MagicPort: The AI-Powered Platform Transforming Ship Operation

Image credit : Magicport.ai

The maritime industry has long been a holdout against digital transformation, clinging to outdated processes and inefficient workflows. But that’s changing fast. One company leading the charge is MagicPort- https://magicport.ai - a Singapore-based startup leveraging digital processes and AI to streamline global shipping operations.

Founded in 2021, MagicPort is building a web-based collaboration platform that connects all major players in the maritime supply chain— charterers, shipowners, managers, suppliers, and service providers—giving them a centralized hub for communication, document exchange, and operational intelligence. In short, it’s tackling one of the industry’s biggest pain points: inefficiency.

Fixing the Fragmented World of ShippingTraditionally, running a ship involves a litany of emails, calls, and manual paperwork, often leading to miscommunications, delays, and compliance headaches, not to mention payment disputes. MagicPort wants to digitize and automate these interactions.

The platform brings together real-time data, vetted service providers, and AI-powered insights, helping charterers, shipowners and operators orchestrate port calls with confidence. It’s not just another online directory—MagicPort’s vetting process ensures that only certified and reliable maritime companies can join, making it a trusted space for industry players.

For ship managers, that means less time wasted chasing suppliers. For service providers, it means better visibility in a competitive market. And for the industry as a whole, it’s a step toward smarter, more sustainable shipping.

The idea has caught on with professional investors as well as with those in the maritime industry – among others, MagicPort has secured funding from VCs such as Sturgeon Capital and Hustle Fund as well as Scorpa Pranedya, a ship owner and operator.

A founder with a vision: An AI-Driven Future for Maritime Trade

MagicPort is the brain child of Ali Gara, a Stanford grad who formerly held positions at BP,  the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, and the International Finance Corporation. MagicPort brings to life his vision of leveraging AI and automation to enable the transformation of maritime logistics. By integrating a trusted community with advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and automated workflows, the platform helps ship operators optimize everything from port calls to fuel consumption to regulatory compliance.

Beyond just cutting costs, this kind of automation is also about sustainability. The global push for greener shipping—driven by regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—has forced companies to rethink their operations. Platforms like MagicPort provide the intelligence needed to reduce emissions and improve efficiency without massive infrastructure overhauls.

The Bigger PictureMagicPort is part of a larger wave of maritime tech startups looking to modernize an industry that, until recently, has been stubbornly analog. Competitors like ZeroNorth and OrbitMI are also pushing AI-driven solutions, but MagicPort’s focus on trusted networks and real-time operational intelligence gives it a distinct edge.

The shipping industry is massive, over 90% of global trade moves by sea, and the opportunity for digital disruption is huge. MagicPort is betting that its AI-powered, trust-based approach will make it a critical player in the industry’s next chapter.

Final Thought

MagicPort isn’t just building another logistics platform, it’s setting the stage for a more efficient, AI-driven shipping ecosystem. And as automation, sustainability, and digitization reshape the maritime world, this startup might just be one of the names leading the charge.