Starting the digital transformation at Global Liner Shipping and Shipping2030 Asia
Kicking off #Shipping2030 @KDAdamson on stage, painting the future. Exciting times ahead #shipping #maritime pic.twitter.com/Fdhf8uMKAw
— Lena Göthberg ⚓️ (@LenaGothberg) September 5, 2017
Indeed, we should be excited about the future of shipping, paved with unforeseen innovation and technology.
One thing is clear: change in the industry is imminent. New regulations have already come into play, most of which call the industry to be more sustainable and greener, for example by reducing shipping emissions and by treating ballast water. However, financial sustainability is just as important in an increasingly competitive market, and shipping can achieve that by using digital technologies like big data and platform integration to make businesses more cost-effective.
How can we increase earning potential through #smartshipping? Pierpaolo Barbone will share more insights tomorrow at #SHIPPING2030. pic.twitter.com/2ULfTjcFCH
— Wärtsilä Corporation (@wartsilacorp) September 4, 2017
Pierpaulo Barbone, President of the Services at Wärtsilä Corporation, believes that sustainable business models will increase a company’s earning potential through smart-shipping, because it has the potential to increase the performance and life cycle of vessels.
Keynote speaker Thomas Knudsen, CEO of Damco Asia gave another reason why digital transformation is essential in shipping: the customers expect it. Innovation is shaping the suppliers’ attitudes and customers’ expectations, so it is necessary for businesses to adapt.
Using technologies, however, takes a significant change, starting from the mindset of the business to the holistic integration of digital platforms. You asked what your first steps towards the digitisation of shipping should be and whether there are any role models you could look to. But our guess is as good as yours, which is why bringing together so many professionals is one of the key highlights of Global Liner Shipping and Shipping2030 Asia.
#Shipping2030 : How collaboration, transparency, and integration can transform supply chains and internal processes. @theCatchbox ready pic.twitter.com/4bTULXOyfB
— The Marcura Group (@TheMarcuraGroup) September 5, 2017
During our collaboration, transparency, and integration panel, Mark O’Neil of Columbia Ship Management gave you a 5-step guide for a company to embrace digitalisation.
- What is your digital vision? Take into consideration the macro vision. This needs to be done by interfacing with potential clients who can identify gaps in your service. Your digital vision needs to be compatible with both your client and your own organisation.
- With your research done, the formation of digital agenda can begin.
- What are your already existing processes? How do you digitalise this?
- You are now ready to start your portfolio planning.
- And finally, implementation.
These new, collaborative business models, however, are not risk free. Transparency can be helpful, but also harmful. It takes tremendous effort from all parties to successfully collaborate, and it all starts with the industry’s willingness to change. Marius Johansen, VP Business Solutions & Marketing at Wilhelmsen Ships Agency, said that a balanced, collaborative approach between organizations and regulators is vital for innovation, and in turn, innovation is vital for their survival.
But as our keynote speaker KD Adamson said, it would be rather narrow-minded for shipping to look at one particular technology, such as automated vessels. Adamson urges the industry to embrace technologies across all industries. For example, the introduction of autonomous vessels in a business may invite more changes, such as improved cybersecurity systems or increased connectivity.
The bandwidth will always be consumed by requirements, needs & wants -#DualogInnovationGarage #Shipping2030 Video: https://t.co/EDrYUXBqOB pic.twitter.com/ePc1XyCvij
— Dualog (@Dualog_News) September 5, 2017
During our connectivity panel, Geir Isene, Innovation Manager at Dualog Innovation Garage, suggested that connectivity in the shipping industry right now may not be enough to bring the dream of an autonomous fleet to life.
Digital transformation, therefore, is a complex issue that the shipping industry needs to address. Adapting one technology leads to the next one and the next one, which means that building a sustainable business model with integrated digital technologies will take a lot of time, and even more willingness to learn with a buy in from both employees and clients.
One way the industry can do that is to reach out and collaborate, whether it is a case of consolidation or a new project. Innovation is capital intensive and the risk of failure puts more pressure on developments. However, successful digital transformations can make or break your business in the future, and your contribution to the dialogue is what will keep the shipping industry relevant.
