CRM Archive

0

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV: progress towards industry decarbonisation must be accelerated

Partnering on the pathways to tomorrow

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV, says that while progress towards industry decarbonisation should be applauded, it must be accelerated. Shipping needs to work together, in tandem with other sectors and stakeholders, if we’re to stand a hope of reaching our most ambitious, and necessary, goals. Nor-Shipping, he believes, with its 2023 theme of #PartnerShip, is an ideal platform for progress.

It’s difficult to know what’s going to happen in the next ten days, let alone the next ten years. So, how are shipowners and operators, eyeing investments with timescales of 25 to 30 years, expected to make optimal long-term decisions, especially regarding fuels?

And how can an organisation like DNV, the world’s leading Class society, make the right decisions to advise them? Surely it’s impossible to navigate a landscape that’s yet to take shape? Isn’t it?

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of the Maritime division at DNV, smiles.

He is a man who, as befits his position, exudes a steady calm and confidence… Even though he’s just ran from another meeting and has yet to eat his lunch, which he pushes aside to deliver his answer.

“That’s why big decisions can’t be taken alone,” he replies. “Everybody needs partners; no one can prosper, or change, in isolation, and that’s especially true when we consider an energy and technology transition of the scale facing shipping.

“We need one another to navigate the future, now more than ever.”

Alternative options

Ørbeck-Nilssen isn’t just being nice here. This isn’t a platitude; it’s a cornerstone of his, and DNV’s, vision. He’s been quoted over the past year or two as noting that “collaboration is the true fuel of the future” and 2022, with its unpredictable geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges, seems only to have deepened that conviction.

He talks of “significant barriers” that have to be overcome together, but before addressing the future wants to dwell on the present – recognising achievements so far. “It’s encouraging to see that some of the key issues highlighted in past editions of our Maritime Forecasts and Reports have been picked up by the industry,” he comments, referring back to previous statements identifying LNG as arguably shipping’s “most feasible transitional fuel”.

“If we look at newbuild ordering there’s now an established trend for alternative dual-fuel propulsion, with LNG as the dominant fuel, especially amongst the larger, deep-sea segments. A third of the vessels on the orderbooks, by gross tonnage, are being built to operate on alternative fuels, with LPG and the first hydrogen-fuelled designs also generating interest.

“So, we can see concrete proof that the transition is gathering pace, with regulatory pressure, access to investment and capital, and cargo owner and consumer demands as the key drivers. But is it moving fast enough?

“Well, that’s another question.”

Clearing the hurdles

And the answer, he implies, is ‘no’.

Ørbeck-Nilssen says that “substantial investment” is needed – “and quickly” – in terms of researching safe and economically feasible carbon neutral fuels, as well as developing the optimal technologies to utilise them.

However, that will be in vain, he stresses, if the main hurdle to progress can’t be overcome, namely, fuel availability:

“According to our recent Maritime Forecast to 2050 report, we need to produce 5% of shipping’s total energy consumption from carbon-neutral fuels by 2030. That requires huge investment… and it’s just the start.

“And if the IMO strategy is revised in 2023, pushing for full decarbonization by 2050, then we require the means and infrastructure to deliver around 270 million tonnes of alternative fuels, according to our research. That is a massive challenge, and it requires action, now.”

He continues: “It goes without saying, this is an issue that shipping cannot resolve alone. We need to see collaboration in the industry, for sure, but beyond that we have to work in unison with energy producers, infrastructure developers, ports, and, not least, national and international authorities and organisations to enable such fundamental change.

“This goes beyond working within our ‘tribes’ – it’s a global issue of critical importance.” But, of course, it’s difficult to know where to place bets when it comes to that fuel. Should a shipowner today invest in assets running on natural gas for tomorrow, or will it pay to be an early mover on hydrogen, ammonia or any other emerging alternative?

This, Ørbeck-Nilssen retorts, is where DNVs ‘pathways’ come in.

Solving the puzzle

Arguably, DNVs core strengths lie in its neutrality and acknowledged expertise and networks in a broad range of industries and disciplines. It has teams spanning maritime, oil & gas, carbon capture and storage, renewables, technology, and more, in addition to strong links with academia, authorities and other key societal stakeholders. As such it can understand the “big picture” and see how pieces of the transitional puzzle might fit together, helping mitigate risk, enhance safety and facilitate development.

It’s pathways – again, featured in the latest Maritime Forecast to 2050 – detail likely scenarios on the journey towards decarbonisation, considering factors such as fuel availability, costs and the apparent lack of one “silver bullet” solution.

“There’s so much uncertainty,” Ørbeck-Nilssen stresses. “The only things that are certain are that we need to change, and that the future fuel mix, at least in the near-term, is going to get more complex, with a wide variety of energy choices emerging. That creates obvious challenges for the industry.

