<p>Shipping connectivity is a crucial enabler of international trade and functioning of the global economy. While significant efforts have been expanded to analyze shipping connectivity and AI, the studies are largely discrete applications which are focused on specific operational parameters related to vessel or port activities. To address this limitation, the research presents a data-centric conceptual framework that encompasses a comprehensive array of shipping connectivity elements for application of AI. The research proposes six data dimensions organized by the perspectives of shipping connectivity stakeholders, shipping sectors, shipping operations, port-calls, trading routes, and data lifecycle. Vessel operations, port-calls and trading routes form the three components of shipping connectivity. These vital components of shipping connectivity must be considered within the context of their associated shipping sectors and stakeholders involved. Underpinning the whole framework is the dimension of data lifecycle, given that data availability and quality ultimately affect the level of AI applicability.</p>