Carleen-Lyden-Walker
SHIPPINGInsight 20/20 Continues Vision for the Decade
WESTON, Conn. – October 15, 2020 – SHIPPINGInsight concluded its 9th annual Fleet Optimization and Innovation Conference and Exhibition with the theme 2020 Vision for the Decade on Wednesday, Oct. 14, featuring discussions on leaning into change, managing disruption, gratitude and recognition for seafarers as well as a Shark Tank, complete with an Innovation Award prize and a “Vision for the Decade” keynote presentation from Karrie Trauth, Shell Maritime’s General Manager for the Americas.
SHIPPINGInsight has gathered top solution providers for its “20/20- A Vision for the Decade” SHIPPINGInsight Fleet Optimization and Innovation Conference and Exhibition which began October 7th-8th with “Deep Dive” technical sessions followed by the conference and exhibition held October 12th-14th. All content and SHIPPINGInsight’s Innovation Exhibition Hall will be available for a year.
One common theme throughout the discussions was how collaboration and communication throughout a variety of different industries is critical for any real progress to be made. Angus Campbell, Director of Energy Projects in Schulte Group, noted that progress was going to involve “all industries” and was a reason for remaining optimistic in the coming decade.
ABS’s Chairman, CEO and President Chris Wiernicki opened the day discussing how shipping needs to “Lean into the Future” by addressing how all stakeholders will be required to remain vigilant to changes required to stay aligned. “[The industry is] a team sport,” said Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS. “Even if not all the players see it that way.” He particularly referenced the need to update SOLAS and ISM regulations to reflect changing technologies and incorporate more comprehensive seafarer training.
“Whatever we build, whatever we invent, will not work without a properly trained crew,” Wiernicki said. “As we lean into the future and look at decarbonization in the industry, we cannot forget people. It is the people who will turn our dreams into reality. They are the heroes of our story.””
An entire panel was devoted to the “Decade of Disruption,” as panelists discussed how technological innovations would disrupt the industry, usually in a positive way. Throughout the conference, many panelists echoed the sentiments that innovation and disruption oftentimes went together. “Innovation and disruption happen in these little tiny increments and then suddenly all at once,” Rob Walker of Surveys and Forecasts said.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen of DNV GL called this period a “renaissance” for the maritime industry as the industry takes a closer look at innovative technology and takes inspiration from other industries. Walker even made a reference to how electric car technology was considered obsolete by the end of the 19th century and is now being revisited as a viable technology. “What is old can be made new again,” he said.
Throughout each panel, almost every speaker made a reference to seafarers and their current crisis. It was a common sentiment throughout the event that mariners were at the heart of the industry and despite the strides in technology, the need to keep mariners at the forefront of any developments was echoed by various participants.
Another point brought on by several panelists was the need to focus on what technologies and solutions are currently viable and would work as steppingstones to greener power and zero emissions. Ørbeck-Nilssen said that as innovations for the future were being explored, leaders needed to “look at what’s working now.”
SHIPPINGInsight’s SHARK TANK brought together Sharks, consisting of CEOs, investors and other executives to challenge and discuss new solutions being brought to them by “Chum;” new technology representatives pitching their solutions for a more sustainable industry such as battery power, wind assist, hydrolysis from seawater, nanotechnology designed to increase the efficiency of diesel fuel and more.
Mark Huang of SeaAhead hosted the SHARK TANK which featured Marina Hadjipateras of TrailMix Ventures, Rich Pruitt of Carnival Cruise Lines, Rob Quartel of NTELX, James Thomas of T&M Investments, Nikos Petrakakos of Urusus Maritime Capital, Kevin Humphries of Wartsila and Tony Backos of Bluewater Acquisition as the Sharks SHIPPINGInsight brought to debate several solutions brought by “chum.” Each Shark was given a figurative $10 million to allocate to contestants in whatever manner they chose after hearing their pitch. Afterwards, the panelists voted for Brent Parry’s hydrogen battery power solution to win SHIPPINGInsight’s Innovation Award.
The concluding keynote presentation was by Karrie Trauth, General Manager of Shell Shipping and Maritime for the Americas, who shared her “Vision for the Decade” and outlined Shell’s recommendations for the coming decade as the industry strives to meet the expectations and demands of global society. “The bottom line is that shipping cannot wait,” said Karrie Trauth, Shell General Manager of Shipping and Maritime for the Americas. “A think big, start small, scale fast attitude is needed.”
Several panelists mentioned how the virtual conference came with its own benefits. People from around the world could join in a simple way and people who may have never had the opportunity to join certain networks, could.
After the conference, Campbell lauded SHIPPINGInsight CEO, Carleen Walker, for her efforts in creating a platform for communication and collaboration to take place in the era of COVID-19. Walker then thanked speakers for joining and “boldly going where no man––or woman––had gone before in this virtual world.”
SHIPPINGInsight’s virtual platform will be available throughout the year to foster communication, networking and collaboration between companies, organizations and individuals. Participants can send messages and schedule virtual meetings with other participants on the site all year round.
For information and to register online, visit www.shippinginsight.com.
About SHIPPINGInsight
Originally established in 2012, SHIPPINGInsight has grown steadily each year. Focusing on fleet optimization and innovation, the event provides a forum for fleet managers and solution providers to exchange ideas and discuss challenges in facing the transformation of the industry. More than 300 delegates from 19 countries attended the 2019 event, including 76 shipping company executives. With the virtual platform, this year’s event will reach globally. For more information, please visit www.shippinginsight.com.
