In this episode, Nick Chubb breaks the news that DNV is spinning off its Ship Manager software into a new standalone brand: CFARER. He and Raal Harris unpack the branding choice, Wilhelmsen’s minority stake, and what it signals about class societies doubling down on maritime software ventures.

The main discussion tackles a bold question: Is agentic AI the beginning of the end for SaaS? Raal introduces the argument that language-based AI agents could replace traditional user interfaces, challenging the CRUD foundation of most SaaS tools. Nick explores the business model implications, from the rise of pay-per-use AI agents to the possible return of software you “buy once.” Together, they weigh whether brands, UX, and trust might still give SaaS an edge, especially in conservative industries like shipping.

They also dig into how maritime software vendors should evolve, introducing the concept of Agent-Computer Interfaces (ACIs) and the importance of deep domain knowledge and process transformation over just new tech.

Nick then highlights a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling that may force ports to include Scope 3 emissions from visiting ships in their sustainability reporting. He explains why this precedent could reshape port planning and carbon accounting.

To wrap up, they spotlight two safety tech breakthroughs: Kaiko Systems, which helped TMS Cardiff Gas cut SIRE observations by 34%, and Zelim, whose AI-powered man-overboard detection system achieved 96.8% accuracy in trials. They also celebrate Scorpio Tankers' installation of the first centrifugal carbon capture system, and a circular economy pilot turning captured CO₂ into concrete ingredients.