercial decision-making.
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The research highlights that the industry still has work to do before digital tools deliver their full potential. LR’s latest Digital Maturity Index (DMI) shows data standardisation at 2.45 out of 4, with shipping’s overall digital maturity at 2.1 out of 4, indicating uneven progress across the sector.
For many shipowners and operators, the challenge is not in generating data but ensuring it meets quality standards and can be used effectively across ship and shore operations.
Weaknesses often appear at early stages, where operational information is manually entered or stored in isolated systems, complicating emissions reporting, performance analysis and commercial decision-making.
The report recommends improving data governance, standardisation and system integration to unlock the value of information already being produced.
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It also notes that enhanced vessel connectivity and cloud-based platforms allow performance data to be transmitted in near real time, supporting faster operational decisions and fleet monitoring.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, however, depend on the quality of underlying data; without consistent governance, automated systems risk amplifying inaccuracies rather than providing insight.
Collaboration across the wider maritime ecosystem, including shipowners, technology providers, class societies, ports and regulators, is identified as essential for the next stage of digitalisation.
Pranav Kumar, Global Advisory Lead – Operational Excellence at LR Advisory, said: “The industry is transitioning toward a data-driven operational landscape in which regulators, charterers, and cargo owners increasingly demand greater transparency.
“With reliable and qualified data underpinning key areas, from emissions reporting to voyage optimisation, effective data management is crucial to shipping operations. The companies that manage their data well will be better positioned to respond to regulatory change and commercial pressures.”
For more information:
Lloyd’s List Intelligence – https://www.lloydslistintelligence.com/
