The maritime and shipping industry has always relied on the swift transmission of information to navigate the unpredictable seas. Long before the digital age, shipping news was shared through radio broadcasts and printed reports, with the Shipping Forecast—a staple of British radio—first airing in 1924 to provide vital weather updates to sailors. This forecast became a lifeline for mariners, offering critical information that helped shape daily shipping operations.
Fast forward to today, and the industry has embraced the digital revolution, with podcasts emerging as a new way to share news, trends, and insights. In 1999, the UK made maritime news widely accessible with the introduction of dedicated radio segments focused on the sector. Since then, the industry has transformed, with the launch of the first UK maritime podcast in 2005, offering an accessible and modern way for professionals to stay updated on industry developments. This was a podcast called Bow Wave. It focused on shipping, insurance, and maritime trade, offering news, insights, and interviews with industry professionals. Bow Wave helped pioneer the use of podcasts as a modern medium for sharing important developments in the maritime sector, making information more accessible to industry insiders and enthusiasts alike.
These podcasts now cover a wide range of topics, from global shipping regulations to emerging technologies, and are essential listening for anyone navigating the ever-evolving maritime landscape.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the best maritime podcasts in the market right now. Covering topics from history of maritime, the digital age, the future of shipping, maritime law, voices in the industry and so much more. Whether you’re a seasoned maritime professional or a curious newcomer, these podcasts offer a treasure trove of knowledge to explore.
Title: Shipping Podcast
Creator: Lena Gothberg
About: Hearing from the maritime professionals, sharing their strong characters, interesting background and very cool jobs.
Title: The Maritime History Podacast
Creator: Brandon Huebner
About: Chronological look at maritime history, beginning all the way back with ancient history. Looking at trade, exploration, ship-building, economics and the development of society and culture throughout history.
Title: Seatrade Maritime Podcast
Creator: Seatrade Maritime by Informa Markets
About: Delivers news and updates on shipping’s most pertinent topics, focusing on leading trends in the industry, hosted by a team of highly experienced correspondents across the world.
Title: The Mariner’s Mirror Podcast
Creator: The Society for Nautical Research & the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
About: The world’s No.1 podcast dedicated to all maritime and naval history. With a foot in past and the present, it looks at maritime projects including restorations, excavations, museum archives and more.
Title: Lloyd’s List: The Shipping Podcast
Creator: Lloyd’s List
About: World’s leading source of insight, analysis and data for shipping businesses and professionals.
Title: The Last Dinosaur – Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age
Creator: Christopher Aversano
About: Deep dive into the maritime world’s digital transformation. Looking at trailblazers, innovators, investors and thought leaders steering the maritime industry into the digital future.
Title: The Shipping Exchange
Creator: The Shipping Exchange
About: Explores the latest developments across the industry, bringing together panel experts to challenge the world view.
Title: Maritime Software Hub
Creator: Callum Beaumont
About: The people-focused podcast for professionals that are passionate about digitalisation across the maritime and trade space. Featuring highly influential figures, it discusses key functions and career opportunities and much more.
Title: The ship.energy Podcast
Creator: ship.energy
About: Allows subscribers to engage first-hand with the many discussions that are happening and evolving around shipping’s energy transition.
Title: In the Know: The Maritime Executive Magazine Podcast
Creator: The Maritime Executive Magazine
About: Interviews with industry experts, leaders and professionals offering insights about the critical issues and innovations shaping the maritime world.
Title: Shipping Matters
Creator: SSY
About: Panels of shipping experts will aim to cut through the market noise and go behind the headlines to tell you what really matters when it comes to shipping.
Title: Setting Course, an ABS Podcast
Creator: American Bureau of Shipping
About: Informed conversations between industry leaders discussing all things from carbon capture and electrification to alternative fuels and regulatory developments.
Title: Podcast Network
Creator: Stephenson Harwood
About: A collection of podcast series covering aviation, litigation, commodities, decarbonisation, trade, offshore finances, ESG, key legal developments and more.
Title: In Conversation With
Creator: Ship Management International
About: Podcasts centred around hearing from maritime professionals, leaders and pioneers. Hearing about their experiences during COVID-19, the future, the ever-changing environment and further topical issues.
Nearly all of these podcasts can be found on Spotify or streaming services.
The maritime industry has come a long way from relying on radio broadcasts to embracing digital media as a dynamic and accessible way to stay informed. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of maritime law, keeping up with digital innovations, or simply fascinated by the history of seafaring, these podcasts offer something for everyone. As the industry continues to evolve, these platforms will remain invaluable in shaping the conversations and decisions that drive the future of maritime trade and shipping.
Blog written by Bethanie-Taylor Grenfell, Marketing & HRC Executive
