ST JAMES'S, U.K. - s4story -- Palette today officially launched its independent digital operating system for fine art logistics, designed to streamline manual administrative workflows, reduce quotation friction, and bring together logistics procurement, transit insurance, and carbon reporting into a single platform for the global art market.

The global art market has embraced digital innovation across sales, collections management and client engagement. Yet arranging the movement of works of art still relies heavily on email, spreadsheets and disconnected processes. A single international shipment can generate dozens of emails between clients, logistics providers and insurers before transport is even confirmed.

Palette has been developed to change that. Instead of coordinating multiple conversations across different organisations, clients can request, compare, insure and manage fine art logistics through one connected workflow while continuing to work directly with their preferred logistics providers.

The launch coincides with Palette's premier industry report, The State of Fine Art Logistics 2026, https://www.palettefineart.com/media which highlights that while global dealer sales grew 2% in 2025, operating costs rose 5%—creating severe margin pressure on galleries and placing an increased focus on back-office operational efficiency.

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Alongside its launch, Palette announced its collaboration with Marsh, a leading global professional services firm. Through an insurance programme led by AXA XL, clients can obtain real-time transit insurance quotations and arrange specialist cover as part of the logistics workflow, eliminating the need for separate insurance processes.

Palette also automatically calculates the estimated carbon emissions associated with every logistics option. By presenting CO₂ data alongside pricing, transit time and insurance, the platform enables clients to balance cost, service and environmental impact while supporting their sustainability objectives and reducing their carbon footprint.

Launch Highlights

• A single workflow for procuring and managing fine art logistics.
• Integrated real-time transit insurance through Marsh with an insurance programme led by AXA XL.
• Automatic carbon emissions reporting for every logistics option.
• Developed with leading galleries and specialist logistics companies.
• Independent technology platform—clients continue to contract directly with their preferred logistics and insurance providers.

Simon Hornby, Co-Founder of Palette, said:

"The art market has digitized discovery, sales, and inventory—yet the physical movement of art still relies on manual email chains and fragmented quote requests. Palette eliminates that friction, giving registrars, directors, and shippers a shared infrastructure so they can focus on client relationships rather than administration."

Mike Lardner, Co-Founder of Palette, added:

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"We don't see Palette as another software platform—we see it as digital infrastructure for the art market. By connecting logistics providers, galleries, auction houses and insurers through a common workflow, we're creating better visibility, better data and better decisions for everyone involved."

The platform has been developed in close collaboration with leading galleries and specialist logistics companies to ensure it reflects the practical realities of the international art market.

Oliver Howell, Managing Director of Gander & White, said:

"Every shipment is different, but the administration behind them is remarkably similar. Palette understands how specialist art logistics actually works and removes much of the repetitive coordination that consumes time without adding value. That's good for clients and logistics providers alike."

Jemma Craven, Former Registrar Director of White Cube, said:

"Finally - everything together on one platform, making it much easier to track and manage. Thank you! Palette Fine Art brings the art world's trusted partners together. Making shipping estimates easy to request, simple to track and effortless to manage"

Charlie Horrell, Managing Director, Head of Fine Art & Luxury Brands, FINPRO – Specie, Marsh, said:

"Managing risk should be an integral part of the logistics process, not a separate step. By working with Palette, we're making specialist transit insurance available at the point logistics decisions are made, helping clients access appropriate cover quickly and efficiently through AXA XL."

Palette is an independent technology company. It does not provide transport, packing, storage, customs or insurance services. Clients continue to contract directly with their chosen logistics providers and insurance partners.