The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In the Digital Age

Afleveringen

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  The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive No. 1 | Bill Dobie – SEDNA 04.08.2026 36min

  Bill Dobie – SEDNA The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive #1 Originally Released: May 2023 Welcome to the first edition of The Last Dinosaur Vault, a special summer series revisiting conversations that have stood the test of time. Originally recorded in May 2023, this conversation with Bill Dobie, Founder and CEO of SEDNA, explored one of shipping's biggest challenges: getting the right information to the right people at the right time. Long before AI dominated industry conversations, Bill shared his perspective on communication, collaboration, and building digital workflows that enable better operational decisions. Listening back today, it's remarkable how relevant these ideas remain. In this episode Why communication is at the heart of digital transformation Building better workflows across maritime organizations Collaboration, information flow, and operational efficiency Why good technology starts with solving real business problems Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork GA Design Produced by Chris Aversano Support The Last Dinosaur If you've enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with a colleague. Your support helps more people discover these conversations. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities. Stay salty. Stay curious. Chris
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  Episode 141 | Beyond the AI Hype: Emma Collier on AI, Leadership & Maritime's Next Transformation 21.07.2026 31min

  Episode 141 | Beyond the AI Hype: Emma Collier on AI, Leadership & Maritime's Next Transformation Topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Maritime Innovation, Digital Transformation, Shipping Technology, Leadership, Change Management, Posidonia 2026, Further Ventures, Maritime Strategy Artificial intelligence is dominating the conversation across maritime, but how do we move beyond pilots, hype, and headlines to create lasting change? In this episode, Chris sits down with Emma Collier, Founder of Further Ventures, to explore the future of AI in shipping, digital transformation, leadership, and innovation. Together they discuss why successful AI adoption depends less on technology and more on change management, accountability, and developing the people who will lead the industry's next chapter. Why this conversation matters Fresh from the inaugural Further Ventures symposium held ahead of Posidonia 2026, Emma shares the ideas that challenged conventional thinking—from treating AI as a strategic hire rather than another software tool to preparing maritime professionals for a future where continuous learning, human judgment, and domain expertise become competitive advantages. Whether you're a shipowner, operator, technology provider, investor, or simply interested in where maritime is heading, this conversation offers practical insight into one of the industry's most important transitions. AI finally makes the one-on-one tutor accessible and affordable, so we could increasingly start to change manage ourselves as an industry. This should apply both onshore and for seafarers, though their current circumstances rarely allow the time or headspace for it. How this could shift is something our rooms will include. In this episode Emma's unconventional journey into maritime Why Further Ventures was created Lessons from the first AI symposium ahead of Posidonia Why AI should be treated like a strategic hire—not just another tool The accountability challenge surrounding AI Why many AI initiatives struggle to gain traction Change management in the age of artificial intelligence The future skills maritime leaders will need Continuous learning as a competitive advantage Where Further Ventures—and maritime innovation—goes next Episode Timeline 02:25 – Emma's journey into maritime and Greece 05:15 – Why she founded Further Ventures 08:05 – Inside the first Further Ventures symposium 11:30 – Why AI should be treated like a strategic hire 14:50 – Change management and the human element 19:05 – Continuous learning and AI-enabled education 21:45 – The future skills maritime leaders will need 26:30 – Where Further Ventures goes next 30:25 – Emma's recommended reading Sponsor Today's episode is sponsored by Digital Ship. Maritime's digital transformation is accelerating, but turning strategy into execution remains one of the industry's biggest challenges. On 15 October in Athens, Digital Ship's Maritime IT Summit will bring together senior leaders in IT, digitalization, and vessel operations to discuss scaling AI, strengthening cyber resilience, and modernizing data and IT infrastructure. If you're looking for practical insights, real-world case studies, and candid discussions with the people driving change across shipping, this is an event you won't want to miss. Secure your delegate pass today at thedigitalship.com/summit. Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by GA Design Produced by Chris Aversano Support The Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities. If you'd like to support the podcast directly, you can also Buy Me a Coffee. Stay salty. Stay curious.
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  Episode 140: Maritime Digitalization: What We Still Haven't Learned 07.07.2026 40min

