Shipping can’t afford to wait for new fuels. In this episode of HANSA.newscast, I talk with Frederik Lerche-Tornø, CEO of Oceanly, about how data-driven optimisation delivers real emission cuts now.
Oceanly spans Denmark, Italy, and Norway and builds on more than a decade of experience in ship performance.
Together with MSC Cruises, the company achieved around 6 % fuel savings through route optimisation, smarter machinery use, and monitoring of hull and propeller conditions.
We discuss Oceanly’s concept of fleet transparency – giving ship and shore the same live data – and why this matters for future-fuel strategies across cruise, tanker, and bulk fleets.
🎧 Tune in to hear how operational efficiency is reshaping decarbonisation at sea — one decision, one voyage at a time.
Fleet data volumes are exploding — and secure, high-availability IT systems are becoming mission-critical at sea. In this episode, I talk with Jamie Jones, COO of GTMaritime, about how modern vessels handle massive data flows and why reliability and cybersecurity can no longer be separate topics.
From email-based file transfers to real-time synchronization across global fleets, Jamie explains how GT Replicate optimizes ship-shore data exchange for efficiency, security, and uptime — whether using Starlink, VSAT, or L-band connections.
🎧 Topics covered:
• Fleet digitalization and connectivity growth
• Cyber-secure data replication at sea
• Automation and process optimization for IT managers
• Real-world cases from global fleets and racing series
Turbochargers have shaped engine technology for more than a century. From Alfred Büchi’s 1904 patent to today’s high-performance designs, they remain central to efficiency, flexibility and decarbonization.
In this episode I talk with Daniel Bischofberger, CEO of Accelleron, about innovation in turbocharging, the cartridge concept that allows service during port stays, and why synthetic fuels remain “a drop in the ocean” compared to demand.
Daniel also reflects on his own career — moving from power generation and oil & gas into maritime — and why he now has found his dream job.
What will it take for wind propulsion to scale across global shipping? In this episode, I speak with Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of OceanWings, about the engineering, automation, and commercial readiness of wing sails as a proven solution for reducing fuel consumption and emissions.We discuss:- 35% fuel and emissions savings on the RoRo vessel Canopée- Why AI optimization is key to maximizing system performance- How OceanWings uses the offshore wind supply chain to scale production- What matters most to shipowners, charterers, and yards for adoptionA sharp take on automation, performance — and the future of maritime propulsion.#oceanwings #windpropulsion #sustainability
Wireless connectivity on ships is tougher than it looks – steel walls, signal loss, and vendor lock have slowed digitalization at sea. In this episode, I talk with Sven Brooks, CEO of ScanReach, about how mesh networks overcome these barriers, enabling real-time crew safety, fast retrofits, and reduced cabling costs, and how separating data infrastructure from applications opens new opportunities for shipowners and yards alike.
00:00 – Intro & IoT in Everyday Life vs. Shipping02:58 – Wireless Connectivity Challenges on Ships
05:56 – How the ScanReach Platform Works09:08 – Vessel Types & Market Applications12:02 – Germany vs. Norway: Different Paths to Innovation
London International Shipping Week (LISW) has grown from a bold idea in 2013 into one of the most influential events on the global maritime calendar — drawing governments, CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world.
In this HANSA.newscast episode, I speak with the two founders, Sean Moloney and Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, about:
How LISW was born out of a simple conversation — and almost didn’t happen
Why London remains a maritime powerhouse despite global shifts eastward
What makes LISW different from SMM, Nor-Shipping, Posidonia, and Singapore Maritime Week
How clusters like London, Hamburg, Oslo, and Singapore depend on each other
The must-attend highlights of LISW 2025 — from government bilaterals to gala nights
Whether you’re in ship finance, regulation, innovation, or crewing — this episode gives you insider access to the vision behind London’s biggest maritime week.
👉 Subscribe to HANSA.newscast for more interviews with leaders shaping the future of shipping.
Most people think they understand fuel. Rob Mortimer says they don’t.
In this episode, I speak with Rob Mortimer about how reforming the molecular structure of fossil fuels can significantly improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and unlock the actual power engines are capable of.
With Fuelre4m’s additive Re4mx, energy conversion can increase from 75% to up to 93%—without changing the fuel itself. Rob shares how his background in telecoms gave him a precision mindset, and why Dubai turned out to be the right place for fuel innovation powered by AI, data, and carbon verification.
We cover:
– Why “rated engine power” is a misleading industry metric
– The chemistry and logic behind fuel reforming
– How misconceptions about torque meters distort power data– What makes a fuel innovation verifiable, scalable, and strategic
– The future of emissions monitoring, carbon markets, and onboard diagnostics
A sharp, clear conversation on technology, combustion, and the hidden dimension of maritime performance.
