“Already Behind” – Why the Shipping Industry Needs to Take the Next Step in AI

The global shipping industry risks being left behind and missing out on major opportunities for innovation, efficiency and recruitment unless it can take the next step when it comes to artificial intelligence, according to an Australian freight and logistics expert.

The 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report – which surveyed more than 700 supply chain leaders globally – found just 28% are currently using AI, with the key barriers to broader adoption being a lack of understanding of the technology, lack of clear business case and budget.

Managing Director of freight forwarding company EES Shipping, Brian Hack, says while his company has been tinkering with AI for some time now and has used it to take on certain admin-related tasks, he believes the industry more broadly is missing an opportunity to grow and be more productive.

“One of the major challenges I believe comes from within the industry itself. We’re trying to implement relatively new technology into what is arguably one of the oldest industries in the world. The global supply chain hasn’t changed all that much over several decades, so how does AI fit into what might be antiquated ways of operating?”

“We need to be prepared to rethink how we do things as an industry to potentially make better use of new technology.”

Mr Hack points to the different data and documentation standards across different jurisdictions and says increased standardisation would also assist.

“While the global industry operates under largely the same data and document sets, the slight variations currently make it difficult for AI programs to accommodate.”

“I don’t think the industry currently is making the most of what AI can do, especially around data entry and document reading. There’s an opportunity there to create efficiencies, if we’re prepared to implement greater standardisation of data.”

Mr Hack says the age of the workforce also presents another challenge.

“Shipping and logistics is an older industry in terms of the average age of the workforce, which can be a barrier when it comes to adopting new technology.”

“We need to make sure we’re offering adequate training and education so employees can see the potential benefits and opportunities technology presents, rather than being fearful or concerned.”

Mr Hack says greater adoption of AI presents several opportunities for the global supply chain;

• Efficiency: AI can streamline various processes, particularly around data entry, cross-checking and document reading, potentially expediting approvals and minimising the risk of errors.
• Innovation: Mr Hack believes AI can offer opportunities for innovation through data analysis and trend predictions, supporting sustainability targets, enhanced tracking and a more personalised customer experience, for example. “I’m sure there are ways we can implement AI to our advantage that we haven’t even considered yet.”
• Recruitment: Attracting skilled and younger workers is a challenge for the broader industry and Mr Hack says adopting news technologies will assist. “Younger workers have grown up with technology embedded in their everyday lives. How can we encourage them into our industry if the technology isn’t up to the standard they already know exists?”

Mr Hack acknowledges there are likely to be concerns around the potential for AI to replace human jobs but believes there are always opportunities to be found.

“It’s about working smarter and thinking of different ways of operating. As an example, we used to employ ‘runners’ to physically take documents from one place to another. That role doesn’t exist anymore, but what we do have is dedicated staff in IT – those positions didn’t exist 20 years ago.”

“Sectors that are embracing AI technology are moving ahead and making significant progress. Some may say that if the supply chain doesn’t take meaningful steps to implement AI the industry will be left behind, however I would argue that we’re already behind now, and we need to catch up sooner rather than later.”