HANSA.newscast by Janne Silden

Most people think they understand fuel. Rob Mortimer says they don’t.In this episode, I speak with Rob Mortimer about how reforming the molecular structure of fossil fuels can significantly improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and unlock the actual power engines are capable of.With Fuelre4m’s additive Re4mx, energy conversion can increase from 75% to up to 93%—without changing the fuel itself. Rob shares how his background in telecoms gave him a precision mindset, and why Dubai turned out to be the right place for fuel innovation powered by AI, data, and carbon verification.We cover:– Why “rated engine power” is a misleading industry metric– The chemistry and logic behind fuel reforming– How misconceptions about torque meters distort power data– What makes a fuel innovation verifiable, scalable, and strategic– The future of emissions monitoring, carbon markets, and onboard diagnosticsA sharp, clear conversation on technology, combustion, and the hidden dimension of maritime performance.🔗 Subscribe for more maritime insights: hansa.news

In this episode, you meet Fabian Fussek, CEO and co-founder of Kaiko Systems, a Berlin-based company using AI and structured frontline data to reduce noise, standardize inspections, and bring clarity to ship operations.We talk about:The original idea behind Kaiko Systems and what problem it set out to solveHow their AI “Kai” analyzes millions of photos and inputs across over 1,000 vesselsWhy regulatory changes like SIRE 2.0 require better data, not more pressureWhat smart shipping still gets wrong—and what’s next with RISQ and RightShipWhere Kaiko Systems deliberately won’t go with its recent €6 million funding

How do you turn a ship inspection into a powerful decision-making tool?In this episode, I speak with Frank Andersen, Head of Transaction Services at Idwal, about how their standardized inspection system has become a benchmark for condition-based decision-making in the global shipping market.Frank explains:How Idwal’s grading system transforms physical inspections into data-driven asset evaluationsWhy consistency, comparability, and standardization are now critical in sale & purchase marketsThe rising importance of “management grades” and crew welfare in long-term asset valueHow geopolitical uncertainty impacts transaction activity — and how shipping adaptsWhy financiers, insurers, and shipowners rely on third-party inspections to de-risk operations and investmentWith 12,000+ unique vessels inspected and a rapidly growing data set, Idwal is shaping how quality is defined, measured, and priced in shipping. Whether you're in technical management, finance, or maritime tech — this is an episode that maps the operational edge of modern shipping intelligence.

Wind propulsion is no longer a concept—it's being deployed at scale. Ville Paakkari, Head of R&D at Norsepower, joins HANSA.Newscast to talk about the real-world performance of rotor sails, the role of regulation, and why we're entering the biggest transition in maritime since the diesel engine.▶ How much fuel is being saved now?▶ What’s next—20%, 40%, even dominant wind power?▶ How is regulation shaping real innovation?A grounded yet forward-looking conversation on the engineering, economics, and momentum behind wind-assisted shipping.

In this episode, Audra Drabløs, Strategy Director for Maritime Growth Markets at Inmarsat, joins HANSA.newscast to discuss how modern connectivity is transforming the maritime industry—from isolated operations to integrated, data-driven environments.We explore:– Why vessels are now expected to function as digital offices– How connectivity supports real-time planning, crew welfare, and operational resilience– The role of embedded cybersecurity in Inmarsat’s NexusWave– Why AI and cloud systems are underutilized assets at sea– How remote operations may reshape maritime careers and open new pathways for diversity

Liam Williams, maritime engineering student at Rotterdam Mainport Insititute, shares how he built AutoCaptain - an autonomous boat - in just three months. He talks about his fascination with autonomy, the support he received from industry experts, and why maritime is more open to innovation than many think.From defining autonomy as “active decision making” to reflecting on collaboration and future opportunities, Liam offers a fresh, grounded perspective on where the industry is headed.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Autonomy in Maritime02:53 – Building AutoCaptain06:11 – What Autonomy Means08:51 – Future Outlook & Collaboration

In this episode, we speak with Sidsel Norvik, Director of Nor-Shipping, about the 2025 edition and the theme of "Future-Proofing Maritime." Speaking from her cabin in Norway during Easter, Sidsel shares how Nor-Shipping is driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and fostering cross-sector collaboration in a rapidly changing world.From breaking industry silos to developing climate strategies, this conversation offers key insights into the future of global shipping.Highlights:00:58 – What "Future-Proof" means for Nor-Shipping 202502:02 – How Nor-Shipping addresses today's maritime challenges07:56 – Breaking silos: Why collaboration is the key to innovation09:37 – The global growth and impact of Nor-Shipping▶ Follow for more strategic conversations on maritime innovation, technology, and global business: www.hansa.news/podcast▶ Learn more about Nor-Shipping: www.nor-shipping.com

Recorded in Hamburg, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the IMO’s latest climate negotiations in London—with insider insights from Sönke Diesener of NABU, one of Germany’s leading environmental NGOs. With clarity, strategy, and urgency, Sönke shares: Why the new North Atlantic Emission Control Area passed so smoothly What’s really happening in IMO climate talks—and why ambition is still the missing piece How a North–South coalition for a global CO₂ levy fell apart Germany’s steady influence behind the scenes at IMO And how NABU balances advocacy, data, and diplomacy—sometimes raising red flags, sometimes shaping the playbook “You have to stay optimistic,” Sönke says, pointing to rising waters in Hamburg and disappearing coastlines in the South Pacific. A compelling conversation for anyone tracking the future of shipping, regulation, and climate leadership. 

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Oliver-Andreas Leszczynski, Deputy Chairman at the Institute of Northern-European Economic Research (INER), to tackle some of the biggest technological and geopolitical challenges of our time. 🔹 Are AI regulations in Europe killing innovation?  🔹 Can deep-sea mining ever be truly sustainable?  🔹 How will AI reshape Arctic trade routes as the ice melts? Andreas takes us inside the world of AI-driven logistics, maritime innovation, and global economic shifts, sharing insider insights on how Europe’s overregulation is slowing progress while the U.S. and Asia move ahead. He breaks down why AI could revolutionize deep-sea mining, shifting from destructive resource extraction to precise, data-driven operations. Plus, we explore how AI-powered monitoring systems can help navigate Arctic trade routes in a rapidly changing climate.  

The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the urgent need for decarbonization. As remote surveys and data-driven decision-making become the norm, fleet owners, regulators, and classification societies must navigate an increasingly complex landscape. In this episode, Claudia Ohlmeier, Head of Section Class Systematics Data and Operation Centre at DNV Maritime, explores the role of technology and data in shaping the future of shipping. Key discussion points include: The power of data – How high-quality, reliable data underpins maritime compliance and operational safety. Digitalization & AI – The impact of remote surveys and technology-driven classification processes on fleet efficiency. Sustainability & decarbonization – The challenges of meeting IMO emission targets and the role of alternative fuels. The human factor – Addressing cybersecurity risks, workforce shortages, and the evolving role of women in maritime leadership. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Claudia Ohlmeier provides invaluable insights into the intersection of technology, regulation, and sustainability in the maritime sector.