On April 10, leading maritime voices from across the region gathered in Seoul for Veson’s South Korea Forum & Networking Event an afternoon of insightful discussion and collaboration. Given today’s accelerated pace of digitalization, green regulations, and other uncertainties, the event provided an excellent opportunity to come together and discuss what’s next for the industry.  

During the event, attendees got to hear from Veson’s industry experts on how to navigate today’s maritime challenges, explore the full breadth of Veson’s product offerings, and gain insights from peer perspectives across the maritime sector.  

Here is an overview of each of the sessions, including the key takeaways. 

AI in Maritime: How Veson Solutions Address New Challenges in Chartering & Operations 

Veson’s Chief Product Officer, Eric Christofferson, shared how charterers and operators can navigate regulatory requirements, improve operational efficiency, and make data-driven decisions in an increasingly complex market. 

Key Takeaways:

  • AI should serve a clear purpose. In maritime shipping, the most valuable AI applications are those that help teams make faster, more informed decisions—whether by surfacing the right data at the right time, reducing manual effort, or enabling stronger human connections in negotiations. 
  • Data quality is foundational to AI success. Clean, contextual, and validated data is essential for AI tools to deliver meaningful outcomes. For example, using multiple sources to cross-check and enrich data can boost confidence in decisions and improve accuracy. 
  • AI can enhance pre-fixture workflows. Tools that apply AI to email and communication streams can help chartering teams quickly organize and prioritize inquiries, offering a faster, more comprehensive view of the market. 
  • AI is increasingly valuable in post-fixture and claims management. From flagging potential operational issues—like port congestion or delays—to automating the classification of high volumes of documentation, AI is helping shipping companies streamline post-fixture workflows and resolve claims more efficiently. 

“The South Korean shipping industry has been a global leader in developing and adopting new technologies such as AI to drive efficiency and progress.” 

— Eric Christofferson, Chief Product Officer, Veson Nautical 

Market Insight Series: Navigating the Future of Tanker, LPG, and Bulker Markets

In two dedicated sessions on Tankers/LPG and Bulkers, I explored key market trends, macroeconomic dynamics, and supply-demand fundamentals impacting earnings and vessel values in Q2 2025. As APAC remains central to global tanker, LPG, and bulker markets, I also examined the region’s influence alongside industry challenges like geopolitical risks, evolving trade routes, and regulatory changes.  

 While dry bulk ship values are historically high, major declines aren’t expected soon due to balanced supply-demand fundamentals. The market remains cautiously positive, with minor fluctuations rather than dramatic changes. 
The Tanker market balance appears favorable for 2025, with restrained supply growth relative to demand. Although rates may decline slightly, levels should remain robust compared to pre-COVID conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trade patterns and fleet growth are reshaping supply and demand dynamics. Longer voyage distances, driven by Guinea’s emergence as a new iron ore supplier and continued rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, are supporting ton-mile growth across both Dry Bulk and Tanker markets. Regarding fleet expansion, LPG is experiencing a surge in newbuild activity, while Dry Bulk ordering has slowed in early 2025, particularly for larger vessels such as Capesizes. 
  • Global trade policies continue to shift and impact trade flows. US trade measures and China’s response are expected to constrain steel, grain, and coal volumes across Supramax, Panamax, and Handymax segments. In Tankers, sanctions on Russian and Iranian crude have altered routing patterns and increased voyage distances. 
  • Decarbonization is driving cleaner cargoes, slower speeds, and smarter fleet choices. Growing demand for greener commodities—like bauxite for aluminum and LPG for petrochemical feedstocks—is influencing cargo flows, while environmental regulations are driving slower sailing speeds, operational inefficiencies, and long-term shifts in fleet composition. 

Our team of maritime analysts has developed unique forecasting models that span the short and medium terms for the major shipping markets: Tanker, Container, Dry Bulk, Vehicle Carriers, and LPG. Visit vesselsvalue.com/forecasting for more information.  

Driving Maritime Sustainability: Innovations in Global Shipping Operations

Eric took the stage again to discuss the key challenges and opportunities that are driving sustainability across the sector. He outlined the power of embracing integrated, data-driven solutions and collaboration to reduce environmental impacts and achieve operational efficiency.    

Key Takeaways:

  • Proactive approaches to sustainability offer long-term advantages. With regulations like EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime continuing to shape industry dynamics for the long-term, early action can help organizations manage risk and create an advantage. 
  • Operational efficiency varies widely despite improvements in newbuild design. VesselsValue data shows that while IMO regulations have improved newbuild efficiency, factors like ageing fleets and market volatility continue to impact operational performance. Dual-fuel vessels offer flexibility but may face economic uncertainty, while modern single-fuel engines deliver stronger efficiency. 
  • Effective sustainability strategies are built on data, decision support, and communication. From regulatory alignment and risk management to data collection, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, success depends on clear processes and actionable insights.

“Shipping industries have been conservative and slow to change, but at the same time the market trend is changing faster than ever.

To stay ahead and drive changes, we must adopt new technologies and optimize our fleets and operations with AI-driven solutions.” 

—Jay Lee, Head of Chartering, Hardy Corporation

The Impact of Carbon Regulations on Ship Asset Valuations 

South Korea’s dynamic maritime sector is known for its innovation and adaptability, making them uniquely positioned to adapt swiftly to the rapidly evolving regulatory, technological landscape. 

Veson’s Director of Commercial Operations in APAC, Giftson Eliyesar, hosted an engaging panel with SK Shipping’s Sung Ick Kim and Hardy Corporation’s Jay Lee on challenges and opportunities arising from many of the IMO and EU’s sustainability regulations. Together, they focused on the innovative solutions and technologies that are reshaping the industry. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Carbon regulations are influencing investment and fleet renewal strategies. Panelists discussed their own fleet changes and described the current emergence of two tiers in the market regarding newbuilds – newer, hi-tech vessels that are poised for higher demand, and older vessels that can offer immediate cost and capacity conveniences but face long-term risk. 
  • Industry players are exploring alternative fuels. As more new vessels enter the market, fuel types are expected to continue to diversify. Panelists shared their use of fuels like LNG/LPG and the benefits and challenges they see. 
  • Digital technology can uplevel decision-making power. Hardy Corporation shared how their strategic adoption of the IMOS Platform and Shipfix will help them streamline workflows and communications, evaluate market and commodities trends, and allow smarter decision-making when fixing vessels. 
  • The regulatory landscape is evolving—and strategic awareness is essential. From the impact of EEDI metrics on vessel design to potential tariffs affecting. 

“In Korea, shipping industries are facing a shortage in that issues are very hard to solve. Autonomous navigation systems can solve that problem. 

There’s many companies that try to make new autonomous navigation systems and are gradually developing. I hope these kinds of techniques will solve the Korean shipowning problem in the future.” 

—Sung Ick Kim, CEO and President, SK Shipping

The evolving state of the maritime industry is making it more critical than ever for organizations to quickly prepare and adapt to this shifting environment. It’s moments like these where we all get to come together to share insights and best practices that make the biggest impact.  

Curious about our upcoming events? Explore what’s next at Veson and save the date for opportunities to connect with your peers at veson.com/events.