Global Maritime Trends

What does the future of maritime look like?

The maritime industry will transform over the coming decades, driven by technology adoption, the climate agenda, and intensifying geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts.

Global Maritime Trends answers the demand for robust insights about the drivers of the transformation within the industry. With a holistic approach to tackling maritime complex challengers, this initiative provided a clear, data-driven vision of what lies ahead. Powered by comprehensive analysis of the Global Maritime Trends 2050 Report by Economist Impact, the programme sets the stage for future maritime scenarios, helping leaders and policymakers make informed decisions about the industry's future.

Our barometer

Assessing the progress of the maritime energy and digital transitions

The annual pulse of the maritime industry’s transformation. Tracking five key areas - maritime trade, energy, vessels, ports, and people - it provides a data-driven view of how the industry is navigating the energy and digital transitions, while highlighting emerging trends by benchmarking progress towards four future scenarios.

Our 2026 snapshot

We stand at a pivotal inflection point. Energy technology is advancing, but too slowly to meet net zero targets. We record and report more data, but without stronger global cooperation the energy and digital transitions risk becoming regionalised and fragmented. Aspirations must be translated into practical, globally standardised pathways.

See barometer

How do we calculate the barometer

Our barometer model incorporates key metrics and measurable indicators drawn from trusted, peer-reviewed published sources and market data models. Each indicator is scored on a dynamic scale, showcasing its progress towards targets in the next five years. For the Energy Transition Barometer, each component-energy, maritime trade, vessels, ports and people-is assessed against technology uptake and global cooperation, using both quantitative data and expert-informed qualitative insights where needed. For the Digital Transition Barometer, the model integrates insights from LR’s Digital Maturity Index and input from LR and external industry experts who helped define progress to industry initiatives.

Download the 2026 synopsis

Deep dive on seafarer sustainability

Supporting the opportunity for Africa and women to create a sustainable supply of seafarers for the future

Seafarers are the backbone of the maritime industry. Without them, the globalised economy connecting global supply and demand, would be under serious threat. This first Deep Dive - launched as part of the Global Maritime Trends programme, addresses the demand for accurate future insights, helping maritime industries to make informed decisions on infrastructure, skills and safety.

150

is the approximate total of Maritime Education and Training institutions found throughout the African continent

23%

of enrolments in African MET institutions are women

of total seafarer population in the studied African countries are seafarers

Download report

Deep dive on seafarer sustainability: Supporting the opportunity for Africa and women to create a sustainable supply of seafarers for the future", please credit: Lloyd's Register Foundation, Lloyd's Register, & World Maritime University. (2025)

Global Maritime Trends

What does the future of maritime look like?

Our barometer

Assessing the progress of the maritime energy and digital transitions

Our 2026 snapshot

How do we calculate the barometer

Our research

Supporting the opportunity for Africa and women to create a sustainable supply of seafarers for the future

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