Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou

Guest: Evan Efstathiou, CEO of Burmester & Vogel and Founder of SkySail Advisors

Episode Overview:
For the fourth year in a row, Evan joins The Last Dinosaur to unpack the big storylines in maritime tech. From AI hype vs. reality and sector consolidation, to decarbonization, hardware innovation, and the next wave of corporate venture investing, this episode is your annual “state of the union” for digital shipping. Chris and Evan revisit last year’s predictions, look at what played out in 2025, and lay out what to watch closely in 2026.

Key Points:

AI Moves From Hype to “Show Me the Money”:
AI has shifted from novelty add-on to table stakes. Vendors can’t just say “AI” anymore—customers want real productivity gains and measurable ROI, not marketing gimmicks.
Roll-Ups, Acqui-Hires, and the Looming “Big Five” Question:
2025 saw continued M&A among larger players and classic roll-ups plus AI acqui-hires. Evan talks about Kpler, Marcura, Sedna and others—and what it might look like if some of the “big five” platform players eventually combine.
Decarbonization Tech Is Here to Stay (Even If Policy Pauses):
Despite IMO’s slower tempo, tools for ETS, FuelEU and emissions accounting are now baked into contracts and day-to-day operations. Tech and digital remain the “low-hanging fruit” for compliance, risk reduction, and cost savings.
VC & Corporate Venture Capital Double Down on Maritime:
Dedicated maritime funds and shipowner-backed CVC arms are becoming core capital sources for seed and early-stage innovation, especially where AI, optimization and decarb intersect.
Hardware + Software Stacks Gain Momentum:
From robotic hull cleaning to onboard sensor platforms and wind-assisted propulsion, Evan highlights how digital twins and AI-enhanced analytics are making hardware projects more bankable and easier to scale across fleets.
The Future of Work: Smaller Teams, Bigger Tools:
Claims departments, chartering desks, and brokers aren’t going away—but their toolkits are changing. The real future is smaller, highly experienced teams amplified by AI, not full automation replacing human judgment and relationships.
2026: The Year of the AI Shakeout:
With spending at “epic levels” for AI – boards, investors, and customers will all be asking the same thing: did it pay off? Evan predicts 2026 will be a defining year where resilient, commercially viable AI products pull ahead and weaker offerings fall away.