As the shipping industry works to reconcile decarbonisation goals with commercial and regulatory realities, the next 12 months could be decisive. For Matthieu de Tugny, executive vice president of industrials and commodities at Bureau Veritas, the direction is clear: shipping will be shaped by the technologies that can deliver practical progress toward the International Maritime Organisaztion’s (IMO) 2050 targets—particularly if the upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting results in a ratified Net Zero Framework. De Tugny sees growing momentum around alternative fuels and emissions-cutting technologies, especially as some vessels ordered in recent years begin to enter operation. “Alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, LNG dual-fuel vessels, and wind propulsion will gain further ground,” he says, adding that green corridors, digital twins, and onboard carbon capture will also see forward movement. “The future will increasingly be defined by technologies that help move the needle.” The future will increasingly be defined by technologies that help move the needle AI, already at work in voyage optimisation and predictive maintenance, is gradually making its way into more advanced applications. De Tugny points to the emergence of ship design optimisation and inspection support tools as evidence that AI is no longer in its exploratory phase. “It acts as an enabler, allowing stakeholders to make better-informed decisions,” he says. BV’s own contribution in this space is AGS 3D, an AI-based system for ship inspection that processes drone-captured images and LiDAR scans to detect structural issues, map corrosion, and build accurate 3D models. The system, he claims, significantly improves inspection safety, reduces manual workloads, and enables data-driven maintenance planning. Adoption across the industry has been cautious, but de Tugny believes the value of proven systems is becoming clearer. “Maturity, visibility, and operational value are aligning to drive faster uptake,” he tells Splash Extra. Investment appetite is also shifting, though not evenly across the board. There is increasing willingness to put money into fuel-ready ships and energy-saving systems—but it’s far from a blanket approach. Owners, de Tugny says, are choosing carefully where to commit. “There definitely seems to be greater willingness to invest, but owners are being highly selective,” he notes. Many are waiting for greater clarity on fuel availability and regulation before backing alternative propulsion solutions at scale. “This hesitation slows the development of the supporting infrastructure, creating a chicken and egg scenario.” In the meantime, more established technologies are gaining traction—especially where ROI is easier to quantify. “Energy-saving devices, voyage optimisation systems, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, and dual-fuel readiness are being deployed more widely because their benefits are immediate and measurable.” De Tugny points to classification societies as key players in helping ensure that risk assessments and technology validations keep pace with innovation. Green finance initiatives are also playing a role in closing the gap. “Spending today not only saves on fuel and emissions, but also positions fleets for the next generation of propulsion and operational technologies,” he advises. As technology shifts, so too does the workforce. Bureau Veritas is adapting through internal training and knowledge-sharin