  Episode 140: Maritime Digitalization: What We Still Haven't Learned For more than four decades, Giampiero Soncini has helped shape maritime technology, from his early days in the Italian Navy and NATO to leadership roles at SpecTec, ShipNet, and Oceanly. In this episode, he shares hard-earned lessons on digitalization, data quality, AI, and why shipping's greatest challenge has never been technology—it's been changing the way people work. In This Episode ✅ Giampiero's journey from the Italian Navy to maritime software pioneer ✅ Why shipping continues to struggle with change management ✅ Lessons from the early days of maritime software ✅ The importance of data quality and sensor reliability ✅ What shipping has gotten right about digitalization ✅ AI, hype cycles, and practical applications ✅ Why technology should support expertise—not replace it ✅ The future of maritime operations and decision-making Notable Quotes "Technology has changed. The mentality has been the roadblock." "Shipping moves at the speed of ships." "IT doesn't replace experience. It supports experience." "Our job is not a real job. It's a disease. Once you get it, you can never get rid of it." Timestamps 00:50 – Welcome and introduction 01:50 – From the Italian Navy to NATO 06:00 – Entering commercial shipping 07:50 – Why shipping still resists change 11:50 – Technology should support people 15:50 – Data quality and sensor reliability 21:50 – What shipping has gotten right 24:50 – Blockchain, AI, and separating hype from reality 27:50 – Practical uses of AI today 34:20 – Advice for the next generation 35:50 – Why shipping becomes a lifelong passion 36:50 – Books, history, and building a personal library 39:50 – Closing thoughts Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano This episode is sponsored by KVH. As vessels become increasingly connected, the ability to prioritize, secure, and optimize onboard data has become just as important as the connection itself. Here's how KVH is helping operators turn connectivity into a competitive advantage. Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities. Stay salty. Stay curious.
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  Episode 139: From Data Collection to Decision Making with Christian Treu 23.06.2026 36min

  Episode 139: From Data Collection to Decision Making with Christian Treu   Digital transformation in shipping has moved beyond simply collecting data. The challenge now is turning that information into trusted, actionable intelligence that improves performance, efficiency, and decision-making. In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris Aversano sits down with Christian Treu of Danelec, a GTT Group company, to discuss the evolution of maritime technology, the growing sophistication of AI conversations, and why execution remains more important than strategy. Christian shares insights from his journey through IBM, Maersk, maritime finance, ZeroNorth, and now Danelec, where he helps shipowners bridge the gap between shipboard data and operational performance. Sponsored by Danelec Voyage optimization has been a buzzword in maritime for years. So why are most operators still managing routing, speed, fuel and emissions exposure as if they were separate problems? The Great Integration, a new report from Danelec and Thetius, argues that the next leap in voyage performance will not come from another piece of software. It comes from how existing systems are connected, governed, and used. Especially useful for operators running mixed fleets under tightening regulatory requirements. For more information, reach out to our friends at Digital Ship. Key Topics Discussed 02:00 Christian's journey from the Danish Navy to IBM, Maersk, and maritime technology 07:00 Why maritime customers are becoming more sophisticated digital buyers 10:30 The evolution of Danelec from hardware provider to digital performance platform 15:00 Data quality, trust, and the challenge of turning information into insight 19:00 AI, machine learning, and avoiding "AI for AI's sake" 22:00 Demonstrating ROI and building the business case for maritime technology 25:00 Breaking down data silos and the industry's integration challenge 29:00 Why shipping remains one of the most rewarding industries to build a career in 32:00 Leadership lessons, books, and lifelong learning Why Listen? Christian offers a practical perspective on where maritime digitalization stands today. Rather than focusing on technology hype, he highlights the importance of trust, data quality, integration, and execution. It is a thoughtful conversation for anyone trying to understand what digital transformation looks like inside shipping companies. Memorable Quote "Execution beats strategy. Strategy is important, but execution is what ultimately makes the difference." Related Listening Episode 132: Jan Dieleman, Cargill Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities.
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  Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews 09.06.2026 33min

  Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews Guest: Amy Buhl, Service Operations Leader at Weathernews Episode Overview Weather impacts every voyage, every day, yet it often operates quietly in the background of maritime decision-making. In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris sits down with Amy Buhl, Service Operations Leader at Weathernews, to discuss how weather intelligence, vessel operations, connectivity, vessel performance, and voyage optimization are becoming increasingly interconnected. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Amy explains how voyage optimization has evolved from simply avoiding bad weather into a sophisticated balancing act involving safety, fuel efficiency, emissions performance, commercial requirements, and real-time operational decision-making. The conversation also explores the growing role of Starlink-enabled connectivity, probabilistic forecasting, and how weather professionals help operators navigate an increasingly volatile environment. Key Discussion Highlights 01:00 – Introduction to Amy Buhl and Weathernews 05:50 – Why a global maritime weather company operates from Oklahoma 09:00 – How Weathernews supports voyage planning, routing, monitoring, and post-voyage analysis 12:00 – The evolution of voyage optimization and the impact of emissions regulations 15:00 – Technology as decision support, not decision replacement 18:00 – Why maritime digitalization is often a communication challenge 20:30 – Starlink, real-time connectivity, and changing ship-shore operations 23:00 – Probabilistic forecasting and helping operators understand risk 26:00 – Extreme weather, rapid intensification, and emerging operational challenges 29:00 – Why maritime meteorology provides a unique view of global trade 32:00 – The real-world impact of weather decisions on global supply chains 34:45 – Wrap-up and book recommendations Related Listening Episode 134: Maritime's Digital Transformation with Tim Morris of ITS UK Maritime Both conversations explore how technology only creates value when it integrates into operational workflows and helps people make better decisions. Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities.
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  Episode 137: Fuel, Data, and Real Margins – Building a Modern Bunkering Business with Daniel Rose of Shipergy 26.05.2026 40min

