The Wavemakers Podcast

In this episode of BetterSea Industry Panel Talks, we hosted experts from across maritime compliance, future fuels, energy and risk to discuss how shipping companies can make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain regulatory and commercial environment.

Featuring:
Chris To, S&P Global Platts
Joey Ng, Braemar
Tue Raguse (formerly Nielsen), Ofiniti

Moderated by:
Dr. Gordana Ilic, BetterSea

The conversation explores:

⚓ What makes a good future-proof vessel investment
⚓ Why optionality and multi-fuel capability may matter more than picking one “winning” fuel
⚓ The growing role of LNG, bio-LNG, methanol, ammonia, ethanol and biofuels
⚓ How FuelEU Maritime is creating a new compliance economy and new commercial opportunities
⚓ Why data, total cost of ownership and long-term modelling are becoming critical to investment decisions
⚓ How regional carbon regulations could evolve if a global framework remains uncertain
⚓ FuelEU surplus pricing, market transparency and the risks of entering the market too late
⚓ Why visibility into fuel availability, compliance balances and market activity will become increasingly important toward 2030

The panel also reflects on how quickly shipping has already evolved from emissions accounting and alternative-fuel infrastructure to entirely new markets built around compliance balances.

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🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

What does it take to build a maritime company from nothing, at just 24 years old?!

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana interviews Antonina Polovenko, founder of Aquamarine Shipping, who shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey.

After being fired from her job as a crew manager in Ukraine, Antonina made a bold decision: she would never work for someone else again. With limited money, no industry connections, and no shipping family background, she traveled alone to Greece to knock on shipowner doors and pitch her newly established company.

What followed is a story of pure resilience, intuition, resourcefulness, and relentless determination.

Today, Aquamarine Shipping works with major international shipping companies across Europe and the Middle East, while Antonina continues to grow her business from Dubai.

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🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we talk with Barry Authers, a digital leader at the intersection of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and a Head of Partnerships at Veracity by DNV.

Barry’s journey from onshore energy and software engineering into global shipping offers a unique perspective on:

• Why regulation accelerates innovation
• The importance of data standards and trust
• How digital platforms enable decarbonisation at scale
• Building collaboration across competing stakeholders
• Lessons from ultra-distance mountain running that apply to leadership

We also discuss mentorship, the future of shipping toward 2050, and why the maritime industry is one of the most welcoming ecosystems for new ideas and new talent.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Amel Rigneau, innovation leader, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder, to unpack what really makes innovation work in maritime and beyond!

From her early career in consulting and entrepreneurship, to orchestrating open innovation in global shipping,  Amel shares why innovation so often fails—not because of technology, but because of people, culture, and misaligned ecosystems.

- Why maritime has zero patience for “innovation theatre”
- How to design pilots that are actually built to scale
- The hidden role of procurement, leadership, and P&L alignment
- Why trust, communication, and quick wins matter more than big visions
- What startups misunderstand about working with large shipping companies
- How geopolitics, energy, and shipping are inseparably linked

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation about making innovation tangible, navigating fear and resistance inside large organizations, and building ecosystems that allow real transformation to happen.

If you care about maritime decarbonisation, digital transformation, or corporate–startup collaboration, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

Chandni Jaga, Senior Investment Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center, shares her beginings, how growing up in 9 countries shaped her view of the world, how she evaluates early-stage startups and what it takes to scale innovation in shipping: from corporate pilots and monetization strategy to where AI can (and can’t) move the needle in maritime operations. We also dig into regulation as a catalyst for change and why Singapore’s ecosystem is a standout for maritime tech founders.

If you’re building (or buying) maritime tech—this one’s for you.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

What if the real driver of maritime digital transformation isn’t technology – but relationships?

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana sits down with Giftson Eliyesar, Director of Commercial Operations at Veson Nautical, to explore the deeply human side of changing one of the world’s most complex and traditional industries.

Giftson shares his journey from computer science and ice cream logistics in Singapore to leading commercial operations and maritime tech. Raised in a family of pastors, he brings values of service, integrity, and humility into a world of data, AI, regulations, cyber security, and decarbonisation pressures.

You’ll hear about:

• How he first “met” shipping through procurement and logistics
• Why change only happens when people are ready, not just when software is ready
• The importance of thinking globally and acting locally across regions and cultures
• Building trust-based client relationships in a 24/7 global industry
• Why he would be a combination carrier and what that says about adaptability
• How AI and advanced analytics can support decarbonisation and smarter decisions
• Advice for students and new joiners entering maritime today
• The role of prayer / positive intention / energy in leadership and negotiations

You’ll also hear Gordana share her own “by accident” entry into shipping and her path into innovation and decarbonisation, and a candid conversation about our love–hate relationship with AI.

Perfect listening if you’re:

• Working in shipping, trading, maritime tech or logistics
• Curious about green and digital transformation in maritime
• Early in your career and looking for practical advice and inspiration
• Interested in how values and relationships can drive change in complex systems

Follow The Wavemakers Podcast for more stories from the people shaping the green and digital future of shipping

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

This episode of The Wavemakers Podcast features Emily Dove, Regional Sales Manager for ASEAN and Middle East at TECO Chemicals and one of the Top 100 Women in Shipping. 

Emily talkes about her shift from UK-based PR roles to senior commercial and sales positions in maritime, culminating in her latest vibrant presence in Singapore. Hear all about her brave pivots that brought her to shipping, adapting to Singaporean business culture, the value of empathy, diversity, and continuous learning in global shipping. 

This episode is a must-hear for you if you are navigating shipping or looking for extra motivation to take that professional leap of faith! 

Enjoy the conversation!

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Anil Jacob (Managing Director of OceanOpt and Head of Fleet Performance at BSM) shares his remarkable journey from sailing tankers to shaping the future of maritime decarbonization.

Anil discusses how first-hand experience at sea shaped his understanding of safety, commercial pressures, and subsequently - leadership. He reflects on building teams that embrace change, driving digitalization for fuel optimization, and guiding the next generation of seafarers to understand their impact on the shipping industry on its path to 2050.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we unpack Chris Chatterton’s journey from traditional energy to renewables, his decade at the Methanol Institute, and how he’s now shaping the future of alternative fuels and carbon insets in his current roles.

Chris shares:

• The untold story of early decarbonization struggles
• Why methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shipping
• How to build resilience through constant reinvention
• His surprising personal story of discovery and connection
• What advice he gives to young professionals entering maritime today

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about energy transition, alternative fuels, and innovation in shipping.

🎙️ Hosted by Gordana at The Wavemakers Podcast – where maritime transformation meets human stories.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Dr. Sanjay C. Kuttan — former CTO & CSO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) — reflects on a 33-year journey spanning science, oil & gas, policy, and innovation. He shares lessons on authenticity, faith, and leadership, revealing how staying true to yourself and embracing change can shape entire industries.

A conversation about courage, reflection, and the quiet power of being the “tugboat” that drives progress.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
 • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
 • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]