The MIS Shipping Summit 2026 is just around the corner, and we’re excited to spotlight some of the expert speakers who will be sharing their insights on the future of shipping, logistics, and maritime technology.
Today, we sit down with Innovation & Technology Manager, Nikolaos Tsoulakos, of Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd, to discuss how shipping companies can strengthen resilience, adopt innovation, and develop the next generation of maritime professionals.
Join us on 10-12 February 2026 in Athens, Greece, and be part of the conversation shaping the next phase of global shipping! Register here: https://events.maritimeinformationservices.com/shipping-summit/
What strategic shifts should shipping companies prioritise to strengthen resilience and remain competitive?
Shipping companies should prioritise a data-driven operating model where digitalisation is embedded across technical, commercial, and crewing functions. This includes the systematic use of real-time vessel data, advanced analytics, and decision-support tools to improve fuel efficiency, asset utilisation, and compliance readiness.
In parallel, resilience increasingly depends on early investment in decarbonisation technologies, including energy-efficiency solutions, alternative fuels, and digital tools that support emissions monitoring and regulatory alignment. The combination of digital maturity and decarbonisation readiness is becoming a core competitive differentiator rather than a long-term aspiration.
How can the industry bridge the gap between innovation strategy and practical implementation across legacy systems?
Bridging this gap requires a pragmatic, step-by-step digital transformation rather than large, disruptive overhauls. Shipping companies should focus on interoperable solutions that can integrate with legacy systems through modular architectures and data standardisation. Pilot projects, digital twins, and incremental deployment of AI-based tools allow organisations to test innovation in real operational conditions before scaling.
Equally important is cross-functional collaboration between technical, IT, and operational teams, ensuring that innovation strategies are grounded in day-to-day vessel realities and measurable business value.
What concrete steps can the industry take to attract, retain, and develop the next generation of maritime professionals?
The industry must present shipping as a high-tech, future-oriented sector rather than a traditional one. This means investing in digital skills, data literacy, and sustainability-focused training, both ashore and onboard. Clear career pathways that combine maritime expertise with digital and decarbonisation competencies are essential to retain talent. Collaboration with universities, research institutions, and technology providers can further expose young professionals to innovation projects, applied research, and real-world problem-solving.
Ultimately, empowering people to work with advanced technologies and contribute directly to the decarbonisation agenda is key to attracting and retaining the next generation.
Nikolaos Tsoulakos has over 14 years of experience in the shipping industry, beginning with his engineering studies at the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos. His career includes significant roles as a superintendent engineer at leading Greek shipping companies, culminating in his current position as Innovation & Technology Manager at Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD.
