The maritime industry has always been shaped by global currents of politics, trade, and regulation. Today, these forces appear more turbulent than ever. From shifting geopolitics and renewed trade rivalries to wars, ambitious regulatory agendas, and rapid technological progress, shipping sits at the crossroads of global transformation. Wars may create longer routes that increase demand for tonnage. Deglobalization may be the latest political buzzword, but in practice, economies remain not just linked but deeply interwoven, ensuring shipping’s enduring centrality. Meanwhile, regulation, though costly, is gradually evolving to reconcile social expectations and political ambition with competitiveness.