  Episode 137: Fuel, Data, and Real Margins – Building a Modern Bunkering Business with Daniel Rose of Shipergy Guest: Daniel Rose, Co-Founder, Shipergy Episode Overview: What does it take to build a modern trading business in one of shipping's oldest markets? In Episode 137, Daniel Rose shares how he co-founded Shipergy and scaled it from zero to over $200M in revenue, all while building data-driven tools that challenge how fuel is bought and valued. From early-stage chaos to AI-enabled operations, this is a grounded look at where technology really works and where it doesn't. Key Moments   00:10 – The origin of Shipergy From entrepreneur-in-residence to building a new kind of bunkering company 01:50 – Why tech comes second to revenue early on Starting with fuel trading, not software 04:35 – Solving real problems vs chasing hype Why most "cool tech" never lands in maritime 07:40 – Scaling to $200M+ revenue What actually drove early growth (and what didn't) 11:00 – Building trust from zero Credit, counterparties, and flying around the world to close deals 15:40 – The mistake: growth for growth's sake Why slowing down might have made more money 18:20 – The hidden inefficiency in bunkering Why energy content and not price per ton should matter 21:30 – Data, transparency, and margin tension Why transparency is both necessary and dangerous 25:10 – Why adoption fails (and how to fix it) If it's not tied to KPIs, no one cares 28:30 – Proof over pitch Using external validation and real data to win trust 30:40 – AI in shipping: what actually changes Efficiency gains, not full automation 32:40 – The shift from SaaS to data consumption Why clients increasingly want APIs, not platforms 34:50 – AI inside the company 4x productivity—but with real risks 38:00 – Leadership and decision-making Lessons from The Courage to Be Disliked 🤝 Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Danelec. Their latest collaboration with Thetius, The Great Integration, explores the hidden "fragmentation tax" across shipping; where teams lose time reconciling data across disconnected systems instead of making decisions. Recommended listening for owners, charterers, and commercial teams looking to better connect data, workflows, and operational insight. For more information, reach out to our friends at Digital Ship. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference!
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  Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy 12.05.2026 42min

  Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy Guest: Caitlin Hardy, Founder & Managing Director, Ness Sea Episode Overview: Caitlin Hardy joins The Last Dinosaur to break down what it really takes to bring technology into maritime, from shipbuilding and subsea systems to startups trying to find product-market fit. Drawing on her experience across naval architecture, Kongsberg, and now Ness Sea, Caitlin offers a clear-eyed view of why adoption is hard, who drives innovation, and why the industry still struggles to tell its story. This conversation touches on the realities of commercial vs defense innovation, the role of capital in driving change, and the growing need for "translators" who can bridge engineering, operations, and business. Key Points Bridging Ship and Shore: The disconnect between design, operations, and crews continues to create friction and opportunity Commercial vs Defense Reality: Speed vs process and why commercial maritime moves faster than government-led innovation Innovation is Owned by Risk-Takers: Progress happens when someone is willing to fund and trial new technology Startups in Maritime: Execution under real-world constraints is far harder than building the idea Autonomy vs Practical Automation: The industry may see more impact from incremental automation than full autonomy The Translator Gap: Maritime needs more professionals who can connect technical, operational, and commercial perspectives A Branding Problem: The industry struggles to tell its story and attract the next generation of talent Timestamps 00:50 – Introduction to Caitlin Hardy 01:40 – Early maritime roots and Naval Academy background 04:00 – Transition from Navy to commercial maritime 07:20 – Procurement complexity and shipbuilding challenges 12:53 – Subsea technology and autonomy: reality vs hype 17:15 – Who owns innovation in maritime 22:15 – The rise of maritime tech startups 24:35 – What founders get wrong 26:55 – What operators get wrong 33:18 – Social media and maritime's branding problem 40:20 – Wrap-up and final thoughts Learn More: For more on how capital and strategy are shaping maritime innovation, check out Episode 112 with Kenji Togasaki, as well as past conversations with Jan Dieleman and Evan Efstathiou. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube. Sponsor – KVH Industries Staying connected at sea isn't just about bandwidth anymore. It's about reliability, flexibility, and control. KVH Industries is setting a new standard with fully integrated LEO connectivity, combining Starlink and OneWeb with advanced onboard network management. Whether you're managing a single vessel or an entire global fleet, KVH delivers fast, low-latency connectivity with seamless switching across networks. And with the CommBox Edge ecosystem, you can manage bandwidth, prioritise applications, and optimise performance across every vessel. You're not just connected—you're in control. Visit kvh.com and see what full control at sea really looks like. Interested in Sponsoring? If you're looking to reach a highly engaged maritime audience of operators, technologists, and decision-makers, The Last Dinosaur partners with Digital Ship for podcast sponsorships. Get in touch with Digital Ship to explore opportunities.
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  Episode 135: Beyond Compliance – The Reality of Seafarer Wellbeing with Meei Wong 28.04.2026 36min

