Venture capital investment in maritime technology.

Venture capital interest in maritime technology has grown significantly in recent years. As barriers to adoption fall, there is still scope for even higher levels of investment.

Historically, the maritime sector was an enthusiastic adopter, indeed pioneer, of new technology. However, there is a widespread perception within the industry that, in recent decades, shipping companies have been slow to capitalise on the benefits of new software and emerging digital technology. There are multiple factors which have acted as barriers to faster uptake, which can be divided into 'push' and 'pull' barriers. 'Push' barriers are those which have prevented those from outside of the industry from developing technology...