🔗 Subscribe for more maritime insights: hansa.news
In this episode, you meet Fabian Fussek, CEO and co-founder of Kaiko Systems, a Berlin-based company using AI and structured frontline data to reduce noise, standardize inspections, and bring clarity to ship operations.
We talk about:
The original idea behind Kaiko Systems and what problem it set out to solve
How their AI “Kai” analyzes millions of photos and inputs across over 1,000 vessels
Why regulatory changes like SIRE 2.0 require better data, not more pressure
What smart shipping still gets wrong—and what’s next with RISQ and RightShip
Where Kaiko Systems deliberately won’t go with its recent €6 million funding
How do you turn a ship inspection into a powerful decision-making tool?
In this episode, I speak with Frank Andersen, Head of Transaction Services at Idwal, about how their standardized inspection system has become a benchmark for condition-based decision-making in the global shipping market.
Frank explains:
How Idwal’s grading system transforms physical inspections into data-driven asset evaluations
Why consistency, comparability, and standardization are now critical in sale & purchase markets
The rising importance of “management grades” and crew welfare in long-term asset value
How geopolitical uncertainty impacts transaction activity — and how shipping adapts
Why financiers, insurers, and shipowners rely on third-party inspections to de-risk operations and investment
With 12,000+ unique vessels inspected and a rapidly growing data set, Idwal is shaping how quality is defined, measured, and priced in shipping. Whether you're in technical management, finance, or maritime tech — this is an episode that maps the operational edge of modern shipping intelligence.
Wind propulsion is no longer a concept—it's being deployed at scale. Ville Paakkari, Head of R&D at Norsepower, joins HANSA.Newscast to talk about the real-world performance of rotor sails, the role of regulation, and why we're entering the biggest transition in maritime since the diesel engine.
▶ How much fuel is being saved now?
▶ What’s next—20%, 40%, even dominant wind power?
▶ How is regulation shaping real innovation?
A grounded yet forward-looking conversation on the engineering, economics, and momentum behind wind-assisted shipping.
In this episode, Audra Drabløs, Strategy Director for Maritime Growth Markets at Inmarsat, joins HANSA.newscast to discuss how modern connectivity is transforming the maritime industry—from isolated operations to integrated, data-driven environments.
We explore:
– Why vessels are now expected to function as digital offices
– How connectivity supports real-time planning, crew welfare, and operational resilience
– The role of embedded cybersecurity in Inmarsat’s NexusWave
– Why AI and cloud systems are underutilized assets at sea
– How remote operations may reshape maritime careers and open new pathways for diversity
Liam Williams, maritime engineering student at Rotterdam Mainport Insititute, shares how he built AutoCaptain - an autonomous boat - in just three months. He talks about his fascination with autonomy, the support he received from industry experts, and why maritime is more open to innovation than many think.
From defining autonomy as “active decision making” to reflecting on collaboration and future opportunities, Liam offers a fresh, grounded perspective on where the industry is headed.
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Autonomy in Maritime
02:53 – Building AutoCaptain
06:11 – What Autonomy Means
08:51 – Future Outlook & Collaboration
In this episode, we speak with Sidsel Norvik, Director of Nor-Shipping, about the 2025 edition and the theme of "Future-Proofing Maritime." Speaking from her cabin in Norway during Easter, Sidsel shares how Nor-Shipping is driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and fostering cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly changing world.From breaking industry silos to developing climate strategies, this conversation offers key insights into the future of global shipping.
Highlights:
00:58 – What "Future-Proof" means for Nor-Shipping 2025
02:02 – How Nor-Shipping addresses today's maritime challenges
07:56 – Breaking silos: Why collaboration is the key to innovation
09:37 – The global growth and impact of Nor-Shipping
▶ Follow for more strategic conversations on maritime innovation, technology, and global business: www.hansa.news/podcast
▶ Learn more about Nor-Shipping: www.nor-shipping.com
Recorded in Hamburg, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the IMO’s latest climate negotiations in London—with insider insights from Sönke Diesener of NABU, one of Germany’s leading environmental NGOs.
With clarity, strategy, and urgency, Sönke shares:
Why the new North Atlantic Emission Control Area passed so smoothly
What’s really happening in IMO climate talks—and why ambition is still the missing piece
How a North–South coalition for a global CO₂ levy fell apart
Germany’s steady influence behind the scenes at IMO
And how NABU balances advocacy, data, and diplomacy—sometimes raising red flags, sometimes shaping the playbook
“You have to stay optimistic,” Sönke says, pointing to rising waters in Hamburg and disappearing coastlines in the South Pacific.
A compelling conversation for anyone tracking the future of shipping, regulation, and climate leadership.
In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Oliver-Andreas Leszczynski, Deputy Chairman at the Institute of Northern-European Economic Research (INER), to tackle some of the biggest technological and geopolitical challenges of our time.
🔹 Are AI regulations in Europe killing innovation?
🔹 Can deep-sea mining ever be truly sustainable?
