In the debut episode of SEAClearly, Dany Rastelli hosts Captain Steve Bomgardner, VP of Shipping and Offshore at Polestar Global, and Scott Bergeron, Managing Director at Oldendorff. They discuss the complexities of digitalization in maritime shipping, from connectivity challenges to safety advancements, and the industry’s journey toward compliance with evolving environmental regulations. This episode provides an inside look at how key players in the field are navigating these changes and the practical implications for the future of global trade.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 Shipping innovation hindered by traditional, isolated challenges.
03:42 Digitization varies by industry, driven by safety.
07:37 Focus on improving data quality for optimization.
13:21 Endorph carriers operate dry bulk ships, and address emissions.
19:19 Biofuel challenges in shipping: availability, safety, compliance.
22:38 Shipping industry generally complies with regulations effectively.
26:57 Alternative fuels aren’t ready for dry bulk industry.
30:05 Route optimisation is key for efficient shipping.
34:16 Managing carbon emissions costs simplifies logistics operations.
38:34 Digitization essential for small shipping companies’ compliance.
42:19 Cleaner energy needed for sustainable global emissions.
45:20 Need shared, verified data for incident learning.
Key Topics
1. Biofuel Usage and Challenges:
- Experimental use of biofuels in container liners.
- Issues with biofuel availability and content verification.
- Increasing importance of sustainability certificates.
- Upcoming regulations impacting biofuel demand.
2. Compliance with Regulations:
- General compliance within the shipping industry and technological adaptations.
- Penalties for non-compliance under the Fuel EU initiative.
- Economic consequences, including penalties, versus sourcing compliant fuel.
3. Alternative Fuels:
- Disadvantages of LNG, ammonia, and methanol.
- Technological readiness and environmental impact.
- Enhancing ship efficiency to reduce fuel consumption.
4. Route Optimisation:
- Importance of optimising routes to reduce emissions and fuel use.
- Role of high-frequency sensors and data models.
5. Regulatory Challenges:
- Issues with open-loop scrubbers and regional discharge bans.
- Operational impacts of shifting regulations.
6. Emission Trading Scheme (ETS):
- Integration of ETS costs into logistics.
- Managing ETS costs internally by companies like Oldendorff.
- Transparent allowance calculations based on emissions.
7. Managing ETS Costs:
- Oldendorff’s approach to managing carbon exposure and ETS integration.
8. Industry Perspective:
- Challenges and strategies for smaller shipping companies.
- Digital transformation’s role in emissions management.
- Need for external assistance and knowledge sharing.
9. Challenges with Sensor Data:
- Issues with data reliability from multiple sensors on offshore rigs.
- Necessity of manual data collection for accuracy.
10. Global Standards for Environmental Regulations:
- Need for aligned regulations to avoid contradictions.
- Proactive compliance by Oldendorff carriers with upcoming regulations.
11. Digitization in Shipping:
- Progress and challenges in digital transformation.
- Sector differences in adopting digital tools.
12. Importance of Data Quality:
- Ensuring high-quality data for monitoring fuel consumption and emissions.
- Optimising operations with accurate data.
13. Future of Digital Tools:
- Enhancing compliance and efficiency through digital tools.
- Better measurement of emissions and operational optimisation.