Thank you all for sharing your ideas! We could not have made such a captivating event without you. We could not have been more delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed yourselves.
Andre Simha, Global Chief Information Officer of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, said
"Thanks for a great event; one of the first actually where Shipping and IT meet in a very open and positive manner. I really appreciated the possibility to give my opinion on the panels and I think the overall quality of speakers was very high!"
Ian C. Claxton, President and CEO of Magsaysay Transport and Logistics, said:
“I found the conference extremely well organized, excellent content and all very critical issues being covered. The experience and expertise of the speakers and panellists was amongst the best I have seen, but most of all, the theme built around Digital Shipping was nothing short of genius. Congratulations on a great conference. I look forward to the next one.”
Matthew Tillman, CEO & Co-Founder of Haven, said:
Huge thank you to Joanna Crisan, Lars Jensen, and @KNectMaritime for a great event. #GLSAsia / #Shipping2030
— Matt Tillman (@mtillman) September 6, 2017
Bjorn Vang Jensen, Vice President Global Logistics, Electrolux S.E.A. Pte Ltd, said:
“Global Liner Shipping Asia has come a long way in the years I have attended. Today, it is recognised by both carriers and shippers as an important event in the shipping conference calendar in the region, and we all benefit enormously from the exchange of ideas and lively discussions. I look forward to participating again next year!”
Giancarlo Di Benedetto, Procurement Manager of Logistics at Aurubis AG, said:
“The content was more interesting than in the recent past. The speeches of Mr Sartini and Mr Knudsen stood out to me as being both honest and insightful.”
Tristan Howitt, CEO of X-Press Feeders, said:
“The Conference was most useful in combining the more expected Liner Shipping views with the digital future we all see coming – perhaps even faster than 2030. The Q and A sessions were certainly more interesting than normal, as the panels and audience were fully engaged in the problems we are all facing together.”
Chandru S Rajwani, Technical Director of Keppel Offshore and Marine (KOMtech), said:
“The Shipping2030 & Global Liner Shipping Conference was both informative and relevant to what is going on in the present shipping arena. It was also good in terms of providing a platform for the key players to voice their views and exchange ideas for the future of shipping. I really appreciated the well laid out programmes for both of the streams. The digitalization topics were quite intriguing, especially how digitalizing is changing the shipping format and how we have to change our mindsets to remain relevant going forward.”
Niraj Singh, Technical Director at Epic Ship Management Pte. Ltd., said:
“An excellent event on the dawn of shipping’s digital disruption age. Hugely informative, good mix of the shipping digital industry players, providing an insight for ship owners and managers like Epic Gas, to build a roadmap for the immediate digital future.”
Sundararaman Anandan, Head of Logistics & Transportation, Asia, of The Coca-Cola Company, said
"I would like to thank Shipping 2030 Asia /Global Liner Shipping Asia organizers, it was a wonderful experience to identify upcoming technology & innovation in Global Liner Shipping from the Industry Leader. Learnt a lot about the liner shipping industry in detail and insight about ocean shipping market trend."
Rajan Singh, Fleet Marine Director of OMC Shipping, said:
“Really appreciate your team’s effort in organizing the conference so well, and raising some intriguing questions to the speakers. Conference was very well organized covering relevant topics. Time allotted to each topic was perfect so that speakers didn’t have to drag and also attendees could stay focused. As the two conferences were conducted side by side, you rarely get such a good opportunity to network with both of the sectors.”
Joseph Mendis, VP of Trade Lines at Regional Container Lines, said:
"Global Liner Conference was once again beautifully organised and seamless experience for participants. For most of us in container shipping, we can be quite specialised in our field of work. There are not too many similarly situated forums that can provide the opportunity to take a step back and look at the latest developments in technology, discussion topics and best practices and thinking from the industry. The team of speakers were also very well considered, knowledgeable and generous in sharing their views.
Well done and do continue to keep up the good work for the team from Informa!"