The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In the Digital Age

Episode 86: Navigating the Future of Trade Logistics with Jan Hoffmann

Guest: Jan Hoffmann, Head, Trade Logistics at the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Jan Hoffmann, Head of Trade Logistics at UNCTAD, to discuss the critical role that digitalization and sustainable development play in shaping global trade. We explore how the demand for digital data, particularly in maritime logistics, has skyrocketed since COVID-19 and the increasing reliance on tools like AIS tracking and AI.

Jan shares his insights into decarbonization, energy transition, and the evolving landscape of logistics, touching on the unique challenges faced by countries like the Marshall Islands. We also dive into the stages of digital transformation and their impact on global trade efficiency and volatility.

Key Points:

1. The Role of UNCTAD: Jan explains how UNCTAD supports the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the global economy, ensuring sustainable development through their research and policies.
2. Decarbonization Efforts: We delve into how UNCTAD assists countries like the Marshall Islands in navigating the financial and environmental challenges of decarbonization, especially in negotiations at the IMO.
3. Digital Data Demand: The exponential rise in the demand and supply of data, driven by COVID-19 and the advancement of AIS tracking and AI tools, has transformed the logistics landscape.
4. Three Stages of Digitalization:
   • Optimization: Maximizing efficiency in current processes, such as port arrivals.
   • Extension: Expanding value beyond efficiency, linking to the energy transition.
   • Transformation: Reinventing logistics, trade, and business models with data-driven innovations.
5. Containerization & Managing Transitions: We discuss the ripple effects of digitalization in logistics, particularly how it shifts workloads from ports to manufacturing, emphasizing the need for careful transition management.
6. Technological Change & Its Impact: Jan shares a powerful statement: "Technological change will never be as slow as today," and explains how advances in computing and data modeling are enabling positive transformations in logistics.
7. The Human Element in Logistics: We wrap up by discussing the happiness of people working in logistics, and how their roles are becoming more aligned through technology and collaboration.

Learn More: Check out Episode 53 and our chat with Kyle Henderson of Vizion for another insightful discussion on the impact of digitalization in maritime trade.

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'

Art Work By: GA Design

Produced by: Chris Aversano

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Episode 85:

Wind-Assisted Propulsion and Innovation in Maritime with Cristina Aleixendri Muñoz

Guest: Cristina Aleixendri Muñoz, COO & Co-founder at bound4blue

Episode Overview: In this episode, Chris Aversano talks with Cristina Aleixendri Muñoz about bound4blue’s cutting-edge wind-assisted propulsion systems. They explore how these systems reduce fuel costs and emissions, the challenges of innovating in shipping, and the growing role of regulation in driving adoption. Cristina shares insights on the transition from aeronautics to maritime, the importance of crew engagement, and the challenges of scaling hardware solutions in a software-driven world.

Key Points:

1. Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems: Bound4blue's systems help shipowners improve operational efficiency by leveraging wind to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
2. Innovation in Shipping: Bringing new technology to the maritime industry is difficult, but as regulations evolve, risks are being reduced, leading to greater adoption.
3. Regulatory Drivers: Cristina explains how regulations like FuelEU are encouraging shipowners to embrace wind-assisted propulsion to meet fuel efficiency targets.
4. Challenges in Hardware Adoption: Innovating in hardware, as opposed to software, faces unique obstacles, from funding to shipyard vendor listings.
5. Crew Engagement: The success of wind-assisted systems relies on crew understanding and involvement, which Cristina emphasizes as key to operational success.
6. Class Societies’ Role: Collaborations with class societies, such as Lloyd’s Register and DNV, have been crucial in validating the technology and easing industry adoption.
7. Growth and Future Trends: With four systems operational and six in the pipeline, bound4blue is poised to scale, and Cristina discusses their future plans to expand globally.

Learn More: For related episodes, check out [related episode or guest link].

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'

Produced by: Chris Aversano

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Episode 84:

The Captains Table Presents:  Innovation and Collaboration in the Maritime Industry with Vishal Khattri

Guest: Vishal Khattri, Vice President for Professional Services, APAC, Veson Nautical

Episode Overview: In this episode, Chris Aversano speaks with Vishal Khattri about the evolution of digitalization in maritime, challenges in adopting new technologies, and Veson’s role in fostering collaboration, particularly through their sponsorship of The Captain’s Table.