  Episode Overview: A conversation that challenges how the industry defines "wellbeing." Meei Wong, Founder and CEO of Circle Digital Ventures, breaks down why compliance-driven metrics miss the real picture onboard—and why trust, culture, and incentives are the real barriers to improving life at sea. Timestamps: 00:05 – Introduction and Meei's journey into seafarer welfare 02:23 – A broken system: industry value vs reliance on charities 05:20 – What wellbeing actually looks like onboard vs compliance metrics 10:36 – Why self-reported data misses the reality 13:08 – Health gaps, underreporting, and life at sea 17:35 – Adoption challenges and resistance to new technology 20:13 – Who drives adoption—and who pays 24:23 – The shift from CSR to risk management 28:30 – The case for investing in human lives 31:26 – Closing thoughts and reading recommendations Learn More: Check out related conversations on seafarer welfare and human systems, including Episode 109, featuring Pam Kern talking about maritime mental health. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA' Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Share it with someone in the industry who should be part of this conversation. Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Connect with Digital Ship to learn more.
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  Episode 134: Why Maritime Still Isn't Connected – And What It Will Take to Fix It 14.04.2026 31min

  Guest: Tim Morris, Principal Engineer at Arup; Chair, ITS UK Maritime Forum Episode Overview: Maritime has no shortage of digital tools. What it lacks is connection. In this episode, Chris Aversano speaks with Tim Morris about why shipping still operates in silos while other transport sectors have evolved into fully connected systems. They explore what intelligent transport systems (ITS) really mean in a maritime context, where the industry is falling short, and how better coordination across ports, vessels, and landside logistics could unlock efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Key Moments 00:05 – Introduction Chris sets the stage: maritime as part of a broader transport ecosystem and the gap between shipping and other modes. 01:14 – Tim's Background and Systems Thinking From highways to ports, Tim explains how land-based transport challenges led him to maritime and system-wide coordination. 03:23 – The "Light Bulb" Moment COVID disruptions revealed how fragile and disconnected maritime systems are when things go wrong. 07:42 – What Is an Intelligent Transport System (ITS)? ITS defined as digitized data + secure communication + decision-making capability across connected systems. 12:00 – The Core Problem: Who Owns the System? Chris highlights the fundamental challenge of fragmentation and lack of shared standards across stakeholders. 13:04 – Technology vs. Transformation Tim explains why this is not just a tech problem, but a change management and alignment issue. 16:27 – Where to Start: Breaking the Deadlock Ports and terminals emerge as a practical starting point for enabling data sharing and coordination. 21:16 – The UK Perspective How the UK is exploring coastal shipping, smaller port inclusion, and integrated transport strategies. 23:46 – What Happens If We Do Nothing? The risk is not just inefficiency—it is widening disconnect between maritime and the rest of the supply chain. 25:45 – Efficiency, AI, and New Business Models Connectivity could unlock new services, better decision-making, and entirely new commercial opportunities. 28:28 – Human + AI Collaboration AI as a support tool, not a replacement, especially in safety-critical maritime environments. 28:51 – What Tim Is Reading The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides—a look at Captain James Cook's final voyage and early navigation challenges. 29:55 – A Book in the Works Tim shares that he is co-authoring a book on maritime ITS, expected later this year. Learn More 🎧 Related episode: Episode 122: Data Infrastructure, Not Apps – with Ari Marjamaa of Raa Labs A complementary conversation on building the data layer required for system-wide coordination. Tune in Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch clips on YouTube. Support & Advertising If you've found value in this episode, please follow, share, and leave a 5-star review. 📣 Interested in advertising on The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano
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  Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World 31.03.2026 39min

  Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World Episode Overview Recorded live at CMA Shipping, this roundtable pulls back the curtain on seafarers' welfare in modern shipping. Chris sits down with Rev. Stephen Cushing, Julia Cooper, and Dr. Christopher Graham to explore how digital transformation is reshaping life for crews when ships come into port. From Starlink and onboard connectivity to WhatsApp communication, e-commerce logistics, and social media visibility, this conversation highlights how seafarer welfare has evolved into a critical part of the maritime ecosystem. It also brings into focus a more immediate reality. At a time of rising geopolitical tension, including conflict impacting key shipping lanes, thousands of seafarers continue to operate in high-risk regions. Often out of sight, they remain on the front lines of global trade. Key Discussion Sections 00:00 Introduction to the Maritime Landscape Setting the stage from CMA Shipping and framing the role of seafarers within global supply chains. 02:41 Seafarers' Welfare and Digital Transformation How welfare centers are evolving into logistics hubs, communication bridges, and digital support systems. 05:24 Crew Expectations and Shore-Based Support How increased connectivity is reshaping what seafarers need when they come ashore. 07:51 The Role of Technology in Seafarer Connectivity The impact of Starlink, SIM cards, and onboard internet access on crew behavior and expectations. 10:30 Social Media and Its Impact on Seafarers How platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are shaping communication, visibility, and continuity of care. 13:09 Mental Health and Crew Dynamics The balance between connectivity and isolation, and the importance of leadership and culture onboard. 15:31 The Future of Seafaring and Automation Concerns around automation, job security, and the increasing complexity of maritime careers. 18:12 The Human Element in Maritime Operations Why seafarers remain the essential and often invisible backbone of global trade. 21:01 Final Thoughts on Seafarers' Welfare Including the realities of seafarers operating in active geopolitical hotspots and why their role is often overlooked until disruption occurs. Learn More For more on this topic, check out Episode 87: Navigating the Future – Seafarers' Welfare and Maritime Challenges, recorded live at the NAMMA Annual Conference. That conversation explores similar themes including shore leave, connectivity, and the evolving role of welfare organizations across the maritime industry. Tune in Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch clips and follow along on LinkedIn and YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast This episode is supported by Digital Ship, bringing maritime professionals the latest in digital innovation, connectivity, and technology across the industry. If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow the show. Share it with someone in maritime and subscribe to the newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference.
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  Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman 17.03.2026 40min

  Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman Guest: Jan Dieleman President, Ocean Transportation — Cargill Chair, Global Maritime Forum Episode Overview In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris Aversano speaks with Jan Dieleman, President of Ocean Transportation at Cargill and Chair of the Global Maritime Forum. Cargill charters hundreds of vessels across global trades at any given time, moving grains, energy products, and raw materials around the world. From that vantage point, Jan offers a unique charterer perspective on how shipping decisions are made. Hint: it is often long before those decisions become visible to the broader market. At a time when tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to create uncertainty for global shipping and energy flows, the conversation explores how leaders in shipping actually make decisions in real time. The discussion touches on the commercial realities behind maritime decarbonization, how large organizations approach experimentation with new technologies, and why decision-making in shipping often requires acting on imperfect information. Chris and Jan also discuss the role of data in modern shipping, the challenge of balancing analysis with action during geopolitical disruptions, and why maritime remains one of the most essential yet often overlooked industries in the global economy. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Sponsor 01:30 Navigating the Evolving Maritime Landscape 03:09 Jan Dieleman's Journey in Shipping 05:57 Bridging the Gap: Charterers and Owners 10:31 Decarbonization: A Collaborative Journey 13:39 The Economics of Decarbonization 18:44 Experimentation and Transparency in Shipping 22:18 Diverse Dynamics in Maritime Industries 26:33 The Role of Data in Decision Making 31:39 Balancing Risk and Analysis in Leadership 34:23 Attracting Talent to the Maritime Industry 36:47 The Hidden Importance of Shipping Related Listening Episode 54: The Digital Evolution of Shipping with Scott Bergeron of Oldendorff Carriers Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Smart Ship Hub, helping shipowners and operators turn vessel data into measurable operational improvements across their fleets. Want to learn more about sponsoring an episode?  Contact my friends at Digital Ship. Tune In Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music by: Peg and The Rejected — King of Ska Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support the Podcast If you found value in this episode: • Follow The Last Dinosaur on Spotify or Apple Podcasts • Leave a 5-star review • Share the episode with someone in the maritime industry You can also support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕⚓
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  Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos 03.03.2026 44min

  Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos Guest: Léon Gommans, CEO and Co-Founder, Teqplay Also: Host of the vodcast Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay Special Note: This is a co-produced episode and will be released on both The Last Dinosaur and Teqplay's vodcast Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay Episode Overview: This one is a true back and forth. Léon and Chris co-host a joint episode that moves from the reality of port call complexity to why "visibility" is still surprisingly hard, and how digital twins can make maritime data usable in the moments that matter. They also dig into transparency, trust, AI, talent, and why the industry's relationship DNA is not going anywhere. Key Discussion Highlights (short + punchy): 28 stakeholders in a single port call: Why port calls are coordinated systems, not simple arrivals. Digital twin, not another dashboard: Combining AIS, port context, and processes into something actionable. Paperwork is still the drag: How manual documentation persists despite the cost of waiting. "Ships dropping out of the air": The visibility gap that should not exist in a connected world. Transparency creates tension: When operational timestamps feel proprietary and why that is changing. AI changes the hiding game: If data is out there, it is increasingly hard to keep it invisible. Speed of change is uneven: Big players move first, but smaller firms are surprising everyone. Talent is a long game: Programs, hackathons, and the small steps that compound into change. Trust is the unlock: Shifting from default distrust to shared efficiency and predictability. Learn More: Teqplay's vodcast: Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay (this episode will be posted there as well). Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to the newsletter for more updates. Sponsorship and Advertising: Interested in sponsoring an episode or advertising with The Last Dinosaur? Reach out via DigitalShip to explore options and audience packages.
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  Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance 17.02.2026 33min

