The maritime industry is awash with digital solutions, from AI copilots and cybersecurity tools to voyage optimisation and emissions management platforms. But is shipping ready to consolidate around a single technology partner?

According to top names in the industry surveyed by SplashTech, the answer is a clear no.

While a single platform promises simplicity and fewer integration headaches, interviewees repeatedly cited concerns around vendor lock-in, reduced flexibility, loss of competition and overdependence on one supplier. Many argued that no single provider currently possesses the expertise needed across all areas of a modern shipping business.

Instead, the industry’s preference remains a carefully selected ecosystem of specialist providers connected through strong integration. As AI matures, respondents said the real competitive advantage will come not from consolidating vendors, but from effectively connecting systems, improving data quality and turning information into actionable insight.

The discussion featured perspectives from the likes of Hafnia, UECC, CMA CGM, Anglo-Eastern, Heidelberg Materials Trading, Sedna, and Marcura.