UnDocked: The Maritime Transformation Show

Chapters01:30 Hapag-Lloyd and Zim’s $4.1bn deal03:30 Defining distraction: BIMCO guidance and device risks05:30 The Karen Høj collision and tablet use14:40 Cognitive overload, multitasking myths, and Swiss cheese17:30 Connectivity, alarms, and unintended consequences29:45 Cruise industry “red zone” bridge culture35:30 Zodiac’s in-house e-learning hire41:00 The economics of content creation and AI48:30 Data-driven training and operational feedback loops55:00 Human error, system design, and why humans still matterEpisode ShownotesNick and Raal unpack recent guidance from BIMCO on distraction-causing devices, grounding the conversation in two high-profile cases: the MAIB report into the Karen Høj collision and the US Coast Guard findings on the Ever Forward grounding. In both, device use featured as a contributory factor. The point is not moral failure, but cognitive limits. Multitasking degrades performance. Refocusing takes time. Situational awareness is fragile.From there, the discussion broadens to alarm overload, connectivity creep, and the operational implications of always-on vessels. What begins as welfare connectivity can blur into safety risk if boundaries are unclear. Proposed mitigations, sterile bridge periods, alert hierarchies, role-based communications, and explicit challenge culture, are examined alongside examples from cruise shipping’s “red zone” bridge protocols.The second half shifts to training. A job advert from a Ship Operator  for a senior in-house e-learning content creator sparks debate about whether shipping is entering a new phase: lower production costs, AI-enabled media, and the possibility of dynamic, data-driven learning loops. The real opportunity lies not in content volume, but in linking operational data to behavioural change.The episode closes on a reframing of “human error.” If 90% of incidents are attributed to people, how many accidents are prevented by human judgement, intervention, and care? The challenge for leaders is designing systems that support humans at their best—minimising distraction, maximising performance.This episode is brought to you by Fortec UK.Fortec’s DNV-approved N-Line maritime monitors are engineered for lifecycle continuity, enabling seamless upgrades without costly console redesigns. With flexible dimming options and IEC 60945 compliance, they support dependable performance across demanding bridge environments. Learn more at: https://www.fortec.uk

Episode Show Notes: Nick shares a secret squirrel message from an executive post corporate Microsoft Copilot rollout – $1.4 million spent, almost no usage, and a board satisfied by a graph trending “up and to the right.” Nick and Raal debate whether it’s genuine or sharply observed satire, which sets the tone for a wider discussion about AI adoption theatre versus measurable operational impact. Raal reflects on his own Copilot frustrations and the broader issue: boards mandating “AI adoption” without defining outcomes. They examine hallucinations, agentic AI, and the growing temptation to delegate higher-order decision-making to systems whose workings are increasingly opaque. The core tension: productivity claims versus verification and control.The conversation then shifts to economics and disrupting business models as a LinkedIn post reveals a $50,000 monthly AI compute bill that sparks the deeper question, does AI break the SaaS model? If margins are eroded, scalability is undermined and the structural shift could reshape how maritime software is priced and sold.From there, the lens widens. Jeff Bezos’ $6.2 billion AI-industrial venture, Project Prometheus, and Elon Musk’s consolidation of AI, satellites, and space-based data centres suggest that infrastructure control – not just applications – is becoming strategic. For maritime, the implications sit at the intersection of connectivity, compute, and geopolitics.Finally, the discussion returns firmly to shipping. Wind propulsion formally enters the IMO’s draft safety framework, signalling institutional momentum. Meanwhile, the rise of fraudulent flag registries. As regulatory pressure increases, so too does the ingenuity of evasion.Chapters:01:21 The Copilot “digital transformation” satire06:20 Copilot vs ChatGPT and measuring AI ROI21:32 SaaS economics under AI compute pressure22:47 Bezos’ Project Prometheus and industrial AI31:55 Musk, space-based AI infrastructure, and valuation games44:22 Wind propulsion enters IMO safety framework52:38 Fraudulent flags and phantom registries

Nick and Raal sit down with Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia and one of the most influential individuals in modern tanker shipping. Mikael outlines Hafnia’s evolution into one of the world’s largest product tanker operators, grounded in spot market exposure and global trading. He reflects on entering shipping by chance, why it quickly becomes a lifestyle, and how cycles hardwire behaviour, risk tolerance, and leadership mindset.The conversation moves to Hafnia’s post–financial crisis founding, the non-negotiable importance of assembling a credible team early, and what changes when you build alongside professional investors.Attention turns to growth, consolidation, and recent strategic moves, including the TORM stake, and counter-cyclical fleet investments. Skov discusses energy transition pragmatically, emphasising alignment with cargo owners, longer-term contracts, and learning through initiatives like Seascale Energy.The episode closes with leadership and responsibility: managing volatility without paralysis, creating space for innovation inside large organisations, confronting the systemic risks of the dark fleet, and defending international regulation as the least-worst framework available in a fractured geopolitical world.A rare conversation with one of shipping’s most consequential operators who has built scale through cycles, stayed disciplined when others chased narratives, and is clear-eyed about what actually works in shipping.Chapters02:21 Entering shipping and why it becomes a lifestyle06:13 Cyclicality, spot markets, and competitive advantage07:56 Founding Hafnia after TORM09:31 Building a credible founding team for investors13:36 Timing the cycle and learning capital discipline20:47 Pooling, partnerships, and commercial scale31:03 Culture, governance, and growing a global organisation37:40 Buying ships at the bottom of the cycle41:12 TORM stake and consolidation logic44:06 Energy transition strategy and client alignment57:07 Long-term thinking versus quarterly markets1:01:38 Volatility, fleet age, and future supply

In this episode, Raal and Nick turn to a sobering ITF report showing seafarer and vessel abandonment at its worst-ever levels. They unpack what abandonment actually means in practice, why Indian seafarers are disproportionately affected, and how ownership structures, sanctions, and flags of convenience leave crews with little protection or recourse.From there, the discussion broadens to transparency, data, and trust: why individual seafarers struggle to assess operator risk, how fragmented information limits accountability, and why even well-intentioned standards struggle to reach those most exposed. The conversation then pivots to the International Standards Organisation, illustrating how conformance standards quietly underpin global trade, from containers and currencies to unexpected examples like tea preparation.The episode closes with a pragmatic look at modern shipping realities: USB sticks still moving critical vessel data, the absence of shared operational standards, and practical advice on navigating the 2026 maritime events calendar, including how to minimise chance, maximise learning, and extract real value from industry gatherings.01:45 ITF data and the scale of seafarer abandonment14:50 Flags of convenience and structural incentives20:59 Why standards matter in global trade26:18 ISO standards, from containers to tea39:12 USB sticks, bay plans, and broken data exchange43:00 Maritime events calendar for 2026This episode is brought to you by Fortec. In a digital bridge environment, visibility is critical to safety and performance. Fortec’s N-Line maritime monitors are engineered for clarity across all lighting conditions, with DNV certification and global trust. Find out more here.

In this episode, Raal Harris and Nick Chubb look back on the dramatic turn of the last two week’s events and ask what rupture in the global rules based order could mean for shipping. They discuss how geopolitical volatility and tariffs are reshaping trade routes and operational risk, why global shipping has become harder to plan and manage. They discuss the need for energy security and the potential role of nuclear power with LR’s announcement of their UK Nuclear Consortium  and how a move to nuclear propulsion could transform shipping. They also spotlight the announcement of the biggest ever battery powered vessel set to go into service and the wider impact battery powered ships could make in world trade.The conversation then turns to Lomar shipping’s strategic pilot with AI start up Signal Fusion designed to aid predictive behavioural intelligence in maritime operations. They discuss how this could be an enabler for a human factors approach and whether AI could play a role in safety and decision-making, and why engaging crews is critical to safer operations. Chapters01:39 Global Shipping Landscape and Geopolitical Volatility09:44 Impact of Tariffs and Uncertainty on Shipping14:25 The Future of NATO and Global Trade17:27 Energy Security and Nuclear Shipping Innovations25:29 Battery-Powered Ships and Their Potential28:21 Decarbonisation in Australia: A Pioneer Approach31:49 Navigating Risks in Battery Technology34:28 Human Factors in Maritime Operations40:22 AI and Human Performance in Shipping53:43 Engagement and Feedback in Maritime Safety

