DataSmart Shipping 2027: Connecting Data, People and the Future of Maritime Trade

DataSmart Shipping has set a date for its next gathering: March 31, 2027, in São Paulo. Ten years after its inaugural edition in 2017, the event will continue its work of bringing people together to share knowledge about the use of data and technology in maritime shipping and foreign trade.

Over that decade, the questions facing the industry have taken on new dimensions. How can information lead to better decisions? How can companies and professionals prepare for technological change? How can operations become more efficient and predictable amid economic, geopolitical and environmental uncertainty? These questions help explain the value of a forum where people with different experiences and perspectives can discuss the industry’s future.

A story that began in 2017

The first DataSmart event in 2017 marked the beginning of that journey. By hosting it, Datamar created a space to bring expertise in data into discussions about the future of maritime trade.

After a break, the event returned in 2025 under the theme “Applying Technology to Unlock Value.” The focus spoke to a growing need among companies: making better use of the information available to guide strategy, identify opportunities and improve operations.

Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, database integration and collaboration among logistics stakeholders shaped that edition. The discussions also made clear how much data quality and professional training matter if investments in technology are to deliver results.

In 2026, the conversation broadened under the theme “Shipping 5.0: Data, Technology and People for a Sustainable Future.” Resilience, decarbonization and the role of people became more prominent in the debate over technological change.

The evolution of these themes reflects how the market’s needs have developed. As new tools expand the possibilities for analysis and automation, the responsibility to interpret information, assess risks and make decisions grows as well.

Why bringing the industry together matters

Maritime shipping connects companies, markets and countries through interdependent operations. A decision at one point in the supply chain can affect schedules, costs and planning elsewhere. Many of the industry’s challenges therefore require dialogue and coordination across organizations.

That is where an event like DataSmart Shipping plays a role. By bringing together professionals from shipping companies, ports, terminals, logistics and foreign trade businesses, along with technology specialists, researchers and public-sector representatives, it gives different perspectives a chance to meet.

For those developing solutions, this exchange provides a better understanding of operational needs. For industry professionals, it offers access to research, tools and experiences that can inform decisions. For everyone involved, it creates opportunities to share lessons, question established practices and build relationships that support collaboration.

These exchanges are particularly important for system integration, data sharing and emissions measurement. Progress in these areas depends on technical knowledge, but also on trust, shared understanding and a willingness to work together.

Data, technology and people in the same conversation

Throughout its history, DataSmart Shipping has connected Datamar’s expertise in foreign trade intelligence with the questions guiding business planning.

Recent editions have reinforced an idea that runs through that history: data become valuable when people use them to understand the market and make better-informed decisions. That requires suitable tools and professionals who can ask the right questions, interpret results and consider the context of each decision.

By bringing the business community and academia closer together, the event also helps knowledge circulate among researchers, technology developers and those dealing with the daily challenges of logistics. Those connections can lead to new applications, partnerships and ways of responding to changes in the industry.

A new gathering in 2027

The 2027 edition will build on that history, once again inviting the maritime shipping and foreign trade community to share knowledge and strengthen connections.

The program is still being developed and will be announced soon. The date, however, is confirmed: March 31, 2027, in São Paulo.

Ten years after the first DataSmart event, Datamar is inviting the industry to come together again and continue the conversations that help shape its future.

Will we see you there? Save the date and follow Datamar’s channels for the full DataSmart Shipping 2027 program.