Key Points:

1. Digitalization Shift: Industry skepticism has transformed into recognition of the need for digital solutions.
2. Technology Challenges: Cybersecurity and change management remain key hurdles.
3. Ecosystem of Systems: Maritime is embracing integrated systems but requires convincing stakeholders.
4. AI Over Excel: AI is revolutionizing data analysis, surpassing traditional tools.
5. Singapore’s Startup Scene: More collaboration is needed to grow Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.
6. Veson’s Sponsorship: Veson shares the passions for digitalization and innovation with the Captain’s Table, and how industry stakeholders must work closely together for its evolution
7. Vishal’s Industry Journey: A look into Vishal’s experience and future industry trends.

Learn More: For related episodes, check out [related episode or guest link].

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'

Produced by: Chris Aversano

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Episode 83: Enhancing Maritime Safety Through Digital Innovation with Esa Henttinen of NAPA

Guest: Esa Henttinen, Executive Vice President of Safety Solutions, NAPA

Episode Overview: In this episode of The Last Dinosaur: Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, I have a captivating discussion with Esa Henttinen, Executive Vice President of Safety Solutions at NAPA . NAPA is renowned for its cutting-edge software solutions that span the entire lifecycle of a ship, from design to operations, with a focus on enhancing safety, sustainability, and future-proofing the maritime industry. Our conversation zeroes in on the cruise ship industry, a sector we've only touched on briefly in past episodes, making this a particularly exciting exploration.

Esa provides deep insights into how NAPA is harnessing data science to revolutionize safety management and operational efficiency in the cruise ship sector. We delve into the importance of involving seafarers in the development of new tools, the transformative power of connectivity in ship operations, and the role of digitalization in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards within the maritime industry.

Key Points:

1. NAPA’s Focus on Seafarers: Esa emphasizes the importance of involving seafarers in the development of digital tools, as top-down solutions often fail without their input and feedback.
2. Connectivity as a Game Changer: The discussion highlights how enhanced connectivity between ship and shore is fostering a new level of collaboration, leading to shared responsibility and improved support for seafarers.
3. Real-Time Visibility in Cruise Operations: NAPA’s digital solutions provide real-time visibility for complex cruise ship operations, aiding in critical areas like stability management and regulatory compliance.
4. The Untapped Potential of Ship Data: Although 90% of ship data remains onboard, there is immense potential in harnessing this data to drive operational improvements, especially through centralized electronic logbook systems.
5. Digitalization in Maritime Operations: Digitalization is enabling comprehensive data measurement in areas like food waste on cruise ships, pushing for improved processes and ESG compliance.
6. Challenges in Permit to Work Processes: The episode explores the need for digitalization in managing permit-to-work processes, which are currently prone to delays and errors, particularly in hazardous work environments.
7. Post-COVID Safety Concerns: Esa shares insights on how the post-pandemic has seen the arrival, on cruise ships, of a fresh generation of seafarers, whose need for better training and guidance will only increase with the introduction of new fuels.
8. Agile Approach to Safety Management: NAPA’s work with clients emphasizes an agile approach to safety management, ensuring that digital tools are effectively integrated into daily operations to enhance seafarer safety and well-being.

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring insightful conversations like this one to you. Thank you for listening!

🚀 Big News! 🚀

I'm thrilled to announce that The Last Dinosaur podcast has been selected as the official podcast of the prestigious Captain’s Table Challenge! 🏆

On their website they will outline the timing for the challenge. 

This global pitch competition is at the forefront of innovation in the maritime and logistics industry, focusing on crucial themes like environment, social impact, governance, and digitalized supply chains. 🌍

Together with Su Yin Anand, co-founder of The Captain’s Table, we'll be bringing you exclusive insights and thought leadership as we explore these game-changing topics. 🎙️

Stay tuned as we take you behind the scenes, featuring the brightest minds and boldest ideas leading up to the finals in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Maritime Week this November. 🇭🇰

🚢 Don’t miss out—follow The Last Dinosaur podcast and join us on this exciting journey!

#MaritimeInnovation #PodcastAnnouncement #Startups #Sustainability #TheLastDinosaur #CaptainsTableChallenge #Digitalization #HongKongMaritimeWeek

Title:  Episode 81 Unlocking the Future of Maritime Trade: Digital Bills of Lading with Piotr Cichocki of Secro Inc.

Guest: Piotr Cichocki, Managing Director – Europe, Secro Inc.

Episode Overview: In this episode of The Last Dinosaur: Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, I sit down with Piotr Cichocki, Managing Director – Europe for Secro Inc., a company at the forefront of revolutionizing global trade through digital innovation. Piotr brings over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, including significant contributions to the BIMCO documentary committee. Our conversation dives deep into the world of electronic bills of lading (eBLs) and how Secro is leading the charge in transforming this critical aspect of maritime trade.

Piotr shares his journey and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalizing the BL process. We discuss the implications of tokenization, changes in the law allowing for the recognition of digital securities, and the future of maritime trade in a more interconnected and technologically advanced world.

Key Points:

1. Piotr Cichocki’s Background: Over 30 years in the maritime industry with key roles in ship ownership and management, and significant contributions to BIMCO's documentary committee.
2. Secro’s Vision: Secro aims to enable frictionless global trade through their next-generation electronic bill of lading platform, enhancing real-time and secure collaboration in cross-border commodity trade.
3. The Evolution of BLs: Piotr discusses his realization that BLs, while functional, have room for improvement, particularly in reducing fraud and increasing efficiency.
4. The Role of Tokenization: How tokenization and changes in law are paving the way for BLs to be recognized as digital securities, offering new opportunities for collateralization and reduced costs in maritime trade.
5. Blockchain Technology in Maritime: Exploring the shift of blockchain from cryptocurrency to creating digital ledgers and tokens for secure, efficient maritime documentation.
6. Global Legal Changes: Discussion of the 2016 UN law and its implications for digital transactions, with early adoption seen in Singapore and the UK, and how this could transform international trade.
7. The Future of Maritime Trade: The potential for electronic BLs to make maritime trade more attractive and secure, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing transparency.

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring insightful conversations like this one to you. Thank you for listening!

Episode Summary In episode 80 of The Last Dinosaur: Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, I sit down with Carl King, the founder, producer, and editor of Seafarer Social. Seafarer Social is more than just a podcast; it's a maritime marketing agency dedicated to giving seafarers a voice and helping maritime businesses connect with their labor market. Carl shares his unique journey from a non-maritime background to becoming a pivotal figure in maritime marketing, all thanks to a simple start on LinkedIn. We dive into his first-hand experiences in Manila, where he led marketing efforts for PropelMe, a seafarer-focused app, and how this ignited his passion for the seafaring community.

Carl discusses the challenges and opportunities within the industry, from the rise of seafarer influencers to the impact of social media on maritime life. He also highlights the darker side of seafaring, such as the struggles with job scarcity and training costs, and the potential downsides of increased connectivity, including targeted gambling and the mental toll of comparing seafarer life to "normal" life on shore. Tune in to explore how Carl's work is helping to shape the future of maritime marketing and support the well-being of seafarers worldwide.

Highlights

• Carl King’s journey from a non-maritime background to founding Seafarer Social.
• The pivotal LinkedIn post that led Carl to maritime marketing.
• Carl's first experience with seafarers in Manila and the impact on his career.
• How social media is changing the maritime industry, and why it's often overlooked by corporations.
• The rise of seafarer influencers and their role in the industry.
• The positive and negative impacts of increased connectivity for seafarers.
• The challenges faced by seafarers, including job scarcity and the cost of training.
• The importance of recognizing and supporting seafarers' mental health.

Links & Resources

• Seafarer Social

Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring insightful conversations like this one to you. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of The Last Dinosaur: Maritime Shipping in the Digital Age, I chat with Harriet Hunnisett Johnson, the Head of Maritime at Signol. Signol is revolutionizing sustainability in the maritime industry by leveraging behavioral science to encourage crews to make more fuel-efficient operational decisions.

Originally launched in the aviation sector, Signol expanded its innovative approach to the maritime world during the COVID-19 pandemic when Bernard Schulte approached them with this idea.

Harriet shares insights on the distinct challenges faced in maritime operations compared to aviation, emphasizing the importance of understanding human motivation and behavior to drive sustainable practices.

Tune in to learn about Signol's strategies, the impact of behavioral science, and how personalized approaches can lead to significant environmental and operational benefits.

Highlights

• Introduction to Harriet Hunnisett Johnson and Signol's mission.
• Adapting aviation techniques to maritime operations during COVID-19.
• The difference in execution between airplane and ship engine shutdowns.
• Harriet’s experience as a deck officer and her interest in technology and UI/UX.
• The role of human motivation in operational decisions.
• Challenges with CII legislation and its impact on crews.
• How Signol’s app uses behavioral change techniques to engage and motivate crews.
• Personalized approaches versus generic KPIs in achieving sustainable practices.
• Reframing motivations for crews with socially focused rewards.
• Harriet's recommendation: re-reading "Nudge" for insights into behavioral science.