“The pathways address that, helping plot potential routes to decarbonisation.” As an example, he picks an owner opting for LNG today.

“Now, they know this isn’t a perfect fuel,” he explains, “but it enables substantial gains over conventional heavy fuel, utilising proven technology. So, on the ‘gas pathway’ they use LNG as the first step, before switching to bio-gas and then later transitioning to synthetic gas. That’s an over-simplified example, but it shows how you create clarity as you move ahead with business strategy and investments.”

This “clarity from confusion” wouldn’t be possible, Ørbeck-Nilssen notes, without an understanding drawn from close relationships throughout the industry and beyond.

“It all comes back to partnership.”

Collective ambition

A further example of that, and of DNV’s role as a key enabler for an industry in transition, is the recently unveiled Nordic Roadmap initiative.

This follows on the back of the Clydebank Declaration at COP26, where shipping “green corridors” were identified as a key tool for accelerating change. In a bid to position the region at the vanguard of developments, the Nordic Council of Ministers, with support from all the Nordic nations, set up the project as a “cooperation platform” creating unity of purpose. The result is a joint public and private initiative aiming to bring together diverse stakeholders to enable green corridor infrastructure, start pilots, share knowledge, build alternative fuel experience and, Ørbeck-Nilssen says, “set an example for other regions to follow.”

DNV has been brought in as project manager, recently hosting the first meeting at the company’s Høvik HQ in Oslo.

“When you look at the industry in its entirety, the scale and complexity of change needed can seem overwhelming,” he notes. “But if you take separate regions, and look at establishing individual green corridors, it makes the challenge more manageable. Then, when you bring together diverse partners, it’s suddenly possible to work towards concrete, achievable goals – goals that can form a blueprint for the industry in general.

“It’s a really exciting example of partnership in action.”

The Nor-Shipping connection

The repetition of the ‘p-word’ brings us on to Nor-Shipping. The 2023 event, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, 6-9 June, has chosen #PartnerShip as its main theme.

Needless to say, Ørbeck-Nilssen approves, confirming that DNV has once again secured the position of Main Partner.

“Nor-Shipping is a fantastic meeting place for the global industry,” he comments, “bringing people from right across the ocean value chain together in one place. As such, it provides a physical platform for partnership, and progress, helping build relationships, share knowledge and highlight the latest developments.

“We need this kind of face-to-face interaction,” he continues. “And, on a personal level, it’s always so rewarding meeting people, discussing issues and gaining new insights. It’s a constant source of learning. And, not least, it’s fun!”

Here he mentions the traditional Nor-Shipping BBQ at DNV’s fjord-side facilities, which, he adds with a broad smile, is back.

“I’m really looking forward to the chance to host a few thousand guests again,” Ørbeck-Nilssen concludes. “It’s great to see the industry coming together here and, of course, it’s helpful Nor-Shipping is back in the summertime. It’s always a bit more pleasant to have a chat, drink and something to eat when the sun’s shining!”

And with the talk of food, he takes the chance to politely, finally excuse himself.  Lunch, and the next meeting with industry partners, beckons.

www.nor-shipping.com

For further details please contact: Sidsel Norvik, Director Nor-Shipping, Email: sn@nor-shipping.com; Phone: +47 932 56 387

 

DNV and Ørbeck-Nilssen at Nor-Shipping- taking a lead role in the future of maritime

DNV and Ørbeck-Nilssen at Nor-Shipping: taking a lead role in the future of maritime

Ørbeck-Nilssen on stage at Nor-Shipping- a platform for industry partnership

Ørbeck-Nilssen on stage at Nor-Shipping: “a platform for industry partnership”

0

The quantum revolution in the maritime logistics

By Marek Grzybowski

Maritime transport has recently experienced great turmoil. The new mutations of the coronavirus pandemic and the sanctions imposed on Russia after that country invaded Ukraine have caused disruptions in global logistics. Congestion at the last mile in a port, logistics center or container terminal causes global turmoil in leading industrial markets, both on the supply and demand side.

The world’s merchant ship fleet reached a capacity of around 2.3 billion dwt in January 2023. This is about 60 million dwt more than a year earlier and over 120 million dwt than in January 2021. Tonnage has increased significantly in all segments except general cargo operators in the last two years.

Bulk carriers recorded a particularly rapid increase in overall carrying capacity. The share of bulk carriers in the total capacity increased from 41 to 43 percent, the share of tankers decreased from 30 to 29 percent, and the share of general cargo ships from 5 to 4 percent. in the years 2012-2022.

Over 500 LNG tankers transported liquefied gas across the oceans in 2021. About 650 LNG tankers transported LNG on sea routes in 2022. By the end of 2023, their number will increase to about 690 LNG tankers.

