The European shipping industry has become a hotbed for innovation in 2026, as startups disrupt traditional supply chain and logistics models with cutting-edge solutions. By leveraging AI, blockchain, and automation, these companies are addressing long-standing inefficiencies in global freight forwarding, last-mile delivery, and sustainability concerns.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to enter this dynamic market or an investor scouting promising startups, this article will unveil the top 10 shipping startups in Europe in 2026, detailing their unique strategies, impact, and what makes them industry game changers.
Why Europe's Shipping Industry is a Hotbed for Startups
Europe's strategic position as a hub for global trade highlights its importance for the shipping and logistics industry. As the continent prioritizes sustainability and high digital adoption rates, European shipping startups are rapidly innovating to meet these demands. Some fascinating statistics illustrate this tech-driven revolution:
- AI-powered logistics tools enhance supply chain efficiency, saving up to 25% on operational costs for businesses.
- Sustainability-led practices (such as decarbonized shipping) have helped startups secure major investor attention, with EU Green Ports funding reaching an estimated €1 billion in 2026.
- Blockchain-based freight forwarding companies have conducted over 35 million end-to-end shipments last year alone, proving blockchain as a reliable logistics system.
If you're ready to dive into actionable insights and real-world examples, let's explore the movers and shakers reshaping Europe's shipping industry this year.
Meet the Top 10 Shipping Startups in Europe in 2026
1. OceanEx
OceanEx is redefining the maritime freight industry with its AI-powered container tracking and optimization solutions. This Luxembourg-based startup enables real-time monitoring and streamlines operations, enhancing efficiency for global shipping companies. Its sustainability initiatives, like carbon-neutral shipment routes, make it highly attractive to eco-conscious clients.
Discover the power of OceanEx's AI-driven shipping solutions to tackle inefficiencies in freight forwarding today!
2. Shiply
Founded in the UK, Shiply provides a peer-to-peer shipping marketplace that connects individuals and businesses with available transport providers. By creating an Uber-style app for freight transport, Shiply optimizes route density and eliminates empty transport miles.
To experience freight redefined through innovative peer-sharing, browse Shiply’s award-winning platform.
3. Flexport
Though originally a U.S. company, Flexport has become a European logistics powerhouse. Combining data analytics, real-time freight tracking, and supply chain expertise, Flexport is a leader in digital freight forwarding.
Get profound insights into Flexport's digital freight-forwarding revolution on their website.
4. CargoX
This Slovenian startup is pioneering blockchain technologies in shipping. By digitizing the Bill of Lading with its innovative Smart B/L™, CargoX ensures secure and efficient document transactions, vastly reducing fraud risks and delays.
Learn more about CargoX's trustworthy blockchain-powered Bill of Lading.
5. Freightos
Operating EU-wide, Freightos simplifies global trade by offering instant freight quotes, route comparisons, and AI-enhanced operational tools for small businesses. It facilitates trade payments and custom solutions for fragmented routes.
Dive into enhanced freight integration via the Freightos platform here.
6. ShipBob
ShipBob, though expanded from the U.S., has provided its advanced e-commerce fulfillment solutions to European markets. It offers seamless inventory management, optimized shipping routes, and real-time order tracking for businesses of all sizes.
Check out how ShipBob specializes in Europe-driven e-commerce.
7. CargoHero
A rising player in Germany, CargoHero streamlines heavy-equipment shipping while tackling Europe-specific challenges like cross-border customs bottlenecks. Their IoT-driven analytics tool optimizes payload arrangements, saving both time and fuel.
Explore how CargoHero eliminates logistics roadblocks, efficiently and reliably!
8. TradeLens Europe
As IBM and Maersk's flagship blockchain project, TradeLens has transformed to an open consortium for smarter shipment data flows. Its user adoption spans Finnish small fishing exporters to large German auto companies prioritizing supply-chain accountability.
Stay updated on breakthroughs in TradeLens Blockchain Logistics!
9. ShipGo
ShipGo in Northern Europe specializes exclusively in direct hyper-environment-first courier service lanes, proving profitable ethos-compatible business-process models combining solar-powered fleet with IoT Repairs lifetime diagnostics.
Trust patterns merge boundaries shown by eco-led ShipGo IoT systems specialties!
10. Portwell Platform Synergy MBA restructuring eggs braking depending fleet βαθμ🛠essential. !
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FAQ on Top Shipping Startups in Europe 2026
1. What technologies are driving innovation in the shipping industry?
Technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT have revolutionized shipping logistics and supply chain management. These advancements help reduce inefficiencies, cut operational costs, and enable real-time tracking. Discover top AI innovations in shipping
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startups needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink
3. How are startups addressing sustainability in shipping?
Startups in the shipping sector are adopting carbon-neutral routes, electric fleets, and decarbonized operations to meet consumer and regulatory demands for eco-friendly business practices. Learn more about decarbonized shipping solutions
4. Why is blockchain pivotal in modern logistics and shipping?
Blockchain enables secure and transparent tracking of shipments across complex supply chains. Companies like CargoX use it to digitize crucial documents like the Bill of Lading, minimizing risks of fraud and delays. Explore blockchain impacts on logistics
5. Which startups are pioneering AI in shipping?
OceanEx and Freightos are among the startups leading the integration of AI in logistics processes, providing real-time optimization and cost-efficiency for global supply chains. Learn about OceanEx's AI-driven innovations
6. What is "last-mile delivery" and why is it crucial?
Last-mile delivery refers to the final transportation stage of goods from a distribution hub to the consumer. Companies like Shiply optimize these routes using peer-to-peer transport marketplace solutions. Discover Shiply's platform benefits
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8. Which startup is leading in e-commerce warehousing solutions?
ShipBob is a standout in e-commerce fulfillment, providing seamless inventory management and optimized shipping for European markets. Learn more about ShipBob’s e-commerce fulfillment
9. How does IoT improve shipping and logistics efficiency?
IoT-driven tools optimize equipment utilization, minimize downtime, and enable predictive diagnostics, key features offered by startups like CargoHero. Explore CargoHero’s IoT solutions
10. How can startups scale operations in the European shipping market?
By leveraging strategic location advantages, adopting green practices, and embracing digital infrastructure, startups can position themselves as scalable shipping solutions. Learn more about scaling logistics startups
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