Links & Resources

• Signol
• Book recommendation: "Nudge" by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring insightful conversations like this one to you. Thank you for listening!

Episode 78: Navigating Maritime Innovation with Fabian Feldhaus

Guest: Fabian Feldhaus, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Flagship Founders

Episode Overview: In this episode, I sit down with Fabian Feldhaus, an innovative entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Flagship Founders, a venture studio dedicated to revolutionizing the maritime industry. Fabian shares his unique journey from implementing venture studio models in shipping, emphasizing an equity-based approach. We discuss how focusing on People, Product, and Profit helps identify and solve industry-specific problems with scalable solutions.

Fabian delves into cutting-edge ideas like optimizing seafarers' travel—a multi-billion-dollar industry—and how despite shifts in the investment landscape, his model remains resilient, advocating for smarter, leaner companies. He also highlights the importance of networking and educating companies about the startup ecosystem, offering valuable insights into different investment strategies and the significance of fresh perspectives in the maritime sector.

Key Points:

1. Transition to Maritime Venture Studios: Fabian’s journey from venture studios to maritime and applying the equity-based venture studio model to shipping.
2. People, Product, Profit: The three pillars of their approach to identifying and solving industry-specific problems.
3. Seafarers' Travel Optimization: Exploring the $8 billion/year industry and its potential for significant savings for companies.
4. Investment Landscape: How the changing investment environment favors smarter, leaner companies and the importance of healthy market conditions.
5. Networking and Education: Fabian’s efforts in educating companies about startups and the maritime industry, and the two levels of investment strategies.
6. Fresh Perspectives: The value of bringing in co-founders from outside the maritime industry to find innovative solutions.
7. Ideation and Problem-Solving: Combining external insights with industry-specific challenges to drive innovation.
8. Successful Ventures: Overview of the five successful spin-offs from Flagship Founders, focusing on their SaaS solutions for the maritime industry.

Learn More: For further insights into maritime innovation, check out Episode 75 with Nir Gartzman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at theDOCK.

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch a video clip on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA' Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano

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Episode 77: Port Progress: Modernizing New York and New Jersey's Maritime Hub with Bethann Rooney

Guest: Bethann Rooney, Port Director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the extensive operations and future plans of the largest U.S. East Coast Container port with Bethann Rooney, the Port Director at the Port Authority of NY and NJ. Beth shares her insights on handling unprecedented cargo volumes during the pandemic, strategic expansion plans, and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance port efficiency and security. Join us as we delve into the transformative initiatives and challenges faced by one of the world's most significant ports.

Key Points:

1. Pandemic Response and Expansion: The port experienced cargo volumes during the pandemic that were not expected until 2030. Plans are in place to expand the channel to a depth of 55 feet to accommodate larger vessels and improve efficiency.
2. Beth’s Career Journey: Beth shares her 30 + year career at the port, highlighting her roles in operations, property management, leasing, rail, security, and technology initiatives aimed at enhancing port efficiency.
3. 9/11 and Security: Beth's leadership in port security post-9/11, contributing to the development of maritime security frameworks, and her role in establishing the Council on Port Performance.
4. Digitalization and Asset Management: The port's shift to digital solutions has provided unprecedented visibility into container flow and operational efficiency. GIS mapping is leveraged for detailed tracking and maintenance of port infrastructure, optimizing berth utilization and managing dredging cycles.
5. Collaboration and Cargo Visibility: Efforts to improve container status tracking through collaboration with cargo entities, balancing transparency with competitive information protection, and the involvement of federal laws like FOIA in cargo tracking.
6. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability is a key priority, with initiatives dating back to 2009. The port offers incentives for all stakeholders, though much of the tracking for the vessels is still manual, indicating potential for digital improvements.
7. Maritime Industry Insights: Beth shares why the maritime space is a great industry to be in and her appreciation for short stories, offering motivational insights for listeners.

Learn More: For further insights on port operations and connectivity, check out Episode 72 with  David Yeo, Founder and CEO, Innovez One

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'

Art Work By: GA Design

Produced by: Chris Aversano

Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference!