Maritime Media: A Closer Look at the Industry and Its Impact

I am excited to have Holly Burkett, one of the top 100 women in shipping and an award-winning journalist, to talk with me today - long have we been connected on LinkedIn without having a real-life conversation. Holly is a seasoned reporter for Trade Winds, a publication known for its in-depth coverage of the Ocean Industry, including maritime, people, finance, law, and market trends. In this article, we'll dive into the world of maritime media and its impact on the industry, as well as Holly's experiences and insights as a maritime journalist.

Holly Burkett: A Voice in Maritime Media

Holly is a force to be reckoned with in the maritime media landscape, focusing on writing about dry bulk, shipping law, and ship brokers. She also utilizes social media and investigative techniques to uncover stories and share her work. Her journey to joining Trade Winds was no easy feat, but her persistence paid off, and she has been making significant contributions to the publication for over four years.

The Significance of Trade Winds

Trade Winds holds a prominent position in the maritime media world, providing industry professionals with valuable insights and in-depth coverage of the maritime world. Holly acknowledges that the publication has a high paywall but emphasizes the importance of supporting media outlets like Trade Winds, which rely on subscription revenues to sustain their operations and continue providing valuable content to the maritime community.

Overlapping Parts of the Industry

As a maritime journalist, Holly comes into contact with various aspects of the industry, providing comprehensive coverage and sharing essential insights with her readers. The maritime industry is known for its tight-knit community, where personal connections and relationships play a significant role. Trade Winds acts as a common ground through which people connect, network, and learn about each other, shaping their careers and businesses.

The Role of Trade Winds in the Maritime Industry

Tradewinds has a unique position in the maritime industry, significantly influencing commercial decisions and industry practices. Any critical coverage in Trade Winds can significantly impact the reputation of individuals and companies in the industry. With this influence, the maritime media can push for changes from people and diversity to commercial influence, risk perceptions, corporate governance, sanctions, and bad actors.

Equasis: Verifying Information in the Industry

Equasis is an Electronic Quality Shipping Information System widely used in the maritime industry to verify information about ships, shipping companies, and other industry players. Equasis is a non-profit organization that provides a wealth of information on vessels, including their ownership and management, classification society, and inspection history. Journalists and other industry players use the system to conduct due diligence, education, and knowledge-building.

Equasis has become increasingly important in recent years as the industry seeks to improve transparency and reduce risk. Equasis is used to ensure that companies comply with industry regulations and standards and to identify any potential issues or risks that may impact vessel operations. In short, Equasis provides a valuable tool for industry professionals to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively.

Personal Connections in the Maritime Industry

The maritime industry is known for its tight-knit community, where personal connections and relationships play a significant role. As individuals in the industry travel and meet each other in various settings, such as airports or industry events, these connections are formed and often last for years. Trade Winds is a common ground through which people connect and learn about each other. It serves as a platform for industry professionals to network, share information, and build relationships that can shape their careers and businesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the maritime media plays a significant role in shaping the industry, and journalists like Holly Burkett are the ones who keep us informed and connected.

References:

• Trade Winds: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/

• Equasis: https://www.equasis.org/EquasisWeb/public/HomePage

The Ocean Industry: Exploring Segments and Perspectives with Lena Göthberg

The ocean industry is a massive and complex field comprising various segments and perspectives. As such, gaining an understanding of the sector can be a daunting task. However, Lena Göthberg, an expert in the maritime industry and host of the Shipping Podcast, provides valuable insights into the different facets of the ocean industry.

Introducing Lena Göthberg

Lena Göthberg is the host and producer of the Shipping Podcast, which she started in 2015. Lena has a marine insurance and business intelligence background in the maritime industry, giving her a deep understanding of the ocean industry and its various facets.

Perspectives on the Ocean Industry

When asked about her perceptions of the ocean industry, Lena reflects on her biases and experiences. She acknowledges that her operational bias leads her to think about the industry's financing, insurance, and risk aspects. Lena highlights the significance of finance and insurance in the ocean industry, as they play a crucial role in supporting other industries.

Finance and Insurance in the Ocean Industry

Lena emphasizes that finance and insurance are vital components of the ocean industry, as they provide the necessary capital and manage risks associated with maritime operations. She points out that large companies have easy access to capital through banks and other financial institutions. However, smaller companies may face challenges in obtaining financing, and they may need to rely on alternative sources such as personal mortgages. Lena also notes that finance and insurance are closely linked to regulations and governance, as lenders often require companies to adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

Risk Management in the Ocean Industry

In addition to finance, Lena stresses the importance of risk management in the ocean industry. Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks that companies may want to avoid carrying on their balance sheets. Lena explains that companies need to analyze the risks associated with their operations and make informed decisions on which risks to insure. The insurance market has its way of assessing risks in the maritime industry, considering factors such as ships, transport, and cargo.

Understanding the Maritime Industry Ecosystem: A Triple Helix Approach

The maritime industry is a complex ecosystem with various stakeholders, including ship owners, authorities, universities, and customers. However, there is often a need for more understanding and collaboration among these stakeholders, which can hinder the industry's progress and growth.

Challenges in Understanding the Maritime Industry

As key players in the maritime industry, ship owners are often focused on their own businesses and ensuring their success. They may only sometimes have the time or inclination to understand the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as authorities, universities, or customers. This lack of understanding can lead to miscommunication, misalignment, and missed opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Moreover, the maritime industry is diverse and multifaceted, with various subsectors, including shipping, logistics, multimodal transportation, production, construction, and naval operations. Each subsector has its unique challenges, regulations, and stakeholders, making it challenging to have a holistic view of the industry as a whole. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion and misunderstandings among stakeholders, hindering effective collaboration and progress.

The Triple Helix Approach

 The maritime industry can adopt a triple helix approach to overcome the challenges of understanding the industry's current siloed shape. Be it due to the tradition embedded in maritime culture and the viewpoints the industries sectors have of other areas and sectors. The triple helix model, first introduced by Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff in the 1990s, emphasizes the collaboration among three key stakeholders: academia, industry, and government. In the context of the maritime industry, this approach involves ship owners, authorities, and universities working together to foster mutual understanding, collaboration, and innovation.

The Importance of Training and Education

Training and education are crucial components of the maritime industry, providing the necessary skills and knowledge for the industry's workforce. Lena stresses the significance of investing in training and education to ensure the sustainability of the maritime industry. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and upskilling as the industry constantly evolves and new technologies and regulations emerge.

In addition, Lena highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry. She points out that the industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and there is a need to promote diversity and inclusivity to ensure the industry's growth and progress.

Conclusion

The ocean industry is a vast and complex field encompassing various segments and perspectives. Lena Göthberg's insights provide a valuable perspective on the different facets of the maritime industry, including finance, insurance, risk management, understanding the industry's ecosystem, and training and education.

The triple helix approach, which involves ship owners, authorities, and universities working together, can promote mutual understanding, collaboration, and innovation in the maritime industry. Furthermore, investing in training and education and promoting diversity and inclusivity are crucial for the industry's sustainability and growth.

In conclusion, the ocean industry is critical in supporting global trade, transportation, and the economy. Understanding the different segments and perspectives of the maritime industry is essential to foster collaboration and innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the industry's continued growth and success.

Women in Maritime: Challenges and Opportunities

As I sit down to write this article on International Women's Day, I cannot help but reflect on the challenges women face in the maritime industry. The fact that only two percent of the workforce in this field are women is a stark reminder of the significant barriers women face in entering and advancing in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

The reasons for this gender gap are complex and multifaceted. One of the contributing factors is the need for more visibility of women in different maritime industry sectors. According to a survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO), 90 percent of the two percent of women working in the maritime industry are employed in the cruise sector. This may be because cruise ships are more visible to the general population, and people may be more aware of employment opportunities in this sector. On the other hand, merchant vessels, which make up a significant portion of the maritime industry, have fewer women on board, and in some cases, none.

Another factor that contributes to the gender gap in maritime is the issue of harassment and discrimination. The close-knit working environment on board ships, especially merchant vessels with smaller crews, may make it harder for women to report incidents of harassment or discrimination. This can create a hostile work environment and deter women from pursuing careers in the maritime industry. Additionally, the perception of the maritime industry as a male-dominated field may discourage women from considering it a viable career option.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusivity in the maritime industry. One such initiative is the 40 by 30 pledge launched by the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) in Norway. The pledge encourages companies to actively promote diversity by striving towards having 40 percent of women in leading positions by 2030. Companies that signed the pledge attended a workshop to identify barriers for women to enter and retain leading positions and how they might be overcome. This shows an emphasis on actively working towards this goal and embedding it in the company's processes.

Moreover, the maritime industry is vast and includes various sectors such as shipping, logistics, finance, and HR. Women can explore opportunities in these different sectors, not just limited to working on ships. Companies in the maritime industry increasingly recognize the value of diversity and inclusivity in their workforce, and there is a growing demand for women professionals in this field. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and talents that can contribute to the efficiency and efficacy of the maritime industry.

There is also growing awareness and advocacy for gender equality in the maritime industry at the national and international levels. Organizations such as WISTA and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are working towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector through various initiatives, including awareness campaigns, advocacy for policy changes, and supporting organizations that promote diversity and inclusivity.

One organization that is doing great work in this area is Women Offshore. The Women Offshore Foundation propels women+ into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision-makers about issues affecting women on the water. They have created a wonderfully supportive community for underrepresented genders and orientations that work on the water to combat harassment and to provide guidance and mentorship for those entering and making their way in the industry.

Another organization that is close to my heart is Captains Without Borders. They are working to help cadets complete their deck and engine studies to obtain unlimited tonnage licenses and start their careers at sea. They partner with maritime shipping companies and crewing agents interested in placing their cadets on their vessels to complete their sea time, closing the seafarer shortage, and decreasing the gender gap one cadet at a time while sharing awareness and role models for the future.

Women account for only 29% of the overall workforce in the general industry; IMO-WISTA "Women in Maritime" survey highlights current gender diversity across the sector and sets a benchmark for progress IMO – WISTA Women in Maritime Survey Results

WISTA Norway launched the '40 by 30' pledge to allow companies to show that they are actively committed to promoting diversity in the maritime industry. Most notably are striving towards increasing the share of women in leading positions in your company to 40% within 2030 as one of your diversity measures. Companies that signed the pledge attended a workshop to identify barriers for women to enter and retain leading positions and how they might be overcome. The suggested action items are as follows:

1. Set goals and measure them:

1. Employ relevant diversity index tools such as the She Index.

2. Set KPIs related to inclusivity and diversity.

3. Measure the composition of your organization and the levels of inclusivity your team members feel. 40 by 30 is the goal - so what is your current score?

2. Communicate and reach out.

1. Promote inspiring role models.

2. Highlight the possibilities that your company offers through career paths and examples.

3. Policies and culture

1. Ensure balanced interview panels.

2. Ensure that you operate alongside your values. Don't participate in non-inclusive events.

3. Create policies and training on inclusiveness and belonging to work on a culture shift.

The full report and additional information on how your company can sign the pledge are located here

In connection with 40by30 and barriers faced by many is the work I am doing with Captians without Borders:

Even while the ICS/Bimco is reporting a shortfall of 96,000 seafarers expected by 2026, With only a 2% representation of female seafarers today, Some cadets are left standing on the shore - never given a chance at their dreams.

Our mission is to help cadets to complete their deck and engine studies to obtain unlimited tonnage licenses and start their careers at sea.

We partner with maritime shipping companies and crewing agents interested in placing our cadets on their vessels to complete their sea time, closing the seafarer shortage, and decreasing the gender gap one cadet at a time while sharing awareness and role models for the future.

It is a USA Baised 501c3 charitable foundation.

And another Foundation that is near and dear to me for women in maritime is Women Offshore.

The Women Offshore Foundation propels women+ into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision-makers about issues affecting women on the water. I have been involved with them for years. They have created a wonderfully supportive community for underrepresented genders and orientations that work on the water to combat harassment and provide guidance and mentorship for those entering and making their way in the industry.

Reshaping the Ocean Industries: Towards Sustainable and Autonomous Vessels with Antoon van Coillie

Introduction

Welcome back! Today, we have a special guest, Antoon van Coillie, who I had the pleasure of meeting during the Autoship project, an EU initiative focused on autonomous vessels. Antoon has some fascinating insights, and we will discuss how we can reshape the ocean industry for a sustainable future. As we learn more about different sectors in the industry, we can come together to create a complete picture of how we can work towards a more sustainable and efficient maritime sector.

Anton van Coille: An Overview

Anton van Coillie is a Belgian based in Antwerp, known as the "Center of the Maritime World." He is involved with Zulu Associates, developing zero-emission vessels for inland waterways and short-sea. Antoon's approach to achieving zero-emission vessels involves using alternative propulsion systems and making the vessels autonomous, with no crew on board during transit. However, people are still engaged in the vessel's operation, either remotely from a control center or during port and planning operations.

Alternative Propulsion Systems

One of the critical aspects of Anton's approach is the use of alternative propulsion systems. For inland waterways, the vessels are fully electric below the deck, while on the deck, 20-foot containers with energy are used. These containers are agnostic in terms of the energy source, which can include batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or even internal combustion engines burning ethanol. The advantage of this approach is that it allows for easy switching of energy sources or containers, depending on the availability or advancements in energy technologies. This makes the vessels "technology proof" regarding energy sources and ensures they remain competitive with trucks, which typically renew their fleet every five years.

Sustainable Energy Sources

Anton believes that batteries will play a crucial role in inland waterways, thanks to advancements in battery technology. Hydrogen is also a promising option, especially for longer distances in inland and near-shore routes. The flexibility of using different energy sources in the containers on the vessels allows for adaptation to changing technologies, ensuring that the vessels remain efficient and competitive without major future retrofits.

Autonomous Vessels: Advantages and Impact

Anton's vision of autonomous vessels has several advantages:

1. It improves safety, as vessels can operate in adverse weather conditions without risking crew members' lives.

2. It enhances efficiency, as vessels can be operated remotely, allowing for optimized routes and operations.

3. It reduces the environmental impact, as zero-emission propulsion systems can be used, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry.

4. Using autonomous vessels allows for the design of vessels optimized for autonomous operations, resulting in innovative vessel designs and improved performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Antoon van Coillie's approach to reshaping the ocean industries through sustainable and autonomous vessels is promising. The Ocean Industry can become more sustainable, efficient, and competitive by utilizing alternative propulsion systems and making vessels more efficient using automation, autonomous tools, and technology. 

Advancements in battery technology and the use of hydrogen as an energy source hold great potential for inland waterways and sea-going vessels. The flexibility of using containers with different energy sources allows for adaptation to changing technologies, ensuring that vessels remain technologically advanced. Furthermore, adopting autonomous vessels offers various advantages, including improved safety, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. As we continue to explore and implement these innovative approaches, we can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the maritime industry.

Transforming the Shipping Industry: Embracing Technology Means for Better Jobs and Gender Equality

Introduction

The shipping industry has come a long way from the old-fashioned sailing vessels that required many sailors to operate. The industry has transformed with modern technology, automation, and specialized vessels. However, despite the advancements, challenges still need to be addressed, such as creating better job opportunities and promoting gender equality within the industry.

Embracing Old Means for Better Jobs

One way to improve job opportunities in the shipping industry is by looking back at traditional methods. For example, reintroducing sail-powered vessels can create new jobs for sailors experienced in handling such vessels. Sail-powered ships have lower operating costs than modern vessels, which could increase demand for such ships in certain routes. This can also open up opportunities for local communities, as sail-powered vessels often require more manual labor, creating shipbuilding, maintenance, and operation jobs.

Moreover, sail-powered vessels can also have positive environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions, a growing concern in the shipping industry. This can align with the industry's increasing focus on sustainability and promote a more eco-friendly approach to shipping. But vessels with only sail will not be a scalable answer to the ocean industry's challenges.

Promoting Gender Equality - thru Autonomy?

Gender equality is another area that the shipping industry needs to address. Historically, the industry has been male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women. However, promoting gender diversity and inclusivity can significantly benefit the industry.

One approach is to actively encourage and support the participation of women in the industry, including in traditionally male-dominated roles such as sailing and ship operations. Providing training and education opportunities for women in maritime fields can help bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive workforce. Additionally, promoting diversity in leadership positions can help break the glass ceiling and create role models for aspiring female professionals in the shipping industry.

In conclusion, embracing old means, such as sail-powered vessels, and promoting gender equality can create better job opportunities and foster inclusivity in the shipping industry. By addressing these challenges, the industry can evolve into a more sustainable, diverse, and forward-thinking field, benefiting not only the industry itself but also the communities and the environment it serves.

Additional reflections:

Short sea and inland waterways small vessel transport; The current shift towards electric prime mover below deck with interchangeable containerized swappable or plug-and-play energy sources. This can be batteries, where technological improvement is increasing rapidly for energy density, longevity, and charging speed. could also be based on fuel cells (hydrogen) or internal combustion (ammonia, bio-gas, etc.) With the decreased costs that may be realized by moving from MDO as the standard fuel in the short sea and small transport to electric drive + agnostic energy source, they are betting on reducing the lifetime OPEX of maintenance for the prime mover + fuel cost + carbon offset speculation to be a competitive alternative to trucks as the for zero-emission transport. This may hold in many urban markets as inland waterways are far from full utilization. It also holds challenges that port infrastructure needs to be developed to effectively service vessels of that size, as they are at the bottom of the priority list they are less reliable and desirable for on-time delivery. 

It is a pain point identified for how we might collaboratively design a better future in the ocean industry. Antoon had also touched on the possibility that vessels of this size might need their port infrastructure and that primary port hubs may need to transfer cargo overland to inland hub terminals for the onward transport via waterways to its last mile transfer port. These vessels' owner/operator landscape will change as autonomous operations enter the market, as many of the current vessels are owned by private operators who live abroad and operate single vessels. It is also a segment that has been reducing over time with the low cost and high speed of truck transportation. It shows unrealized potential for resurgence as even with current fuels on older inland vessels, the CO2 per Ton of cargo transported is substantially less than in trucking. 

There was also a discussion on the logistics chain itself and vessel sizes. Long ocean carriage tends towards a "bigger is better' model - which holds from a sustainability standpoint of EEXI. Still, something must be said about the emissions in the logistics chain after that cargo leaves the vessel for its onward journey, as the ports that can handle the largest vessels are few and may be located far from their cargo's final destination. Is the truck or train emissions (and cost of fuel and transfer) for the more extended port hub to the destination journey more, less, or equal to what is saved by using the significant vessel fuel efficiency per ton? What is the Goldilocks zone for the logistics chain generally as a whole? What is the sub-optimization here that is driven by competing interests? If anyone has some reflections on these questions, I would love to hear them and discuss them further, as they may be a vital part of the future we might build. Training, crewing, and communication/telecoms must be added to my Venn diagram.