HANSA.newscast by Janne Silden

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. 

The maritime and offshore industries face major challenges when it comes to spare parts availability, supply chain delays, and sustainability. What if you could digitize inventory and manufacture parts on demand—anytime, anywhere?   🎙  In my latest interview, I sat down with Parthiban Muthukrishnan, Customer Success Manager at Pelagus3 D, to explore:  ✅ How on-demand manufacturing is reducing vessel downtime  ✅ Why additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a game-changer for spare parts  ✅ How Pelagus 3D is optimizing supply chains through digital inventory  ✅ A real case study: Cutting a 75 kg valve down to just 8 kg!  ✅ The future of maritime: sustainability, CO₂ reduction, and cost efficiency   If you’re in the maritime, oil & gas, or industrial manufacturing space, this is a must-listen! Let’s rethink how we manage spare parts, logistics, and sustainability. 

🎧 I had the privilege of speaking with two leading experts in propulsion technology: Dr. Dirk Jürgens, Vice President of Research & Development, and Dr. Tobias Haack, Vice President of Sales at Voith Turbo Marine. Together, we explored the cutting-edge innovations behind the Meteor IV project and their ambitious vision for advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in the marine industry.Key Highlights:💡 Revolutionary Electric Propulsion SystemsThe Voith Schneider Propeller now integrates gearless, high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, minimizing mechanical losses and achieving efficiency gains of 4%–15%.🤝 Customer-Centric Design PhilosophyThe Meteor IV propulsion system was developed in close partnership with shipyards and owners, combining exceptional efficiency with low-noise solutions tailored to their needs.🚀 Innovation Meets Precision EngineeringThe Meteor IV’s advanced 8-bladed design reflects state-of-the-art engineering through rigorous testing and numerical optimization.🌍 Visionary Strategy for the FutureVoith Turbo Marine’s long-term approach focuses on reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, laying the groundwork for autonomous marine operations and advanced condition monitoring systems.Listen now!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Carsten Bullemer, founder of Maritime Data Systems, over a beer in Hamburg. As a serial entrepreneur, his career is both fascinating and inspiring - ranging from pioneering maritime software to launching platforms like trusteddocks.com, Navisense, and searoutes.com.  But there’s more to Carsten than tech: he’s also a passionate community builder in Hamburg, driven by the belief that small actions can create a big impact. Key highlights you don’t want to miss:  📈 Carsten’s platforms have evolved from procurement tools to data-driven hubs, transforming transparency and efficiency in maritime logistics.  🤖 From private AIS networks to carbon emission tracking, the maritime industry is undergoing significant change. Carsten is pushing it further, predicting that by 2025, 90% of his work will be powered by AI-based solutions, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and innovation.  👨‍💻 Drawing from his extensive entrepreneurial experience, Carsten emphasizes that true innovation lies in pragmatic, impactful contributions—not in chasing unattainable legacies.  🎧 Tune in now to explore the intersection of maritime tech, entrepreneurship, and community spirit