HANSA.newscast by Janne Silden

Onboard Große Michel in the Port of Hamburg, this episode of HANSA Newscast features a conversation with Carsten Löhmer, CEO and owner of Loewe Marine.We talk about a career shaped by the sea—from early exposure to shipyards and naval vessels to vocational training, naval architecture studies, and eventually building a company focused on rudders and steering systems.Carsten explains why rudders are far more than “garage doors” under a ship. The discussion goes deep into hydrodynamics, cavitation, efficiency gains, and why custom-designed rudders can deliver measurable fuel and emission savings. He shares real-world examples, including towing tank tests showing up to 4 % energy savings through optimized rudder design.The conversation also explores how careers in the maritime industry have changed: dual study programs, practical shipyard experience, global project work, and the importance of understanding real working conditions—from welding in confined spaces to managing international teams.Finally, Carsten looks ahead: holistic retrofit concepts combining hull, propeller, and rudder optimization, emissions reduction (CO₂, NOx), and upcoming international cooperation projects.A grounded episode on maritime engineering, career paths, teamwork, and why shipping remains one of the most global and opportunity-rich industries.

Maritime digitalization is changing faster than ever. In this episode, I speak with Joy Basu, CEO of Smart Ship Hub, about why the industry is moving away from isolated tools and toward unified digital platforms.Joy explains that the past twelve months have brought more disruption than the previous several years: mergers and acquisitions, major investments in data infrastructure, and a growing focus on cloud, GPU processing, and high-frequency sensor data. He outlines why corporate users now want integrated systems that combine vessel performance, decarbonization metrics, condition monitoring, AI diagnostics, and legacy-to-smart upgrades in one environment.We also discuss the sharp drop in technology costs—from USD 280,000 per ship to under USD 10,000—and what this means for small and midsize operators. Joy describes Smart Ship Hub’s platform approach, global customer footprint, and why “connected ecosystems” will define the next decade of maritime operations.The episode concludes with a candid reflection on entrepreneurship, personal sacrifice, and the coming impact of AI on the maritime sector.

Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe, joins Janne Silden to unpack the reasoning and relevance behind the Maritime Security & Defence Conference 2025 (MS&D) in Hamburg.He explains why procurement has become the central theme of Europe’s maritime defence dialogue — and how MS&D helps small and medium-sized companies understand and access complex defence systems.From geopolitical shifts and funding programs to the practical realities of innovation and inclusion, Selbach outlines the structural intention driving Hamburg Messe’s latest initiative.

Shipping can’t afford to wait for new fuels. In this episode of HANSA.newscast, I talk with Frederik Lerche-Tornø, CEO of Oceanly, about how data-driven optimisation delivers real emission cuts now.Oceanly spans Denmark, Italy, and Norway and builds on more than a decade of experience in ship performance.Together with MSC Cruises, the company achieved around 6 % fuel savings through route optimisation, smarter machinery use, and monitoring of hull and propeller conditions.We discuss Oceanly’s concept of fleet transparency – giving ship and shore the same live data – and why this matters for future-fuel strategies across cruise, tanker, and bulk fleets.🎧 Tune in to hear how operational efficiency is reshaping decarbonisation at sea — one decision, one voyage at a time.

Fleet data volumes are exploding — and secure, high-availability IT systems are becoming mission-critical at sea. In this episode, I talk with Jamie Jones, COO of GTMaritime, about how modern vessels handle massive data flows and why reliability and cybersecurity can no longer be separate topics.From email-based file transfers to real-time synchronization across global fleets, Jamie explains how GT Replicate optimizes ship-shore data exchange for efficiency, security, and uptime — whether using Starlink, VSAT, or L-band connections.🎧 Topics covered:• Fleet digitalization and connectivity growth• Cyber-secure data replication at sea• Automation and process optimization for IT managers• Real-world cases from global fleets and racing series

Turbochargers have shaped engine technology for more than a century. From Alfred Büchi’s 1904 patent to today’s high-performance designs, they remain central to efficiency, flexibility and decarbonization.In this episode I talk with Daniel Bischofberger, CEO of Accelleron, about innovation in turbocharging, the cartridge concept that allows service during port stays, and why synthetic fuels remain “a drop in the ocean” compared to demand.Daniel also reflects on his own career — moving from power generation and oil & gas into maritime — and why he now has found his dream job.

What will it take for wind propulsion to scale across global shipping? In this episode, I speak with Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of OceanWings, about the engineering, automation, and commercial readiness of wing sails as a proven solution for reducing fuel consumption and emissions.We discuss:- 35% fuel and emissions savings on the RoRo vessel Canopée- Why AI optimization is key to maximizing system performance- How OceanWings uses the offshore wind supply chain to scale production- What matters most to shipowners, charterers, and yards for adoptionA sharp take on automation, performance — and the future of maritime propulsion.#oceanwings #windpropulsion #sustainability

Wireless connectivity on ships is tougher than it looks – steel walls, signal loss, and vendor lock have slowed digitalization at sea. In this episode, I talk with Sven Brooks, CEO of ScanReach, about how mesh networks overcome these barriers, enabling real-time crew safety, fast retrofits, and reduced cabling costs, and how separating data infrastructure from applications opens new opportunities for shipowners and yards alike.00:00 – Intro & IoT in Everyday Life vs. Shipping02:58 – Wireless Connectivity Challenges on Ships05:56 – How the ScanReach Platform Works09:08 – Vessel Types & Market Applications12:02 – Germany vs. Norway: Different Paths to Innovation

London International Shipping Week (LISW) has grown from a bold idea in 2013 into one of the most influential events on the global maritime calendar — drawing governments, CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world.In this HANSA.newscast episode, I speak with the two founders, Sean Moloney and Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, about:How LISW was born out of a simple conversation — and almost didn’t happenWhy London remains a maritime powerhouse despite global shifts eastwardWhat makes LISW different from SMM, Nor-Shipping, Posidonia, and Singapore Maritime WeekHow clusters like London, Hamburg, Oslo, and Singapore depend on each otherThe must-attend highlights of LISW 2025 — from government bilaterals to gala nightsWhether you’re in ship finance, regulation, innovation, or crewing — this episode gives you insider access to the vision behind London’s biggest maritime week.👉 Subscribe to HANSA.newscast for more interviews with leaders shaping the future of shipping.

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