  Guest: Thomas Nordberg CEO, The Swedish Club Episode Overview Shipping has always been about risk. But the nature of that risk is shifting. In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Nordberg, CEO of The Swedish Club, to explore how maritime risk has evolved from vessel-centric, event-driven incidents to complex systemic exposures shaped by geopolitics, regulation, cyber threats, and digital transformation. This is not a conversation about premiums and policies. It is a practical look at how insurers are adapting, how shipowners should be thinking differently, and why the P&I club model may be more relevant today than ever. The Last Dinosaur is proud to collaborate with Digital Ship to continue these practical conversations around maritime digitalization and risk. Key Discussion Highlights ✅ Risk Is Now Systemic Geopolitics and regulation reshape exposure overnight. ✅ How the Mutual Model Works Member-owned structure. Shared risk. Long-term alignment. ✅ Reputation Moves at Internet Speed Incidents are public in minutes. ✅ From Claims to Prevention Data and analytics are shifting insurance from reactive to proactive. ✅ Cyber Is Expanding Fast Dedicated products are emerging as digital exposure grows. ✅ Digital Impacts Crew Welfare Connectivity now affects retention and wellbeing. Why This Episode Matters The risk profile in shipping is expanding, not shrinking. Geopolitical volatility. Cyber threats. Regulatory acceleration. Green tech. Understanding how insurers see these risks gives operators a different lens as we move into 2026 and beyond. Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Related Listening For more on incident response and public visibility, revisit Episode 115 with Joseph Farrell Jr. of Resolve Marine. Help Us Grow Follow the podcast Leave a five-star review Share it with your network Stay curious. Stay salty.
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  Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea 03.02.2026 38min

  Guest: Gordana Ilic, PhD — Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BetterSea and host of The Wavemakers Podcast Episode Overview: Gordana Ilic didn't come up through shipping.  Gordana's path was through sustainability, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, then into Maersk's decarbonization work before returning to entrepreneurship. In this episode, we go beyond regulation talk and into what's really happening in the market: how FuelEU is being received, why smaller owners moved faster than some of the giants, what pooling is changing culturally and commercially, and what founders learn the hard way about building in an industry that's still adjusting to transparency. Key Points: From sustainability to shipping, by way of innovation: Gordana's path from chemistry/PhD work to startup ecosystems, corporate innovation, and finally maritime decarbonization. Why she left Maersk to build again: Entrepreneurship as "nature," not just opportunity and why ignoring that pull started affecting her health. BetterSea's pivot: broad vision → sharp wedge: Starting with a wider decarbonization decision framework, then focusing on FuelEU to match market readiness and urgency. FuelEU early reactions were… real: From "EU ETS won't happen" to skepticism in Singapore  and the long road of educating the market before urgency hit. Surprise: smaller owners moved first: Faster decision cycles, direct access to leadership, and a willingness to act once risk/opportunity became clear (including strong early traction with Greek owners). The IMO pause shockwave: A market freeze, regrouping, and then clarity: regional regulations are the near-term reality and FuelEU isn't going away. Pooling is working but it forces transparency: Deals, due diligence, KYC, and the reality that shipping companies aren't always used to hearing "no" from their counterparties, now other shipping companies. Efficiency isn't one silver bullet: Alternative fuels are straightforward in concept, but the bigger differentiator is execution speed, alignment, and how companies think portfolio-style over time. Founder advice that matters: Trust your gut, challenge norms politely, ask "why not," and reach out to people early (LinkedIn is a cheat code when used well). Podcasting as a leadership tool: Why Gordana launched The Wavemakers Podcast, what she's learned from conversations, and why creative projects often become personal "guide rails." Learn More: Check out Gordana's podcast The Wavemakers Podcast on YouTube and other streaming channels. Related listening: Episode 105: Decarbonization & FuelEU Reality with Friederike Hesse of zero44.  This is a strong companion on compliance mechanics, pooling, and commercial decision-making. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates — and if you're interested in advertising, reach out to my friends at Digital Ship.
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  Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap 20.01.2026 41min

