Navigating Zero

Tanker markets are highly influenced by geopolitical upheaval and macro-economic trends. In such a volatile environment, how can companies meet current demands, while staying on track advancing the energy transition? Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia, with nearly 40 years in the industry, shares his unique and pragmatic perspective on the energy transition.

In this episode, Mikael explores how companies can take a steady, adaptable approach to decarbonisation, balancing today’s demands with long-term sustainability goals. He highlights the importance for shipowners to improve the environmental footprint of their current assets, for example through technology solutions and using data to make steady, measurable improvements, while working alongside customers for a long-term transition  — a strategy he believes will help Hafnia achieve lasting impact. Mikael also delves into how market leaders driving technological developments can benefit smaller organisations and the industry at large.

Explore the role of politics in the green transition with Rasmus Nordqvist, a newly elected member of the European Parliament for the Danish Socialist People’s Party (SF). Known for his environmental advocacy with The Alternative, a green and pro-European party, and now the Socialist People's Party, Rasmus brings valuable insights on strategic political engagement for sustainability.

In this episode, Rasmus explores the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the role that legislative bodies play in propelling environmental agendas forward. Rasmus also provides a behind the scene glimpse into his experience and reflections on why the European Parliament’s ways of working across its 27 member states is able to set regulations which inspire other countries to follow suit.

How can businesses effectively integrate sustainability into their core strategies? Pia Heidenmark Cook, known for her influential role at IKEA and her expertise across various sectors, shares her insights. 

This episode delves into Pia's strategic approaches to influencing change within large organisations, utilising data to support sustainability, and setting actionable and impactful environmental targets. The discussion provides valuable insights into how sustainable practices can align with and even enhance business objectives, driving the broader adoption of green initiatives across industries.

As the maritime industry seeks sustainable solutions, dual fuel technologies emerge as a critical bridge to a greener future. These innovative technologies enable ships to operate using both conventional and alternative fuels, reducing emissions and paving the way for more sustainable global trade practices.

Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions delves into the evolution and impact of dual fuel engines. With over three decades of experience in the field, Bjarne explores the adoption of these engines across the global fleet and discusses the role of regulations and market demand in accelerating the maritime industry’s green transition.

The intersections of global trade, policy, and ecological limits are discussed by Katherine Richardson, a professor of Biological Oceanography, leader of the Sustainability Science Centre at Copenhagen University and former chairman of the Danish Climate Commission. She delves into the concept of planetary boundaries and planetary commons, highlighting how to focus on biodiversity alongside climate change. 

Exploring how understanding and respecting planetary boundaries is crucial as we navigate environmental challenges, she illuminates how sustainable practices can lead to a stable and healthy planet. This discussion is pivotal for anyone interested in how scientific insights can guide us toward a sustainable future.

The container shipping industry faces unique challenges in transitioning to greener practices. External factors have spurred rapid growth and profit since the late 20th century. Yet, major disruptions such as the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2024 Red Sea Crisis have significantly impacted the industry. Amid these upheavals, how can container shipping advance its green agenda?

In this episode, Lars Jensen, CEO and Partner at Vespucci Maritime, offers an in-depth exploration of how the industry has adapted to monumental changes, including those from recent global crises. He discusses the evolution of business models to meet modern challenges and delves into the complexities of navigating new regulations, such as the EU’s carbon taxation scheme, which pose both challenges and opportunities for the green transition.

To meet increasingly stringent IMO targets for 2030 and 2040, the shipping industry must evolve by adopting greener energy sources and optimising efficiency. But is the industry prepared for these changes?

In this episode, Tristan Smith, Associate Professor at the UCL Energy Institute and a delegate to the IMO from RINA and IMarEST, offers an insider’s perspective on necessary strategic measures for maritime decarbonisation. He emphasises the importance of grounding global regulations in solid industry research and real-world applicability to ensure driving meaningful change. Tristan also provides a behind-the-scenes look at IMO negotiations, sharing insights into how international regulations are shaped and the complex challenges that research helps to unravel, paving pathways toward zero emissions.

In this special episode of Navigating Zero, host Lora Jakobsen takes us to Folkemødet on the beautiful island of Bornholm, Denmark. This unique annual political festival aims to bridge the gap between citizens and decision-makers. Lora engages in compelling conversations with top business leaders and industry experts about their strategies and challenges in achieving zero emissions in their respective fields. Each guest discusses why they came to Folkemødet, what megatrends influence their thinking, and how collaboration and conversation with politicians benefit their work.

This episode features conversations with Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, Laura Kemp-Pedersen, Chief Sustainability Officer of McDonald's Nordics, Søren Meyer, CEO of ZeroNorth, and Jenny Braat, CEO of Danish Maritime.

In an industry as foundational and globally interconnected as shipbuilding, understanding the currents of change is essential for navigating towards a sustainable future. 

In this episode of Navigating Zero, Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe and CESA, a formidable advocate for European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers, dissect the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the shipbuilding industry.

Throughout their discussion, Christophe and Lora delve into the geopolitical nuances impacting shipbuilding, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the relentless competition from Asia. They explore how these external pressures intertwine with internal industry dynamics, such as the digital revolution and the growing maritime talent gap, to create a complex landscape for shipbuilders.

It's hard to underestimate the importance of ports in our world. They are vital links between land and sea, offering unique opportunities for spearheading digital transformations and green technologies. This pivotal role underscores their potential to reshape maritime logistics for a zero emission future.

In this episode, Saskia Mureau, Director Customer Digital at the Port of Rotterdam discusses the critical role of ports in the green transition, her leadership in establishing the Rotterdam-Singapore digital and green corridor, and the need for improved digital literacy to propel the industry forward.

A view that takes the needs of future generations into account is critical if we are to change our world for the better. But how can we push boundaries, and make different decisions today that benefit the lives of our children and grandchildren tomorrow?

In this episode, Sophie Howe, former Future Generations Commissioner for the Welsh Government, explores the transformative power of public policy, our collective responsibility to drive positive impact for the next generations, and how radical, forward-thinking can lead to substantial environmental progress.

Technology plays a critical role in the green transition. In the past, the complexity of the shipping industry – including the diversity of the global fleet, infrastructure constraints, and the economic impact of ‘going green’ – has prevented mass adoption of technological innovation.

In this episode, Søren Meyer, CEO of ZeroNorth, discusses the technology that is shaping the future of the green transition and why he thinks the change movement is critical to accelerate the maritime industry.

In an era where our planet's resources are increasingly stretched thin, finding sustainable methods for the global transportation of goods becomes imperative. This challenge calls for innovative solutions to redefine the global supply chain to be in harmony with environmental sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where profit and planet coexist.

In this episode, Robert Mærsk Uggla, CEO of A.P. Møller Holding, explores the balance between the necessity of global trade and its environmental impact, the energy systems fuelling its transportation, and ambitious solutions that will lead us towards a sustainable future.

What does it mean to lead boldly? It can involve making unpopular decisions to chart a new way forward. In our industry, it can translate to putting planet hand in hand with profit or finding innovative ways to put sustainability at the heart of strategy. It can also mean being able to see where today’s trends might lead us tomorrow.

In this episode, Lord John Browne, Chairman of BeyondNetZero and former BP CEO, discusses what inspired him to change BP’s direction during his tenure, the importance of incentivising change through bold leadership, and how his organisation is helping to finance the green transition.

Shipping continues to struggle with its data-driven digital transformation, perhaps due to it being a global industry with different regional capabilities, needs, mindsets, and conflicting incentives. These complexities may be why this industry has been slow to adopt technology and reap the benefits of machine learning and AI.

In this episode, Danny Lange, VP of BI and AI at Google, explores the dynamic between high-quality data collection and AI, uncovering the keys to steering the shipping industry towards a zero emissions future.

Green fuels have the potential to move the dial on reaching zero emissions. However, the complex nature of overhauling fuel supply chains and a lack of infrastructure present a barrier for the shipping industry. It's essential that collaboration amongst stakeholders is expanded and made more transparent if we’re going to see a rollout of green and biofuels.

In this episode, Lynn Loo, CEO at the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), discusses future fuels and the key actions that the industry needs to take to navigate to zero emissions.

Enterprises that move cargo across the seas are well placed to influence the direction of sustainable shipping practices. They are the first movers, taking on the risk of testing new technologies and implementing new practices so that change can happen. On our path to zero emissions, we need to support the first movers who lead by example.

In this episode, Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill Ocean Transportation, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of global trade and sustainability, and the vital role that first movers play to drive industry change towards new technologies and practices.

In the first episode of Navigating Zero, we're taking you through some of the foundational concepts and facets of global trade. The objective of this show is to try to unravel some of the complexities of this industry and explore the actions it can take to reach zero emissions. To do this, we need to start at the beginning.

In this conversation, Richard Meade, Editor in Chief of Lloyd's List, discusses how he would define global shipping, the complexities of regulation and regulatory bodies, and what aspects he thinks are most important moving forward.

The maritime sector accounts for roughly 3% of all global greenhouse gases. The world is in a climate crisis, and our industry needs to transition to zero emissions. But how do we actually get there?

Navigating Zero, a podcast from ZeroNorth, delves into why it's so complex to break down barriers and change the mindset of this historic global industry during its green transition.

In each episode, host Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth, will sit down with thought leaders and global experts to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces as it navigates its way toward zero emissions.