Posidonia, AI Hype and the Technologies Shipping Is Actually Buying

This week,  Raal and Nick catch up as Posidonia 2026 gets into full swing. With Nick reporting live from Athens and Raal experiencing Posidonia FOMO from afar, the conversation explores what’s really happening beneath the headlines. From the explosion of AI messaging across the exhibition floor to the technologies that are quietly moving from concept to commercial reality, this episode separates hype from substance. They discuss why governance is becoming the defining challenge for AI adoption, how simulation technology is reaching new levels of realism, why condition-based maintenance may finally be having its moment, and what recent industry deals tell us about the future direction of maritime software. Along the way, they examine why alternative fuels seem to have disappeared from centre stage and what has replaced them as shipping's immediate priority. Chapters 00:00 Live from Posidonia: Raal's missing, Nick's roaming 02:00 AI everywhere: genuine innovation or marketing necessity? 05:00 What separates serious AI solutions from AI wrappers 09:00 From ideas to products: when does innovation become commercial reality? 12:00 Why shipping only solves problems when they become unavoidable 14:00 Hot or Not: the technologies dominating Posidonia 2026 17:00 Alternative fuels are out. Vessel performance is in. 18:00 Simulation technology is getting frighteningly realistic 23:00 Why great simulations don't always need great technology 26:00 AI governance moves from theory to business priority 28:00 Kaiko's acquisition and what it says about maritime software consolidation 38:00 Condition-based maintenance may finally be ready for prime time 41:00 Why inspections are becoming valuable data sources 44:00 Looking ahead to Bergen Shipping Conference This episode is brought to you by KVH. Delivering resilient connectivity, data, and insights to keep maritime operations connected, informed, and moving, wherever you are. Learn more at http://kvh.com.