  Guest: Capt. Ankur Arora, Global Market Leader, Commercial at Bureau Veritas Group Episode Overview: Capt. Ankur Arora has lived shipping from all sides.  Years at sea, senior roles with shipowners, and now inside a leading class society. In this episode, he breaks down what changes when innovation stops being a slide deck and starts living onboard: design choices that affect daily work, the role of modeling and verification, how connectivity reshapes crew life, and why talent pipelines depend on telling the real story of seafaring. Key Points: Why he chose sea life (and what he learned fast): Early responsibility, rapid growth, and leadership lessons that carry forward well beyond the bridge. The reality of going shoreside: Transitioning ashore means starting over; steep learning curves, intense competition, and rebuilding credibility. Owner vs. class: different seat, same objective: Safe, compliant ships that stay on-hire and keep earning. Design decisions matter more than most admit: Seafarer input during design is limited, yet small operational details can drive safety and efficiency. Innovation vs. adoption: The tech landscape is crowded.  Key to success is validation and operational fit matter more than trends. Connectivity as an enabler, not a threat: Normal life at sea now includes connectivity; culture and leadership determine whether it helps or harms. Vetting and inspections strengthened by digital tools: Technology improves preparation, risk visibility, and robustness all without cutting corners. Related listening: Episode 89:  Seafarers, Decarbonization, and Diversity at Sea with Ralph Juhl, EVP, Technical at Hafnia.  This is a complementary owner-operator perspective on crew engagement and decarbonization in practice. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: Please rate the show 5-stars, follow, and subscribe to the newsletter. Interested in advertising? Reach out to my friends at Digital Ship
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  Episode 127 — Starting 2026 with the Right Mindset with Akanksha Batura Pai PD 06.01.2026 44min

  Guest:  Akanksha Batura Pai, PD Executive Director, Sinoda Shipping Agency Pte Ltd | IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador (Emerita) | #1 Top 100 Women in Shipping Episode Overview: We kick off 2026 with a grounded, practical conversation with Akanksha Batura Pai PD, one of my favorite interviews to date. We talk about what digital transformation actually looks like inside a ship agency, why incremental change beats big-bang initiatives, how mindset drives successful adoption, and why clean data still matters more than AI hype. This episode is part of our ongoing partnership with The Captain's Table Challenge and for the second year in a row, The Last Dinosaur is the official podcast of the Challenge. Key Points: Ship agency is a services business with thin margins and constant pressure to improve Digitalization only works when it reflects real operational workflows Incremental change is more effective than sweeping transformations A failed digital rollout became a success once redesigned around how people actually work "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution" as a leadership mindset AI can reduce friction; but only if the underlying data is clean and reliable Retaining talent requires job redesign, flexibility, and modern leadership Related Listening: Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate us 5 stars, and share it. Interested in sponsorship or advertising? Opportunities are available through our partnership with Digital Ship.
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  Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou 16.12.2025 40min

  Guest: Evan Efstathiou, CEO of Burmester & Vogel and Founder of SkySail Advisors Episode Overview: For the fourth year in a row, Evan joins The Last Dinosaur to unpack the big storylines in maritime tech. From AI hype vs. reality and sector consolidation, to decarbonization, hardware innovation, and the next wave of corporate venture investing, this episode is your annual "state of the union" for digital shipping. Chris and Evan revisit last year's predictions, look at what played out in 2025, and lay out what to watch closely in 2026. Key Points: AI Moves From Hype to "Show Me the Money": AI has shifted from novelty add-on to table stakes. Vendors can't just say "AI" anymore—customers want real productivity gains and measurable ROI, not marketing gimmicks. Roll-Ups, Acqui-Hires, and the Looming "Big Five" Question: 2025 saw continued M&A among larger players and classic roll-ups plus AI acqui-hires. Evan talks about Kpler, Marcura, Sedna and others—and what it might look like if some of the "big five" platform players eventually combine. Decarbonization Tech Is Here to Stay (Even If Policy Pauses): Despite IMO's slower tempo, tools for ETS, FuelEU and emissions accounting are now baked into contracts and day-to-day operations. Tech and digital remain the "low-hanging fruit" for compliance, risk reduction, and cost savings. VC & Corporate Venture Capital Double Down on Maritime: Dedicated maritime funds and shipowner-backed CVC arms are becoming core capital sources for seed and early-stage innovation, especially where AI, optimization and decarb intersect. Hardware + Software Stacks Gain Momentum: From robotic hull cleaning to onboard sensor platforms and wind-assisted propulsion, Evan highlights how digital twins and AI-enhanced analytics are making hardware projects more bankable and easier to scale across fleets. The Future of Work: Smaller Teams, Bigger Tools: Claims departments, chartering desks, and brokers aren't going away—but their toolkits are changing. The real future is smaller, highly experienced teams amplified by AI, not full automation replacing human judgment and relationships. 2026: The Year of the AI Shakeout: With spending at "epic levels" for AI - boards, investors, and customers will all be asking the same thing: did it pay off? Evan predicts 2026 will be a defining year where resilient, commercially viable AI products pull ahead and weaker offerings fall away. Learn More: If you enjoy this episode, go back to our earlier Year in Review with Evan: Episode 94 – "Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2024 with Evan Efstathiou" Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – "King of SKA" Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please: Follow the show and rate us ★★★★★ Share the episode with a colleague or friend Support via Buy Me a Coffee if you'd like to help keep the pod going 💼 Advertising: If you would like to advertise with us, please contact Digital Ship.
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  Episode 125: Leveling the Playing Field in Global Trade with Carmit Glik of Ship4wd 02.12.2025 35min