Tabitha Logan shares her journey from lawyer to becoming a leading voice in the maritime industry, as Project Director for ship owner-operator Cetus Maritime and as co-founder of The Captain’s Table the global pitch competition and venture platform for maritime startups. Tabitha shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in global shipping, the importance of mergers and acquisitions to build scale and capacity, the significance of digital transformation, and the role of branding in successful mergers. Tabitha also shares her passion for supporting startups, gives tips on what investors are looking for and  emphasises the need for innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. Finally she shares her advice to those aspiring to a fulfilling career in the industry. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tabitha Logan and Her Journey04:39 Cetus Maritime: Mergers and Acquisitions Overview18:02 The Importance of Digital Integration in M&A30:47 Navigating Diverse Roles in Maritime Operations36:02 Bridging Silos: The Importance of Collaboration39:08 Sustainability in Shipping: A Progressive Outlook41:06 The Captain's Table: Fostering Innovation in Maritime48:08 Identifying Winning Solutions: Trends and Insights53:05 Balancing Innovation and Operations in ShippingThis video was brought to you by Fortec UK. Fortec’s marine-grade panel mount displays deliver stable power handling, IEC 60945 compliance, and proven reliability, supporting safe, efficient operations across newbuild and retrofit vessel environments.Visit the full product range at Fortec.uk.

Raal and Nick discuss New Year reflections, M&A activity and V Group's acquisition of Nord. They delve into the importance of decarbonisation and fuel efficiency, the role of ship managers, and innovations in ship management services. The conversation also touches on behavioral changes for fuel efficiency, the challenges posed by the dark fleet, and the IMO's digitalisation strategy.Chapters04:05 M&A Activity in the Shipping Industry04:56 V Group's Acquisition of Njord11:03 The Role of Ship Managers in Decarbonisation15:40 Innovative Solutions for Fuel Efficiency22:25 The Importance of Data in Shipping33:00 The Evolving Role of Class Societies and Ship Managers33:19 Navigating Conflicts in Maritime Technology40:09 Understanding the Dark Fleet and Sanctions47:57 Emerging Solutions: Maritime Transparency Index50:52 IMO's Digitalisation Strategy: A New EraThis video was brought to you by Accelleron. Accurate reporting, less stress, and more time to focus on what really matters: operating ships. Find out more at https://accelleron.com/

Nick and Raal close out the year with the inaugural Shippee Awards, reflecting on the stories, themes, controversies, and personalities that defined maritime in 2025. From decarbonisation debates and regulatory tension to standout entrepreneurship and shifting narratives, they look back on the year that was and ahead to a slightly unsettling 2026.Chapters05:50 Ship Owner of the Year11:53 Technology Entrepreneur of the Year17:44 Maritime Journalist of the Year30:09 Mergers & Acquisition Deal of the Year46:34 Decarbonisation Champion57:15 Transformation of the Year01:10:30 Gaffes of the Year: Industry Reflections01:18:19 Wild Predictions for 2026

Nick and Raal explore recent acquisitions, the unique characteristics of the Greek shipping market, the impact of AI on recruitment processes, and innovations in maritime technology such as tethered drones and remote inspections. They also touch on Ocean Infinity's advancements in robotic fleets, highlighting the evolving landscape of maritime operations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast01:25 Recent Developments in Maritime E-Learning07:59 Understanding the Greek Maritime Market12:42 AI in Recruitment: A Surprising Study23:23 Innovative Uses of Tethered Drones28:02 Rethinking Maritime Inspections with Technology33:24 The Rise of Robotic Ships in Offshore ServicesThis episode is brought to you by KVH. Delivering resilient connectivity, data, and insights to keep maritime operations connected, informed, and moving, wherever you are. Learn more at kvh.com.

Raal and Nick start with Undocked’s Spotify Wrapped before dissecting CargoWise’s new pricing, accidental vendor lock-in, and procurement’s ESG role. They explore wind-assisted propulsion, industry guidance and financing, shifting decarbonisation politics, and why ports and owners still invest. Columbia Blue’s eco-anxiety work highlights seafarer wellbeing as the energy transition accelerates.00:00 Introduction and Spotify Wrapped Success03:59 Pricing Models in Maritime Technology17:00 Vendor Lock-In and Long-Term Resilience24:57 The Role of IT in Maritime Transformation26:35 Procurement Software and ESG Reporting35:35 Understanding Emissions Calculations in Shipping37:03 The Complexity of Procurement in Shipping38:49 Innovations in Delivery: Drones and Logistics40:44 The Future of 3D Printing in Shipping41:30 ESG and Its Impact on Shipping Practices43:43 The Cooling Interest in ESG Investments45:15 Port Initiatives for Decarbonization46:45 The Role of Technology in Shipping Efficiency51:06 Wind-Assisted Propulsion: A New Era in Shipping59:13 Industry Initiatives for Wind Propulsion Adoption01:01:55 Eco-Anxiety Among Seafarers and Its ImplicationsEpisode PartnerThis episode is brought to you by Accelleron. Running ships is complex enough, managing emissions compliance shouldn’t make it harder. Loreka 360 Emissions Desk handles data checks, documentation, forecasting, and verification, powered by intelligent software and guided by experts who’ve worked at sea. Learn more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk.

Nick and Raal explore the widening gap between AI promise and AI governance, from AGI hype cycles to environmental costs, burnout culture, vibe coding, and Generative UI. They map out the risks for high-compliance maritime operations, unpack shifting IT budgets, and end by celebrating 50 years of dynamic positioning.00:00 Introduction and early conversations02:07 AI in maritime: key insights from the webinar04:52 Why problem-first thinking matters06:39 The role of champions in tech adoption08:35 Navigating hype vs. reality in AI10:36 Cynicism in maritime technology buying12:18 AI’s economic impact and governance concerns13:47 AI meets compliance: risks for shipping15:25 Burnout, ethics, and the human cost of AI16:41 Understanding AGI and its implications19:46 The US–China race for AI dominance21:34 Environmental concerns of AI infrastructure23:45 The regulatory vacuum around AI25:52 The age of, and pressure on AI developers27:56 Polarised visions of AI’s future27:57 The need for global AI governance28:50 Generative UI: a new frontier31:38 What AI means for maritime tech’s future37:07 Real-time voice generation and personalised learning39:54 The evolution of maritime software42:25 Customisation vs. standardisation44:17 The risks of software updates in high-risk operations45:11 Vibe coding: democratised development49:42 Quality and governance in AI-generated code54:21 Maritime IT budgets: trends and insights01:04:02 Celebrating 50 years of dynamic positioningLinks:‘It’s going much too fast’: the inside story of the race to create the ultimate AI - The GuardianThetius IT Cost and Performance Benchmarking Club (paywall)How Dynamic Positioning changed offshore operations forever - KongsbergThis episode is brought to you by Sedna, the intelligent email platform built for the shipping industry. Sedna turns high-volume communication into structured, auditable workflows that improve efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across fleets and offices.Learn more at sedna.com

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris dig into the growing complexity of reporting, data standards, and tech overload across the maritime industry. They open with OrbitMI’s new vessel reporting and analysis tool, designed to show shipowners how well their data aligns with industry standards, and why fragmented reporting regimes continue to frustrate crews and operators alike. Nick outlines how standardisation-by-nudging may work better than forcing a single format, especially when many operators still juggle five or six noon-report variations at once.The discussion then broadens into digital stress, fragmented workflows, and tech fatigue. Drawing from ISWAN and broader workplace studies, Raal highlights how over-digitisation, poor UX, and under-supported rollouts are increasing workload, reducing wellbeing, and even pushing some seafarers to consider leaving the profession. Nick argues that many of these issues could be avoided if IT leaders spent more time observing how systems are actually used on board, especially by engineers carrying the heaviest reporting burden.They also explore whether seafarers should understand more of the underlying data and system logic behind modern tools, much like navigators once have to deeply understand GPS after early incidents involving false positions.The pair discuss the limits of innovation capacity, the risks of too-frequent standard updates, and why eight different software systems on a ship, each with different menus and interfaces, inevitably overwhelm crews.From there, Nick brings two standout stories:Steelcorr's AI-powered paint maintenance app, now rolling out with Ardmore, which uses smartphone photos to detect rust, predict biofouling, and optimise paint consumption, potentially saving money, time, and workload on one of the most labour-intensive deck tasks.Olympic Subsea’s extraordinary 83% emissions reduction, achieved by combining batteries with advanced digital tools to run far fewer generators during dynamic positioning. While limited to offshore vessels, the result hints at what’s possible when digital optimisation, electrification, and real-time power management converge.Episode PartnerThis episode is brought to you by Sedna, the intelligent email platform built for the shipping industry. Sedna turns high-volume communication into structured, auditable workflows that improve efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across fleets and offices. Learn more at sedna.com.

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris return from CrewConnect Global in Manila, reflecting on the strange, dreamlike week of long-haul travel, jet lag, and big maritime conversations. Nick opens with a gripe: the rising narrative that Gen Z has no attention span and needs TikTok-style micro-training. They challenge the myth, arguing it’s patronising, inaccurate, and dangerous for a safety-critical industry, especially when young seafarers are delivering some of the most impressive, high-quality presentations in the sector, including a standout IMEC cadet-led cyber-risk session.The conversation shifts to seafarer representation in corporate leadership, sparked by Splash’s new Seafarers Report. Nick and Raal explore ideas like putting active seafarers on company boards, sending executives to sea annually, and building more authentic two-way engagement. They share examples from across the industry, including Bjorn Højgaard’s recent time onboard and BSM’s mixed-seniority innovation retreats, as well as reflections on culture, transparency, and why long voyages reveal the “real” shipboard experience more than CEO photo-ops.They then discuss the OSM Thome merger, Tommy Olofsen’s new leadership role, and the growing shift among PE-backed ship managers toward diversified service portfolios as technical management alone reaches its scaling limits.Finally, Raal introduces the episode’s big idea: digital twins of people, not ships. From startups like Vivien and Expertwin to Zoom’s CEO imagining AI replicas attending meetings, they unpack the ethics, risks, and potential benefits of capturing organisational knowledge. Nick wrestles with the tension: while knowledge retention and process capture could genuinely strengthen maritime businesses, AI “clones” risk destroying autonomy, degrading decision-making, and blurring personal IP.The pair debate creativity vs. infinite-game decision-making, authenticity, AI-generated “likeness marketplaces,” and the slippery slope between helpful augmentation and Black Mirror-style identity capture.Episiode PartnerThis episode is brought to you by OrbitMI. In shipping, fuel is money — and OrbitMI helps you use less of it. Built for the Connected Maritime Era, Orbit’s AI-powered optimisation tools improve routing, speed management, and emissions performance to deliver smarter voyages, stronger margins, and greener operations.Learn more at orbitmi.com/connected-maritime-era

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris sit down with Torsten Pedersen, Chief Operating Officer of Seaspan Corporation, to explore what it takes to lead transformation inside the world’s largest independent container ship owner.Torsten shares his unconventional path from Danish village life to early CFO roles at Maersk, describing how global exposure shaped his leadership philosophy and his belief that the best ideas come from listening. He reflects on how those formative experiences informed his approach to lean, values-driven leadership at Seaspan, where simplicity, discipline, and collaboration underpin everything from safety to growth strategy.The conversation dives deep into ESG, digitalisation, and decarbonisation, with Torsten explaining why Seaspan resists making long-range sustainability promises for 2050 in favour of practical five-year cycles and measurable progress. He outlines the company’s philosophy of embedding sustainability into everyday operations rather than treating it as a separate goal, focusing on being better next week than last week.Nick and Raal explore how Seaspan’s “integrated operating model” allows it to scale profitably while staying lean, empowering local teams, and maintaining customer trust in an industry where most clients already own and operate ships themselves. Torsten describes how the company’s culture of ownership and accountability has been formalised over time and how those values now guide recruitment, decision-making, and transformation.From change management and culture-building to the human side of digital transformation, Torsten shares candid reflections on leadership: why overcomplicating safety systems can make people less safe, how collaboration drives innovation, and why some change programs fail simply because the underlying idea is bad. The discussion also touches on connectivity and crew welfare, with Starlink and OneWeb reshaping shipboard communication, bringing new opportunities and new challenges for cohesion at sea.Torsten closes with advice for leaders facing transformation: Start with the end in mind. Don’t try to save the world all at once. Be curious about everything but disciplined about what you pursue.This episode is brought to you by Sedna — the intelligent email platform built for the shipping industry. Sedna helps commercial and operational teams cut through high-volume communication, turning emails into structured, auditable workflows that improve efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across fleets and offices.Episode PartnerDiscover how Sedna is transforming maritime communication at sedna.com.

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris are joined by Heather Combs, CEO of Ripple Operations, to explore how technology, people, and purpose are converging in the evolution of maritime HR and crew management.Heather shares her journey from tech-enabled services and edtech into maritime, describing how she was drawn to the sector’s blend of global impact and deep-rooted community. She explains how Ripple, formed through the merger of Marine Learning Systems, Adonis HR, Marine CFO, and ShipAdmin is building an end-to-end HR platform for maritime, connecting recruitment, scheduling, training, compliance, and payroll through one integrated data hub.The discussion dives into the complexity of crewing, from the exponential combinations of multinational teams on cruise ships to the intricate web of labour laws, union agreements, and training requirements that make crew management one of the hardest problems in shipping. Heather explains why integration, not replacement, is key moving from spreadsheets and siloed systems to connected platforms that improve efficiency without breaking what already works.Nick and Raal also explore the people side of transformation, including Ripple’s challenge of uniting four legacy brands under a single culture and mission. Heather reflects on the importance of empathy, communication, and shared vision in creating a cohesive global team, and how satellite connectivity and crew wellbeing technology like Starlink are reshaping what it means to work at sea.Looking ahead, Heather discusses the roadmap toward Ripple’s next-generation cloud platform, due to launch its first clients in 2026, and the long-term opportunity to expand into adjacent markets such as offshore, ferry, and commercial shipping. She also shares her optimism about AI’s role in maritime, her lessons from working with private equity, and the book that changed her view on the intersection of governance and innovation.The episode closes on a personal note, with Heather’s guiding philosophy: say yes - to new industries, new opportunities, and even the challenges that make you nervous.Episode PartnerThis episode is brought to you by Accelleron. Running ships is complex enough, managing emissions compliance shouldn’t make it harder.Accelleron’s LOREKA360 Emissions Desk is a complete compliance service that handles every step: data checks, documentation, forecasting, and verification, all powered by intelligent software and guided by experts who’ve worked at sea.Accurate reporting, less stress, and more time to focus on what really matters: operating ships.Find out more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris unpack the findings of a new Thetius–RightShip report that reveals a major disconnect between shipowners and charterers on ESG performance. While around 70% of shipowners say they go above baseline compliance in safety, sustainability, and crew welfare, only 27% of charterers offer any commercial reward for doing so. They explore the implications for the market, discuss the launch of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence, and debate how a universal standard for “what good looks like” could help close the gap.The discussion then turns to ABS’s acquisition of MetaShip from Orca Informatics, a move that could redefine maritime training through simulation and serious games. Raal explains the difference between gamification and immersive learning, while Nick argues that simulation should supplement, not replace, traditional sea time. Together, they dissect why cadet berth shortages remain a structural problem and why the industry must balance realism, safety, and cost in next-generation training.Next, they dive into the autonomy revolution, starting with the MS Lumiere’s world-first dock-to-dock autonomous voyage in the Netherlands and Evergreen’s Evermax crossing the Pacific without human input. They debate what “manned autonomy” really means, how crew skills might erode under automation, and the human factors lessons learned from aviation.From there, the conversation expands to shipyard robotics, as Samsung Heavy Industries partners with Rainbow Robotics to bring humanoid and quadruped robots into welding, painting, and inspection tasks. Nick and Raal discuss the implications of humanoid robots like Figure 3, capable of learning by watching humans, and question whether society is ready for a future where AI could replace up to half of global manual labour.Finally, they reflect on the rise of AI-generated “work slop” meaningless machine output that mimics productivity but adds no value. Citing MIT Media Lab research showing 95% of companies have seen no measurable ROI from AI, they debate how automation may be both the problem and the solution.The episode closes on a lighter note as Undocked crosses 1,000 monthly streams, thanks to growing listener engagement and debate.Episode PartnerThis episode was brought to you by Sedna, the intelligent email platform built for the shipping industry. Sedna helps commercial and operational teams cut through high-volume communication, turning emails into structured, auditable workflows that improve efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across fleets and offices.Discover how Sedna is transforming maritime communication at sedna.comKey links:Thetius - Rightship ReportFigure 03 Trailer on YouTube

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris are joined by Laurence Odfjell, Chairman of Odfjell SE, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, decarbonisation, and what it really takes to drive change in shipping.Laurence reflects on his journey from architect and winemaker to shipowner, sharing how design thinking, pragmatism, and a deep respect for nature have shaped both his leadership style and Odfjell’s approach to sustainability. The discussion unpacks how a company founded in 1914 became one of the world’s leading chemical tanker operators — and how a culture of innovation and shared values continues to underpin its progress today.The conversation turns to climate action and regulatory uncertainty following the recent deferral of the IMO’s Net Zero framework. Laurence shares his frustration with the postponement but argues that progress must continue regardless, underpinned by three principles: well-to-wake thinking, efficiency first, and fuel flexibility. He highlights Odfjell’s remarkable 54% reduction in carbon intensity since 2008 — achieved through operational discipline and smart investment rather than sacrifice.They also explore the company’s near net-zero voyage of the Bow Olympus, a chemical tanker fitted with suction sails and powered by certified B100 biofuel. The voyage proved both the technical and economic viability of running ships on sustainable fuel, achieving near-zero emissions at just a 15% cost premium. Laurence credits the initiative to the company’s collaborative culture and a “common bottom line” where those making operational decisions are also accountable for the financial outcomes.From there, the discussion moves into AI and innovation, as Laurence explains how artificial intelligence is already optimising weather routing and operational planning. He offers advice for maritime tech innovators: identify real problems, quantify the benefit, and build trust through data.Finally, the conversation broadens to diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Laurence shares how Odfjell is actively recruiting women to sea to strengthen its future talent pipeline, and why diversity of gender, age, and thought is not just a moral imperative but a business advantage. His closing message to the industry is simple: act now with the tools we already have, because every year of delay costs more than we realise.Episode Partner: OrbitMIThe maritime industry is changing fast, and OrbitMI is built for this new, connected era. Their platform connects your systems into one intelligent workflow, accessible anytime, anywhere. From compliance to reporting to voyage optimisation, OrbitMI turns data into actionable insight. No silos. No guesswork. Just smarter operations. Trusted globally, recognized as a maritime innovator, and proven to deliver. OrbitMI helps shipowners cut costs, reduce risk, and thrive in the Connected Maritime Era. Discover the future of maritime operations at https://www.orbitmi.com/connected-maritime-era

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris catch up after a hectic few weeks of travel to unpack the latest shifts shaping the maritime industry. Nick shares insights from the Kaleris APAC Customer Summit in Singapore, where terminal operators and carriers came together to discuss collaboration in the container ecosystem. They explore the challenges of just-in-time arrival, berth optimisation, and why the container sector — despite being the backbone of global trade — still struggles with basic communication between terminals and carriers.The conversation then turns to AI and competence, as Nick recounts a lively debate he took part in at the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress: Will artificial intelligence lead to less competence in the maritime industry? Together, they discuss what competence really means in a technology-augmented world, how AI can become an in-work enablement tool rather than a replacement, and why refusing to adapt could be the greater risk to future competence.They also touch on AI’s organisational impact, from hiring freezes and shifting budgets to productivity expectations, and even Jeff Bezos’ vision for data centres in space. Raal connects these trends to the wider shifts in digital infrastructure, geopolitics, and sustainability, including how cloud capacity and satellite connectivity may reshape maritime operations.From there, the discussion moves to training, storytelling, and transformation, as Raal reflects on his two-decade journey from Videotel to Ocean Technologies Group, and the launch of his new consultancy, Pitch Frame. The pair explore how brand, education, and enablement intersect, and why many groundbreaking maritime ideas fail not from poor technology, but from weak communication and internal alignment.The episode closes with reflections from Maritime Cyprus, where uncertainty still surrounds future fuels and regulatory clarity. With the upcoming MEPC vote at the IMO, Nick and Raal debate whether the industry is ready to trade ambiguity for action — or risk losing momentum to regional fragmentation.Episode PartnerThis episode is brought to you by OrbitMI. In shipping, fuel is money, and OrbitMI helps you use less of it. Their optimisation solutions improve routing, speed management, and emissions performance, helping operators cut costs while staying compliant and sustainable.Built on AI and made for the Connected Maritime Era, Orbit delivers smarter voyages, stronger margins, and greener operations.Learn more at orbitmi.com/connected-maritime-era

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris are joined by Bjorn Højgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern, to explore how leadership, technology, and people are shaping the next era of ship management.Bjorn shares his journey from seafarer to CEO. He reflects on how experience at sea has influenced his leadership style, from building trust and accountability to balancing empathy with operational discipline. The discussion examines how the role of the ship manager is evolving from a service provider to a strategic partner in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and talent development.They dive into how AI and digital tools are transforming fleet operations, helping teams move from reactive management to predictive decision-making. Bjorn explains Anglo-Eastern’s approach to digital transformation, using technology to empower people, strengthen safety, and simplify complex workflows rather than replace human judgment.The conversation also tackles the future of crewing, from tackling global talent shortages to redefining training and career development. Bjorn highlights how culture and purpose are key to attracting the next generation of seafarers and how leaders can align people, process, and technology for sustainable performance.Bjorn's book, Balance: Beyond Binary, can be purchased on Amazon.Episode PartnerThis episode was brought to you by Sedna, the intelligent email platform built for the shipping industry. Sedna turns high-volume communication into structured, shared workflows, helping teams reduce noise, maintain compliance, and make faster, better-informed decisions.Discover how Sedna is transforming maritime communication at sedna.com.

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris are joined by Bill Dobie, Founder and CEO of Sedna, to discuss the changing shape of maritime software and the forces driving consolidation across the industry. Bill shares his journey from building solutions to streamline shipping communications to leading one of the sector’s most recognisable digital platforms.The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of digital workflows, exploring how tools like Sedna transform communication, collaboration, and decision-making for shipping companies. Bill reflects on lessons from scaling a technology business in a conservative industry, the importance of user-centred design, and why integration remains one of the hardest problems to solve.They also examine industry consolidation, from private equity investments to M&A strategies and debate whether bigger platforms can deliver more value, or risk becoming too complex for end users. Bill stresses the need for maritime tech companies to stay focused on solving real problems rather than chasing trends, and highlights why AI and automation will be foundational in the next wave of shipping software.Finally, Nick, Raal, and Bill consider the future of maritime software, discussing the cultural and organisational shifts needed for adoption, the role of patient capital, and what long-term success looks like in a cyclical and fragmented market.Episode PartnerStaying compliant in today’s maritime industry is harder than ever. CII, EU ETS, FuelEU; the list keeps growing. That’s where OrbitMI comes in. Their Orbit Reporter solution automates regulatory reporting, ensures data accuracy, and keeps you ahead of the curve. No more errors, no more stress, just connected compliance. Recognised as one of the 150 Most Innovative Companies in Maritime for four years running, OrbitMI is trusted by shipowners worldwide. Ready to turn compliance into a competitive advantage? Visit https://www.orbitmi.com/connected-maritime-era and get started today.