🔹 How will AI reshape Arctic trade routes as the ice melts?
Andreas takes us inside the world of AI-driven logistics, maritime innovation, and global economic shifts, sharing insider insights on how Europe’s overregulation is slowing progress while the U.S. and Asia move ahead. He breaks down why AI could revolutionize deep-sea mining, shifting from destructive resource extraction to precise, data-driven operations. Plus, we explore how AI-powered monitoring systems can help navigate Arctic trade routes in a rapidly changing climate.
The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the urgent need for decarbonization. As remote surveys and data-driven decision-making become the norm, fleet owners, regulators, and classification societies must navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
In this episode, Claudia Ohlmeier, Head of Section Class Systematics Data and Operation Centre at DNV Maritime, explores the role of technology and data in shaping the future of shipping.
Key discussion points include:
The power of data – How high-quality, reliable data underpins maritime compliance and operational safety.
Digitalization & AI – The impact of remote surveys and technology-driven classification processes on fleet efficiency.
Sustainability & decarbonization – The challenges of meeting IMO emission targets and the role of alternative fuels.
The human factor – Addressing cybersecurity risks, workforce shortages, and the evolving role of women in maritime leadership.
With over two decades of experience in the industry, Claudia Ohlmeier provides invaluable insights into the intersection of technology, regulation, and sustainability in the maritime sector.
The maritime and offshore industries face major challenges when it comes to spare parts availability, supply chain delays, and sustainability. What if you could digitize inventory and manufacture parts on demand—anytime, anywhere?
🎙 In my latest interview, I sat down with Parthiban Muthukrishnan, Customer Success Manager at Pelagus3 D, to explore:
✅ How on-demand manufacturing is reducing vessel downtime
✅ Why additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a game-changer for spare parts
✅ How Pelagus 3D is optimizing supply chains through digital inventory
✅ A real case study: Cutting a 75 kg valve down to just 8 kg!
✅ The future of maritime: sustainability, CO₂ reduction, and cost efficiency
If you’re in the maritime, oil & gas, or industrial manufacturing space, this is a must-listen! Let’s rethink how we manage spare parts, logistics, and sustainability.
🎧 I had the privilege of speaking with two leading experts in propulsion technology: Dr. Dirk Jürgens, Vice President of Research & Development, and Dr. Tobias Haack, Vice President of Sales at Voith Turbo Marine. Together, we explored the cutting-edge innovations behind the Meteor IV project and their ambitious vision for advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in the marine industry.
Key Highlights:
💡 Revolutionary Electric Propulsion Systems
The Voith Schneider Propeller now integrates gearless, high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, minimizing mechanical losses and achieving efficiency gains of 4%–15%.
🤝 Customer-Centric Design Philosophy
The Meteor IV propulsion system was developed in close partnership with shipyards and owners, combining exceptional efficiency with low-noise solutions tailored to their needs.
🚀 Innovation Meets Precision Engineering
The Meteor IV’s advanced 8-bladed design reflects state-of-the-art engineering through rigorous testing and numerical optimization.
🌍 Visionary Strategy for the Future
Voith Turbo Marine’s long-term approach focuses on reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, laying the groundwork for autonomous marine operations and advanced condition monitoring systems.
Listen now!
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Carsten Bullemer, founder of Maritime Data Systems, over a beer in Hamburg. As a serial entrepreneur, his career is both fascinating and inspiring - ranging from pioneering maritime software to launching platforms like trusteddocks.com, Navisense, and searoutes.com.
But there’s more to Carsten than tech: he’s also a passionate community builder in Hamburg, driven by the belief that small actions can create a big impact. Key highlights you don’t want to miss:
📈 Carsten’s platforms have evolved from procurement tools to data-driven hubs, transforming transparency and efficiency in maritime logistics.
🤖 From private AIS networks to carbon emission tracking, the maritime industry is undergoing significant change. Carsten is pushing it further, predicting that by 2025, 90% of his work will be powered by AI-based solutions, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and innovation.
👨💻 Drawing from his extensive entrepreneurial experience, Carsten emphasizes that true innovation lies in pragmatic, impactful contributions—not in chasing unattainable legacies.
🎧 Tune in now to explore the intersection of maritime tech, entrepreneurship, and community spirit
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, Vice President of the Hellenic Short Sea Shipowners Association, and Executive Board Member of the World Maritime University. With over 26 years of experience in the maritime sector and leadership at ENEA Management, Elpi is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and innovation in shipping.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
🎨 How she balances her maritime career with a passion for art and history
🚢 Championing gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry
🌱 The vital role of diversity in achieving decarbonization and digitalization goals
🌍 The future of short-sea shipping and sustainable practices
💡 Expert advice for young professionals entering this dynamic field
Discover how Elpi is driving positive change in the maritime world and why her leadership is shaping the industry’s future.
For the IMO Women in Maritime Survey, the link is here: IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024.