  Episode 125: Leveling the Playing Field in Global Trade with Carmit Glik of Ship4wd Guest: Carmit Glik, CEO, Ship4wd Episode Overview: Global trade isn't just mega-shippers and Fortune 500s. It's thousands of small and mid-sized businesses trying to move a single container without getting crushed by complexity. In this episode, Carmit Glik, CEO of Ship4wd, explains how her team is building a digital-first freight solution that combines technology and human support to give underdogs a fair shot in international logistics. Key Points: Why SMBs Are the Real Backbone of Trade How small and mid-sized businesses make up the majority of economic activity—and why they're often ignored by traditional logistics providers. Trust After Turbulence What COVID, the Red Sea disruptions, and shifting tariffs have done to SMB confidence—and why "too good to be true" is the default reaction to new services. Digital-First, Human-Backed How Ship4wd blends self-service booking, tariff calculators, and shipment tracking with real people on call when things go sideways. Knowledge as an Antidote to Chaos Why transparency on duties, tariffs, and total landed costs is now non-negotiable for business owners making tight-margin decisions. From VC to Founder: Lessons for Maritime/Logistics Startups Carmit's path from maritime VC to operator, what's changed in the startup ecosystem since 2018, and her advice for founders who want to solve real problems in freight. Sponsored by Accelleron This episode is brought to you by Accelleron and the LOREKA360° Emissions Desk—one partner, one process, and complete confidence in your compliance. Learn more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk. If you'd like to discuss sponsoring The Last Dinosaur, please get in touch with Digital Ship. Tune in Now: Listen to Episode 125 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
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  Episode 124: Connecting Ships with Local Experts: Manos Koukouvios, COO, Vsltec 25.11.2025 35min

  Connecting Ships with Local Experts Guest: Manos Koukouvios, COO,  Vsltec Episode Overview: Former seafarer and now COO of Vsltec, Manos Koukouvios shares how a real off-hire HVAC failure in West Africa sparked the idea for a vetted, location-based network of technical service providers. We talk about building a two-sided marketplace in shipping, managing expectations in a "WhatsApp world," and what founders should really focus on when starting in maritime tech. ⭐ Sponsor: Accelleron – LOREKA360° Emissions Desk You Should Be Operating Ships, Not Filing Paperwork Accelleron's LOREKA360° Emissions Desk is a complete compliance service that handles data checks, documentation, forecasting, and verification – powered by intelligent software and experts who've actually worked at sea. 👉 Learn more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk Want to advertise with the podcast?  Contact my friends at DigitalShip Key Points From sea to startup: Manos' journey from LNG and cruise ships to Flagship Founders and into VesselTech. The HVAC case that sparked Vsltec: How one bad technical job turned into months of off-hire and a clear problem to solve. Vetted, local networks: Why Vsltec insists on truly local service providers and how that de-clutters the "we do everything, everywhere" noise. Change management & expectations: Selling into overloaded technical/purchasing teams whose expectations are shaped by free, consumer-grade apps. Advice for founders: Obsess over the problem first, talk to people, and only build when you know it's real, big, and worth paying for. Learn More: For another deep-dive on maritime innovation, check out Episode 78: Navigating Maritime Innovation with Fabian Feldhaus Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Support the Podcast: Please rate 5 stars, follow, share, or support via Buy Me a Coffee. Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕🌊
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  Episode 123: Digital Pay at Sea: Crew Wages, Compliance, and Cashless Ships with Stuart Ostrow of ShipMoney 18.11.2025 37min

  Episode Overview: Crews are still getting paid with cash, FedExed checks, and manual wires. ShipMoney is trying to end that. In this episode, Stuart Ostrow explains how digital payroll and controlled payout options are changing how seafarers get paid, how owners manage cash, and how operators stay compliant in a sanctions-heavy world. This episode of The Last Dinosaur is produced in proud partnership with The Captain's Table, a global pitch platform spotlighting the people building the future of maritime. Sponsor: Staying compliant in shipping is only getting harder. CII, EU ETS, FuelEU… it's nonstop. OrbitMI's Orbit Reporter automates regulatory reporting, improves data accuracy, and helps owners get ahead instead of scrambling. Named one of the 150 Most Innovative Companies in Maritime four years in a row. Want compliance to be an advantage, not a tax on ops? Learn more at https://www.orbitmi.com/connected-maritime-era. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to Digital Ship. Key Points: Paying crew is still painfully manual — cash on board, wires, even paper checks. Digital pay gives seafarers control: they can send money home how they want (bank, wallet, cash pickup). Removing cash from vessels also helps owners with compliance, auditability, and fraud risk. Cyber and compliance are daily battles: sanctions, KYC, OTP security, penetration testing. This isn't just payroll anymore — companies are using these tools for ship stores, superintendent expenses, and vendor payments. Tune In: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and watch on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support the Show: Follow, rate us 5-stars, and share with someone in crewing, compliance, or vessel management.