In order for someone to succeed in the maritime industry, they must not be conservative, said Wilhelmsen’s CEO, Thomas Wilhelmsen, speaking in an Industry Conference hosted by DNB.
A conservative approach in shipping will not lead to success, he stressed, and this is showcased by many examples, in which companies proceeded to many changes, such as changing from sail ships to steam, from steam to diesel, and today adapting to the digital world. These companies managed to adapt to the new requirements and thus continued their business.
“With the amount of data available now, combined with technology providing new opportunities, our options and possibilities to create value for our customers are different today than just one year ago. It is more fun to be in in the forefront of developing the maritime industry, than to be just someone who comes in later and adopts what everyone else are doing,” Thomas Wilhelmsen said.
He explained that ideas that were thought as impossible three or four years ago, are now within reach, because of ongoing development in technology, its availability and its price.
Finally, Mr. Wilhelmsen presented a small sample of Wilhelmsen’s projects, such as drone deliveries to ships, 3D printing in port and smart ropes with sensors which run a live pilot sailing in the Nordics.
