In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Ernst Meyer, President & CEO of Torvald Klaveness, emphasizes that the tools needed to enhance daily engagement between shore and ship are already available. This enables the creation of communication platforms, training programs, and feedback systems, allowing seafarers to actively participate in the transition toward digitalization and decarbonization.
To achieve decarbonization goals effectively, Meyer stresses the importance of industry-wide collaboration. He also highlights the critical role of leadership in making safety a core focus of daily operations. Concluding, Meyer underscores the necessity of sustainability, stating, “While we can’t solve everything at once, striving for positive change is far more impactful than resisting it.”
SAFETY4SEA: What is your company’s philosophy for the maritime industry and what are the top priorities on your agenda for the next five years?
Ernst Meyer: Our philosophy is that economic pressures—such as general inflation, rising carbon costs, and increasing fuel prices—will compel companies in the maritime industry to find ways to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. As a result, our top priorities focus on exploring innovative operational methods, integrating technology, and developing new business model strategies to improve supply chain efficiency. Ultimately, our goal is to create more resilient, decarbonized, and cost-effective supply chains.
S4S: In your view, how can we go the extra mile to witness actual improvements across a zero-accident maritime industry? What roles does leadership play towards achieving this?
E.M.: Achieving tangible results requires dedicated hard work across an entire organization – from board to engine room. Leadership plays a crucial role in this as it is not just about following safety protocols but creating a culture where safety is a priority and part of everyday operations.
S4S: What are some of the most significant challenges that Torvald Klaveness faces in achieving its decarbonization goals?
E.M.: The competitive disadvantage that may arise from taking responsibility and adopting new solutions early. Additionally, to effectively achieve our decarbonization goals, industry-wide cooperation is needed.
S4S: What can the industry do to help engage seafarers who feel like they may not have a voice in the energy transition?
E.M.: With the introduction of new connectivity technologies, we are transitioning from an industry once skeptical of the connected seafarer to one that fully embraces it. We now have all the necessary tools to facilitate daily engagement between shore and ship. We can create communication platforms, training programs, and feedback systems, for example, where seafarers can truly understand and become a part of the transition.
S4S: What needs to be done in order for existing and future crews to perceive life and work at sea as a positive experience?
E.M.: Building on the previous answer, a good start is to use new connectivity technologies to enable seafarers to be able to communicate regularly with friends and family when onboard.
S4S: What is your wish list for the industry and/or regulators and all parties involved for the shipping industry to enhance safety culture onboard?
E.M.: We need to have a closer look at old regulations and conventions that were established for another time. Today, new technologies and connectivity enable a fundamentally different interaction between shore and ship. For instance, the traditional requirement of at least one management visit to a vessel per year contrasts with our ability to engage daily using video technology. So, what truly promotes safety? Is it a single yearly visit without connectivity, or the opportunity for daily virtual interactions through digital tools.
S4S: What actions should we take to collectively create an inclusive and attractive industry and improve the industry’s image for the younger generation?
E.M.: We should look at prioritizing education that encompasses both technical skills and a strong understanding of the business aspects seafarers take part in. I really wish all seafarers could appreciate, and be proud of, their vital role and contributions, recognizing that without them, resources like food and energy would be severely impacted – something that became clear during the COVID pandemic.
S4S: Do you believe the maritime industry is moving in the right direction? What do you see as the defining sustainability trends driving maritime toward the future?
E.M.: Yes, the industry is moving in the right direction. Many shipping companies, charterers, and regulators, including the IMO have established goals and ambitions set by top management. Engine manufacturers and fuel suppliers are also actively focused on the task. So, the direction is clear, but the pace is nowhere near where it needs to be. In my opinion, this pace can only be achieved if decarbonization becomes more competitive, rather than waiting for others to bear the costs.
S4S: Do you have any projects/ plans that you would like to share with industry stakeholders?
E.M.: We are developing solutions to enhance efficiency in maritime supply chains – not simply by addressing OPEX or crew costs, but by transporting more with less. This involves optimization of freight and logistics to minimize ballasting, waiting time, and decrease unnecessary fuel consumption caused by high speeds, etc.
S4S: If you could change one thing across the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why?
E.M.: If I had to choose one thing right now, I would ensure that every ship in the world operates at an optimal speed adjusted to its upcoming port operations. This is essential for supply chain efficiency, and I think it’s entirely achievable by leveraging better use of data and facilitating collaboration.
S4S: What is your key message to industry stakeholders to foster a more sustainable future for shipping?
E.M.: My key message would be to lean in on what it takes to become more sustainable. While we can’t solve everything at once, striving for positive change is far more impactful than resisting it.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