Quantum technology for the logistics industry

What can a forward-thinking organization do with the current state of technology? – asks Dr. Christopher Savoie, CEO of Zapata Computing in Forbs and answers: “It’s best to start with making the most of this technology.”

“We’re seeing a steady evolution of quantum hardware, which is becoming increasingly fault-tolerant, and existing technology is slowly becoming more widely available,” said CEO Zapata Computing.

“Quantum technology is an exciting development for the logistics industry as it allows us to solve the recurring problem of finding the most efficient route between multiple hubs, which is becoming increasingly difficult in a complex environment,” said Justin Baird, Head of Innovation, DHL, Asia-Pacific Center. DHL portal.

Logistics in storms need support

Turmoil in sea and land logistics networks will require the support of efficient tools. These include the already widespread use of IoT and the management of ship and car fleets, traffic control in ports, on railroads and on rivers.
The smallest yacht or even a boat moving on inland waterways is supported by satellite technologies.

No one can imagine the movement of ships, cars and even couriers without the support of satellite technologies. Tracking a package purchased in a store by an individual customer is already a standard. It can therefore be expected that according to the predictions of IBM and DHL and the services introduced by UPS, quantum algorithms will enter global and local logistics at a rapid pace.

If large and small ports, terminals and logistics centers, sea and land connections are to participate in the logistics networks of the global economy, then we must be prepared to introduce innovative solutions based on quantum, information and space technologies today. Otherwise, we risk marginalization or even falling out of the market.

Sources: Forbs, Zapata Computing, IBM, DHL, UPS

More: The quantum revolution in maritime logistics

0

Deloitte: platformy handlu elektronicznego B2B przyczyniają się do wzrostu wydajności i efektywności przedsiębiorstwa

GŁÓWNE WNIOSKI Z BADANIA

Wszystko wskazuje na to, że platformy handlu elektronicznego B2B przyczyniają się do wzrostu wydajności i efektywności w wielu przedsiębiorstwach działających w obszarze B2B.

Mimo wielu zalet, wykorzystanie platformy handlu elektronicznego B2B wiąże się z pewnymi wyzwaniami występującymi na etapie planowania i wdrażania.
Przede wszystkim należy świadomie projektować wskaźnik ROI, należycie uwzględniać czynnik ludzki i przygotować się na problemy występujące w toku wdrożenia. Każdy nowy proces wymaga bowiem odpowiedniego przygotowania i czasu potrzebnego na realizację. Warto zdobyć się na cierpliwość i wypracować podejście systemowe.

Tego rodzaju rozwiązania znacząco zwiększają możliwości całego procesu sprzedaży, a także obsługi promocji i cross-sellingu. Przynoszą korzyści zarówno działom handlowym, jak i konsumentom. Ponadto przynoszą realne zyski – zarówno finansowe, jak i w formie oszczędności czasu, co znajduje odbicie w wartościach procentowych, zwłaszcza jeśli porównamy firmy korzystające z platform z firmami, które na wprowadzenie takich rozwiązań się nie zdecydowały.Więcej: Deloitte Pl

0

McKinsey – Tech highlights from 2022 — in eight charts

From metaverse mania to eye-popping breakthroughs in generative AI, it has been quite a year for technology. We present some of the stories that helped shape the last twelve months, as told through eight charts—with a smattering of insights to go along with them.

At first glance, our latest AI survey shows adoption leveling off over the past few years, though it has more than doubled since 2017, and applied AI continually ranks high in our annual tech trends analyses.

Quantum computing progress brings high expectations—and a little fear

 

0

McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey

By Femi Ajewole is a consultant in McKinsey’s New York office; Ani Kelkar is an associate partner in the Houston office; Dylan Moore is a consultant in the Bay Area office, where Emily Shao is a partner; and Manju Thirtha is a consultant in the Dallas office.

Results from the 2022 McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey reveal that industrial companies are set to spend heavily on robotics and automation. However, many will need help to complete the journey.

Across the industrial world, companies are betting big on robotics and automation. For many, automated systems will account for 25 percent of capital spending over the next five years, results from the 2022 McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey show.1 Industrial-company executives expect to see benefits in output quality, efficiency, and uptime. However, many remain wary of the challenge, with the cost of hardware and a lack of internal experience at the top of their list of concerns.

Among the industrial sectors surveyed, the biggest spender on automation over the next five years is set to be retail and consumer goods, with 23 percent of respondents from that sector planning to spent more than $500 million (Exhibit 1). That compares with 15 percent in food and beverage and 8 percent in automotive. For logistics and fulfillment players, automation will represent 30 percent or more of their capital spending in the next five years—the highest share among industrial segments surveyed.

More: McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey