Setting Course, an ABS Podcast

Smart technologies promise better decisions and fewer surprises at sea, but turning that promise into day-to-day practice is where the real work begins.In this episode of Setting Course, Panos Kyrtatos, CEO of Propulsion Analytics, and Eric VanDerHorn, Director of Technology at ABS, join host Brad Cox to explore how smart technologies are actually making a difference across today’s fleets.They cover where owners are seeing real value, what smart engine performance looks like operationally, how trust and assurance are built through explainability and independent assessment, and practical steps for owners and operators who want to get started or scale beyond pilots.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org. TakeawaysSmart technologies are already being used in shipping.Integration of data sources is crucial for effective smart technology use.Trust in technology is built gradually through consistent results.Smart technologies help reduce administrative overhead and optimize maintenance.Misconceptions about smart technologies often lead to unrealistic expectations.Successful implementation requires clear goals and internal ownership.GuestsPanos Kyrtatos is the CEO of Propulsion Analytics, a software company driving innovation in marine asset performance monitoring and condition-based maintenance (CBM). Propulsion Analytics helps shipowners and technical teams move from planned or reactive maintenance to proactive, data‑driven decisions that improve reliability and reduce operating costs. As pioneers in marine digital twin technology, Propulsion Analytics develops and deploys high‑fidelity models that combine advanced thermo‑fluid dynamics with AI. These digital twins use real‑time vessel data to automate performance analysis, detect faults early, and provide actionable insights—without operational disruption.Panos holds a PhD from ETH Zurich, an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, and an EMBA from IMD Business School. He lives in Athens, Greece with his wife and two children.Eric VanDerHorn is the Director of Technology for the Digital Research team at ABS, where he advances maritime digital transformation through the application of digital twins, robotics, visualization technologies, AI/ML, and OT cybersecurity. He has over 15 years of experience in the maritime and offshore industry across roles in in-service technologies, digitalization, decarbonization, and product management, and has contributed to initiatives across ABS and ABS Wavesight. He holds a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a PhD from Vanderbilt University.

Floating gas has moved well beyond the concept stage, but that does not mean the next wave of projects will be straightforward. As developers look at shallow-water, nearshore and harsher-environment applications, questions around mooring, stationkeeping, disconnectability and project viability start to matter in a different way.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, recorded live at OTC 2026 in Houston, Arun Duggal of MODEC and Matt Tremblay of ABS join host Brad Cox to explore what it takes to make floating gas projects work in more demanding offshore environments.They discuss why shallow water can be especially challenging for large FLNG and FSRU assets, how disconnectable systems are being developed for hurricane-prone regions, where FPSO experience carries over into floating gas applications, and why early planning across design, class and regulatory stakeholders is critical to building confidence in new concepts.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.TakeawaysShallow-water floating gas projects can be more complex than they first appear.Mooring and stationkeeping can directly shape project viability.Disconnectable systems may expand options in harsher environments.FPSO experience provides a strong foundation for FLNG and FSRU design.Early planning with class and regulators helps build project confidence.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:09 Why the Next FLNG and FSRU Opportunities are Harder04:32 LNG Market Outlook06:28 Why Mooring Becomes More Consequential08:49 The Role of Disconnectable Systems15:25 What FPSOs Have Taught the Industry18:56 The Impact of Early Planning21:19 Closing ThoughtsGuestsArun Duggal is the President and Country Manager of MODEC America, Inc., following the merger of MODEC International, Inc. and SOFEC, Inc. In this role, he leads the combined U.S. operations and serves as the Head of the Mooring Solutions Business Unit. With over 30 years of experience at SOFEC and the MODEC Group, Arun has been involved in the design and implementation of mooring and turret systems for floating production vessels globally. His career has progressed through various technical and leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and CEO of SOFEC. A SNAME Fellow, he has contributed to industry standards for mooring design and integrity. He holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University and is a frequent contributor to offshore technical symposiums and publications. In 2025, he was awarded the OTC Heritage Award and the SNAME Blakely Smith Medal for his contributions to Ocean Engineering.Matt Tremblay serves as ABS senior vice president of Global Offshore based at ABS corporate headquarters in Houston. During his 30 years at ABS, Tremblay has served in various engineering and leadership positions throughout the US and Asia, including as Pacific Division vice president of operations based in Singapore and vice president of engineering for the ABS Americas Division.

Evolving sea ice conditions haven’t made sailing in the Arctic any simpler. If anything, increasingly complex ice regimes, year-round operations and new trade patterns are raising the stakes for shipowners who need to keep people, assets and schedules safe in some of the harshest waters on the planet.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Rob Hindley of Railotech (formerly Aker Arctic), Dr. Oscar De Silva of Memorial University of Newfoundland, and ABS Senior Engineer Ed Moakler join host Brad Cox to explore how new data and tools are reshaping Arctic navigation.They discuss ICESIGHTS, an ABS-led initiative that gathers and interprets sea ice information in real time, what that could mean for bridge teams, and how operational data can loop back into future ice-class ship design and life cycle decisions.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.TakeawaysThe Arctic shipping landscape is evolving as conditions in the region continue to change.Year-round transportation in the Arctic is now feasible for some ship types.Data availability is increasing, enhancing operational decision-making.The ICESIGHTS system aims to provide real-time guidance for navigation.AI can complement traditional physics models in ice navigation.GuestsRob Hindley is Head of Consulting and Technology Development at Railotech. His role involves leading the practical application of arctic technology to new, and often novel, ice-going ship designs, transportation systems and offshore structures. Previously Rob worked for Lloyd’s Register, where he held overall technical authority for ice class, winterization and implementation of the Polar Code. This included an assignment representing IACS at the IMO during the development of the Polar Code and coordinating the development of POLARIS, an ice risk evaluation system used to set operational limitations for ships in polar waters. He is a Chartered Engineer, a fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and holds a master’s degree in Naval Architecture from Newcastle University. He is currently undertaking postgraduate study at Aalto University with a focus on arctic shipping risks and regulations.Dr. Oscar De Silva, PhD, P.Eng., SMIEEE, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. He received his PhD from Memorial University of Newfoundland. His expertise is in sensing and navigation system development for platform autonomy using model-based and certifiable data-driven approaches. Prior to joining academia, he worked as a research fellow on computer vision systems with the American Bureau of Shipping Harsh Environment Technology Center in St. John’s. At Memorial University, he leads an NSERC-funded research program on resilient navigation for autonomous platforms. His group collaborates with ABS to develop AI-assisted multi-sensor ice navigation system integration and software for Arctic vessel field trials. Ed Moakler, P.Eng, is a Senior Engineer with the ABS Harsh Environment Technology and Digital Research Center (HET&DRC), located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Ed specializes in ice mechanics, ice load monitoring system design and operation, vessel capability in ice assessments, advanced structural analysis, and the application of the IMO Polar Code. Ed is responsible for the upkeep of the ABS Ice Class Rules and Ice Class specific tools, both in house and external.

The floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) sector is still relatively small, but it’s growing fast as demand for natural gas, flexibility and new technologies reshape offshore project strategies.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, host Brad Cox talks with Kyle Haberberger from Black & Veatch and Terrance Roberts from ABS about where FLNG is taking off, how it compares with traditional onshore liquefaction, lessons from the FPSO sector and the digital tools driving the next wave of FLNG projects.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org. Key PointsFloating LNG is a fast growing segment of the energy market.FLNG offers flexibility and resilience in energy supply.Existing FLNG units are being redeployed to meet new demands.Digital tools and automation are enhancing FLNG operations.Nearshore FLNG projects are addressing local environmental concerns.GuestsKyle Haberberger is a Business Development professional at Black & Veatch, specializing in the LNG and FLNG markets. He brings a strong process engineering background to commercial strategy, supporting clients across the full LNG value chain, including liquefaction, floating LNG (FLNG), and regasification solutions.  Kyle has contributed to a range of global energy projects, including Golar Hilli FLNG and Exmar Tango, where he has supported technical-commercial alignment and client engagement efforts.  He holds a degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia and is based in Overland Park, Kansas. Kyle works closely with cross‑functional engineering and commercial teams to help clients navigate complex LNG project development challenges and advance pragmatic, scalable energy solutions. He is also the author of a liquefaction patent involving the company’s proprietary PRICO® Process. Terrance Roberts is a Business Development Manager in Global Offshore for ABS and leads business development for the FLNG sector. He works with projects developers around the world to match their projects with the right classification and technical advisory services, helping them bring FLNG concepts to market with more confidence.

Change in the maritime industry is moving fast. Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, brings you candid conversations with the leaders shaping that change.Join us as we go beyond the headlines and into what actually matters to the industry's decision-makers, discussing the latest in maritime innovation, sustainability and safety.Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode.Apple -> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/setting-course-an-abs-podcast/id1725555824Spotify -> https://open.spotify.com/show/2uFv7Eh1SphS9GtipgfPqQ?si=7a9f6e52ea594671YouTube -> https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSeqNuhFq8OZY5B_fe5K8tCx1uv7Go-hn&si=sdR1B0SeZam5lXR7 

While additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, offers transformative potential for the marine and offshore industries, broad adoption will require trust and buy-in from key stakeholders.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Conrad Kao, Director of Additive Manufacturing for Howco Group, and Michael Kei, Vice President of Technology for ABS, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the role of data analysis and machine learning in building trust in and validating components produced with AM.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsMachine learning can help optimize additive manufacturing processes.Trust in equipment is critical for marine applications.Data-driven certification can reduce lead times and costs.Human oversight is essential for safety and compliance.Standards are crucial for the adoption of new technologies.The future of manufacturing is increasingly digital.Collaboration is needed to develop universal standards.GuestsConrad Kao, PE, is a seasoned engineering leader and Director of Additive Manufacturing at Howco Group, where he drives strategic integration of advanced metal additive technologies to solve complex supply chain and production challenges, particularly in the oil and gas, aerospace, and high-performance industrial sectors. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and a Professional Engineering (PE) license, Conrad brings a unique blend of technical expertise, business insight, and practical leadership to the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing (AM). He is passionate about advancing additive solutions that improve part performance, reduce lead times, and enable new levels of customization and efficiency in critical applications. At Howco, Conrad oversees the company’s additive operations, championing the adoption of cutting-edge AM processes such as laser powder bed fusion and hybrid manufacturing. Under his leadership, Howco Additive has expanded its capabilities to serve demanding markets with complex geometries and high-value metal components — driving innovation from concept through qualification and production.Michael Kei is Vice President of Technology for ABS. In his role, Michael is responsible for leading and approving technical development and maintenance of products & services to meet organizational and business needs. He has 20 years of experience in the marine and offshore industry where he has driven innovation and led high-performing teams. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in offshore engineering and has a proven track record of implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency. 

Imagine a future where humanoid robots work side by side with shipbuilders, enhancing efficiency and safety in the maritime industry.In this episode, Persona AI CEO and Co-Founder Nic Radford joined Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and CTO, to discuss the potential for humanoid robotics in shipyards. Hosted by Brad Cox, the episode was recorded at the Ion Innovation District in Houston, TX.Join us as we discover how advances in artificial intelligence and shifting social acceptance of robots are enabling a radical change to how ships are constructed.Don’t forget to share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Explore how ABS is helping advance the maritime industry at www.eagle.org. Key TakeawaysEnvironmental challenges in shipyards hinder traditional automation.The robotic hand allows for flexibility in using existing tools.Humanoids can work alongside humans without needing facility redesign.Automation can supplement the workforce rather than replace it.Safety benefits include reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.AI has made significant strides in processing and vision capabilities.GuestsNicolaus Radford is the Co-Founder and CEO of Persona AI, with more than 25 years of experience designing, developing, and commercializing advanced robotics technologies for space, defense, and industry. Previously, he founded Nauticus Robotics, a NASDAQ listed maritime robotics company, which developed and deployed autonomous underwater vehicles and autonomous surface ships. He also founded Jacobi Motors, an electric motor company serving traction motor markets. He also founded and serves as Managing Partner of Rad Capital Ventures, a successful hedge fund exposed to trading electricity.Prior to founding all his technology ventures, he spent 15 years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he led several of the agency’s robotics initiatives for future spaceflight missions and International Space Station experiments, including the Valkyrie and Robonaut programs. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Houston.Patrick Ryan is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for ABS. He is responsible for ABS’ technology research and development, digital product development, engineering software organizations, and eight Global Technology Centers. For 21 years prior to joining ABS, he was in various ship design, program management and engineering leadership roles at the largest nuclear shipyard in the U.S.He graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and ocean engineering, and master’s in ocean engineering. He currently sits on the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Advisory Board, University of Michigan’s College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board (LAB), as well as Virginia Tech’s Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering Advisory Board, in addition to multiple Houston-area, non-profit volunteer boards.

The development of electrification and battery technologies is driving new efficiencies for the maritime industry, especially for short-range vessels like tugs and ferries.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Olli Tuunainen, Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore, and YunTao Chen, head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the benefits, safety considerations and future of maritime electrification.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsChallenges in electrification include technology limitations, awareness among stakeholders, and the need for a stable energy supply.Safety concerns regarding battery technology and the transition from AC to DC power systems are critical for the industry.Current trends include the growth of hybrid applications, retrofitting existing vessels, and the development of charging infrastructure.Collaboration between maritime and land-based energy sectors is essential for successful electrification.Regulatory frameworks must evolve to support the safe implementation of electrification technologies.GuestsOlli Tuunainen is a Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore. He has close to 20 years of experience in electrical systems and project operations for various industries and countries, always within ABB. Olli holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland. ABB Marine and Ports is committed to sustainable maritime future and prepares both vessels and ports to meet the demands of tomorrow.Dr. YunTao Chen is the head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore. He has a background in Aerospace Engineering with a Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan. He started his career in the energy sector, held several positions in the US and Germany at Siemens Energy. Prior to joining ABS, he was leading the R&D team for sustainable solutions (such as battery energy storage systems and fuel cells) at Rolls-Royce in China. At ABS, Dr. Chen is leading the Global Electrification Center in Singapore to promote marine electrification in the Asia Pacific region and across the globe.

In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, we dive into the world of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and their impact on maritime operations — from commercial to research to national security. Featuring insights from retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and current Saildrone President John Mustin, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Engineering Gareth Burton, and ABS Director of Government Engineering Jihed Boulares, the discussion explores the key elements of successful autonomous systems and the critical role of human oversight. The guests also highlight the rigorous standards and rules already helping to enable safe and efficient operations for USVs in real-world conditions while regulations continue to develop.Don’t forget to share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Discover how ABS is helping advance the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.KEY POINTSSaildrone’s USVs have achieved full classification status from ABS, setting a precedent for autonomous technology.Effective risk mitigation for USVs relies on robust perception, reliability and trust to help ensure safe operations.The regulatory framework for USVs is evolving, necessitating adaptations to existing guidelines for autonomous vessels.Human oversight is essential in high-risk operations involving USVs.The integration of autonomy in maritime operations is already happening, enhancing commercial operations, climate research, domain awareness and more.GUESTSA former U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and C-Suite technology entrepreneur, John Mustin brings to Saildrone more than three decades of experience at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, team development, and enterprise growth. A frequent speaker, published author, early-stage start-up investor, and advisory board member, he has led large, global enterprises and managed multi-billion-dollar budgets. With a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an MBA from Babson College, he is an advocate for military and veteran causes and speaks and writes regularly on national security topics and post-military service hiring practices.Gareth Burton is Senior Vice President, Global Engineering for ABS. He is a long-time ABS employee, having joined in 2001, as an engineer. While at ABS, Gareth has held several key positions, including Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operational and Environmental Performance, and Vice President of Technology, just to name a few. His positions have spanned the globe, including the U.S., Mexico and Singapore. In his current role, Gareth leads the ABS Engineering function, responsible for the review and approval of designs of marine and offshore assets for compliance with ABS, national and international requirements.Jihed Boulares is the Director of Engineering of the Government Engineering Services group at ABS. He oversees design review of U.S. and international government vessels for compliance with ABS Rules and international regulations. Boulares worked in the maritime industry for 21 years in various roles, including naval ships operation and maintenance, naval ships structural design and analysis, and operational and environmental performance. He joined ABS in 2008 and has served in various engineering and leadership positions in the U.S. and Europe. Prior to ABS, he has held positions as surface warfare officer aboard a combatant ship, engineering duty officer at a naval shipyard and naval architect at McDermott International.

In this episode, Senior Project Manager Konstantinos Vouroutzis and Sustainability Engineer Tim Badalotti join host Brad Cox to explore the latest findings from the seventh edition of the ABS Outlook series, Beyond the Horizon: Vision Meets Reality.As lead authors, Vouroutzis and Badalotti, discuss the maritime industry’s ambitious emission goals and the market realities that challenge these targets. They highlight key checkpoints on the horizon, emphasizing the role of alternative fuels, energy efficiency technologies and sustainability financing in achieving goals.Download the full Outlook here.Don’t forget to share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Discover how ABS is helping advance the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsThere is a tension between high sustainability ambitions and market realities.Total maritime emissions are increasing despite improvements in carbon intensity per unit of work.Green fuels like ammonia and hydrogen are still in early developmental stages.Energy efficiency technologies are crucial for decoupling emissions from growing seaborne trade.Regulatory compliance costs are expected to rise significantly in the coming years.LNG remains a key transitional fuel for the maritime industry.Fragmentation in the shipping industry presents challenges for integration and efficiency.GUESTSKonstantinos Vouroutzis is a seasoned Naval Architect and manager with over 20 years of experience in the maritime and offshore industries. He possesses a diverse skill set including expertise in management, project management, decarbonization, performance and energy efficiency of ships, green shipping, naval architecture, structural design and analysis, as well as regulatory compliance. He is a registered European Engineer (EUR ING) and Chartered Engineer (CEng, MRINA). In 2023, he joined ABS as a Senior Project Manager – Global Sustainability, where he leads strategic sustainability projects and key initiatives, while being an integral part of the department’s Leadership Team. He also serves as ABS’s representative in the Working Group of the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF). Prior to joining ABS, he held various roles in other Classification Societies and ship design firms, demonstrating a diverse and extensive professional background.Tim Badalotti is Principal Engineer at the ABS Global Sustainability Center in Japan. His primary responsibility is to assist Japanese clients in decarbonizing their fleets by offering technical and regulatory guidance, helping ensure that these efforts remain economically viable. With a background in Aerospace Engineering, Tim was previously a researcher on Mathematical Models for Fluid Dynamics before joining the industry. He is passionate about infrastructure design, modeling and optimization. His career spans multiple sectors, including railway and shipping. He used to be in charge of high-speed train design for the European market at a major Japanese conglomerate before transitioning to the shipping classification sector, where he has been developing new technologies, rules, and guidelines aimed at improving ship safety and decarbonizing operations, all the while collaborating with private and public stakeholders, mainly in Japan and Europe.

As regulations and economic considerations continue to shape the future of the maritime industry, energy efficiency technologies (EETs) have emerged as a key avenue to mitigating higher fuel costs and reducing emissions.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Oliver Woodard, Sales Director for Silverstream Technologies, and Jessie Wilson, Manager of the ABS Houston Sustainability Center, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the driving forces behind EETs, their role in enhancing efficiency while meeting regulatory compliance, and Silverstream’s air lubrication technology.Share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsEETs are essential for compliance and operational efficiency.Air lubrication systems reduce fuel consumption and emissions.Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for innovation.Air lubrication technology is gaining traction in various ship segments.Shipowners are increasingly viewing EETs as necessary tools.GuestsOliver Woodard is a Sales Director for Gas for Silverstream Technologies. He joined Silverstream in July 2021. Specializing in the gas segment, he is responsible for helping owners and charterers navigate the complex landscape to achieve their vessel efficiency ambitions and solve their problems by finding win-win solutions. The gas segment has become Silverstream’s most diverse customer segment, featuring over 65 of Silverstream’s 240+ newbuild and retrofit projects with 10+ owners and their charterers. Before Silverstream, Oliver spent six years at ExxonMobil in a variety of marine roles, including chartering, vessel operations, marine fuels and lubricants in addition to gas and power trading risk management.Jessie Wilson a Sustainability Manager with over 15 years of industry experience, including more than a decade at ABS. Her background spans marine and offshore classification as well as oil and gas operations, with expertise in drilling, completions, and well testing. She currently oversees sustainability initiatives across the Western Hemisphere, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing innovation, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance. Jessie is recognized for her strategic leadership and her ability to align global objectives with operational execution.

With the demand for methanol as a marine fuel expected to grow rapidly over the coming years, can green methanol production scale enough to help shipowners comply with evolving regulations?Join us in this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, as we bring together leaders from across the methanol value chain to discuss the growing methanol-ready fleet, scaling production, reducing fuel costs, and expanding port and bunkering infrastructure.Featured:Greg Dolan, Former Methanol Institute CEOMeg Gentle, HIF Global Executive DirectorSebastian Ebbing, MPC Container Ships Group Sustainability OfficerSundeep Shaw, ABS Global Sustainability ManagerShare this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Footnote: After this episode was recorded, Greg Dolan announced his retirement as CEO of the Methanol Institute. Congratulations, Greg, and thank you for joining this episode of Setting Course.Key PointsThere are over 1,300 methanol-capable vessels operating or on order.Regulatory clarity is essential for shipowners to plan their strategies.Industry is working on lowering the cost of green and blue methanol.Bunkering infrastructure for methanol is developing but still limited.Investment certainty is needed to scale up methanol production.GuestsGreg Dolan recently retired from the Methanol Institute after holding a variety of senior management positions with MI over the past 29 years, serving as CEO for the past 14 years. He managed MI’s offices in Washington, Singapore, Brussels, Beijing, and Delhi, while directing international governmental relations, media relations, public education, and outreach efforts. He has presented papers on methanol-related topics at more than 200 international conferences and webinars, authored magazine articles, and written book chapters on the methanol industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University, and did extensive postgraduate work in Political Communication at the State University of New York-Albany.Meg Gentle is an Executive Director of the Board of HIF Global. She has over 20 years of experience developing large scale energy infrastructure. She has served in numerous senior management positions and boards of directors of publicly traded energy companies in the U.S., including Cheniere, Tellurian, and Ovintiv. She has a B.A. in economics and international affairs from James Madison University and an MBA from Rice University.Sebastian Ebbing is an expert in green shipping and clean technology with a robust background in regulatory affairs and sustainability. He currently serves as the Group Sustainability Officer at MPC Container Ship ASA, where he spearheads corporate strategies focused on sustainability, decarbonization, and fleet modernization. His academic credentials include a Master of Science in International Maritime Management and ongoing doctoral research on carbon capture and recycling in maritime transport. He is also a university lecturer and a member of the Management Board at the Institute for Innovative Logistics and Environment located at the Jade University of Applied Science.Sundeep Shaw is a Copenhagen-based maritime sustainability expert helping the shipping industry navigate the transition to net-zero emissions. With deep operational insight and a strategic mindset, he supports ship owners and managers in areas like carbon accounting, retrofit feasibility and alternative fuels. As Manager of the ABS Copenhagen Sustainability Center, Sundeep also leads research and innovation focused on carbon dioxide reduction and green fuel solutions.

Hydrogen’s potential as an alternative energy source reaches well beyond marine fuel applications. It also has potential for on-land commercial energy and in energy-intensive industrial operations. As such, the transportation of hydrogen by ship could play a key role in the emerging hydrogen value chain.In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Martin Carolan, Managing Director and CEO of Provaris Energy; Stergios Stamopoulos, Director of Global Sustainability for ABS; and Ibrahim Muritala, Senior Sustainability Engineer and Global Hydrogen Lead for ABS, join host Brad Cox, ABS. They discuss the current state of hydrogen production, the bottlenecks in scaling green hydrogen availability, and the technical and operational challenges in transporting hydrogen. Please share this episode on social media, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsHydrogen is gaining momentum as a zero-carbon energy source.Investment in hydrogen requires major capital and infrastructure.Hydrogen production is currently dominated by grey hydrogen.Safety and operational standards are critical for hydrogen handling.Scaling green hydrogen production faces significant challenges.Compressed hydrogen is simpler for short-distance transport.The future of hydrogen depends on technological advancements, infrastructure development and industry collaboration.GuestsMartin Carolan is Managing Director and CEO of Provaris Energy, a developer of integrated compressed hydrogen projects for export to regional markets. Provaris aims to develop green hydrogen supply chains that are simple and efficient to enable the global transport of zero-carbon energy. Martin holds a graduate diploma in applied finance from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Technology, Sydney. Stergios Stamopoulos is the ABS Director of Global Sustainability for the Western Hemisphere, leading ABS activities in the Americas and Europe regions. Under his leadership, the ABS sustainability centers in Houston, Athens and Copenhagen are assisting ship and offshore owners, operators and other stakeholders with achieving their sustainability goals. He joined ABS in 2007 as an engineer and has worked in Greece, South Korea and the U.S. in a variety of roles. Dr. Ibrahim Muritala is a distinguished engineer with over 17 years of experience in academia, research and the energy industry, including the oil and gas, maritime, and offshore sectors. He currently serves as the Global Hydrogen Leader at the ABS Global Sustainability Center in Houston, where he provides strategic leadership in hydrogen-related decarbonization initiatives. As a subject matter expert, Dr. Muritala helps the marine and offshore industries navigate new fuels, offering technical assessments, feasibility studies and strategic guidance across the hydrogen value chain.

On this special episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Jean-Charles Rinaldi, SBM Offshore Group Director of Sales and Marketing, and Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Offshore, joined host Brad Cox, ABS, in the ABS booth at the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, to discuss offshore innovation and the future of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) sector.Share this episode with your friends, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the offshore industry at www.eagle.org.Key PointsThe offshore production sector is crucial for meeting global energy demands.Digitalization, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins, is transforming FPSO operations and mitigating risk.Innovative designs can lead to a 70-80% reduction in emissions for new FPSOs.The industry is committed to producing energy responsibly and sustainably.Future FPSOs will have lower carbon intensity compared to previous generations.Partnerships are vital for addressing challenges and advancing technology in offshore energy.GUESTSJean-Charles Rinaldi is the Sales and Marketing Director for SBM Offshore and is responsible for Product Marketing, Business Development, Commercial and Sales activities across the Company. He joined SBM Offshore in 2008 as Concept Engineer, then took roles in Project Construction, Start-up and Commissioning before moving to Operations Readiness and FPSO Operations Management. He later joined the Commercial team and became FPSO Business Acquisition Director in 2020. Jean-Charles has over 15 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry, having held positions for SBM Offshore in Europe, the Middle East, China and Brazil. Jean-Charles is a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Arts et Metiers, Paristech.Miguel Hernandez is the Senior Vice President of Global Offshore at ABS, based in the corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas. In his current role, Miguel leads global strategic planning and client development for the offshore energy and offshore wind market sectors, with a special focus on supporting clients in the energy transition to new, greener energy solutions. Miguel has more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including expertise in global strategic account management, offshore sales and business development. Prior to joining ABS, Miguel held numerous senior leadership positions at organizations including MODEC, SBM Offshore, and FMC Technologies where he established long term strategic vision, developed new market entry initiatives, and led worldwide account management strategies that strengthen global client portfolios.

As nations around the world continue to explore diversifying their energy sources, floating offshore wind platforms offer an option for countries where fixed-bottom offshore wind developments are limited.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Sam Kanner, Aikido Technologies CEO, and Rob Langford, ABS Vice President of Global Offshore Renewables, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the commercial viability, manufacturing scalability, safety considerations and global potential for the floating offshore wind industry. Sam also provides insight into Aikido’s floating platform design, which aims to streamline production and deployment processes.If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.TakeawaysFloating offshore wind is a potential alternative energy source for countries with deep coastal waters.Safety is a top priority in floating offshore wind projects.Collaboration across the global supply chain is necessary to support growth.The industry must learn from oil and gas experiences.Aikido's technology aims to simplify the assembly process.The future of floating wind is promising with ongoing advancements.GuestsSam Kanner is the CEO and a co-founder of Aikido Technologies, a start-up focused on accelerating the deployment of floating offshore wind. In this role, he oversees all technical, commercial and business activities within the company. He and his two co-founders were Breakthrough Energy Fellows (Cohort 2022), which helped launch Aikido. Previously, he was Head of R&D at Principle Power, helping deploy some of the world's first floating wind projects.  Sam holds a doctorate and a master’s from UC Berkeley in mechanical engineering and ocean engineering and a bachelor’s from Carleton College.Rob Langford is the Vice President of Global Offshore Renewables at ABS, bringing over 30 years of extensive experience in offshore consulting, engineering, construction, installation, operations and maintenance. With a deep understanding of offshore developments, Rob offers a comprehensive global perspective on both New Energy and Hydrocarbons. His roles at prominent companies such as Worley, SBM Offshore, Shell, Fluor, and Wood have equipped him with the expertise to successfully lead numerous offshore projects around the world. Rob’s collaborative approach in leadership offshore fixed and floating projects has consistently added value for leading energy companies around the world. He holds a degree in mechanical and production engineering from Anglia Ruskin University. 

The 83rd meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is fast approaching, with potentially industry-shaking decisions set to be discussed and possibly agreed upon.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Sanne Henriksen, Head of IMO and EU Public and Regulatory Affairs at A.P. Moller-Maersk, Philippos Philis, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Lemissoler Group, and Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss their expectations for MEPC 83 and how it could impact the maritime industry.If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.After you listen, get a recap of MEPC 83 here: https://ww2.eagle.org/en/rules-and-resources/regulatory-updates/MEPC-83.htmlKey PointsMEPC 83 is expected to be a historic meeting for shipping.Decarbonization requires a fair and effective regulatory framework.Alternative fuels must be viable and available for transition.The shipping industry must prepare for carbon pricing mechanisms.Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful implementation.The next two years will be critical for shipping's sustainability.GuestsSanne Henriksen is the Head of IMO and EU Public and Regulatory Affairs at A.P. Moller-Maersk. Before joining Maersk, she was the lead for Denmark at IMO GHG negotiations at the Danish Maritime Authority, contributing to the development of the IMO Initial GHG Strategy adopted in 2018. She has also worked on maritime affairs at the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Earlier in her career, Sanne held several positions at the Danish Ministry of Business, Financial and Industry Affairs, where she worked on post-financial crisis reforms, the EU Banking Union, and financial regulation. She holds an MSc in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen.Philippos Philis is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Lemissoler Group, leading its operations since 1996. The Group specializes in ship-owning, ship management, commercial operations, maritime digital technology, and R&D on ship efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. He is the former President of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) and chaired the Cyprus Shipowners’ Employers Association (CySEA). He serves on ABS and DNV Committees and the Board of West of England P&I Club and has held positions with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and USB Bank. Philippos holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from RWTH Aachen and is a Harvard Business School graduate. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Cyprus University of Technology.Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also member of IACS Board of Directors, the IACS Council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions. 

As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve, institutions like Texas A&M University are pioneering research into how the technologies can be virtually verified and validated before they are deployed on real-world maritime vessels.This special episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, was recorded at the ABS Laboratory for Ocean Innovation at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, where the university and ABS are researching the implementation of autonomous navigation — just one of many research collaborations between the two organizations.In this episode, Texas A&M Professor of Mechanical Engineering Siva Rathinam and ABS Senior Technology Engineer Denny Raymond joined host Brad Cox to discuss the challenges, benefits and safety concerns of autonomous systems, as well as how the ongoing research can help push the industry forward.Share this episode and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key TakeawaysThe transition to autonomy will change the roles of seafarers but will be a gradual change.Legal frameworks need to adapt to accommodate autonomous ships.Safety concerns are paramount in the development of autonomous systems.Virtual testing can accelerate the development of autonomous navigation technologies.Research is needed to understand human-autonomy interaction better.The future of maritime autonomy is promising and requires collective effort.GuestsDr. Siva Rathinam is a Professor and Industrial Advisory Committee Faculty Fellow in the Texas A&M Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests are in autonomous ground and aerial vehicles, sensor fusion, vision-based control, algorithms, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).Denny Raymond is a Senior Technology Engineer at ABS. With nearly two decades of experience, Denny has a multi-disciplinary background in marine product integration, power generation, dynamic positioning, and maritime autonomy. Having worked for the Saint Lucia Electricity Services, Cummins, and Basler Electric, Denny has specialized knowledge of marine engine applications, power systems and controls. Denny received his Master of Science in Engineering (Industrial/Systems Concentration) from Purdue University and his Bachelor of Science, in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies, Trinidad.

Using additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, to produce replacement parts on demand can support just-in-time operations and potentially mitigate supply chain disruptions for the maritime and offshore industries.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Daniel Tan, Pelagus 3D Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President of Technology, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the potential for on-demand AM for the maritime industry.Learn more about how ABS is supporting AM for the industry here.Share this episode and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key TakeawaysAM (3D printing) can address supply chain disruptions for the maritime and offshore industries.On-demand manufacturing allows for local production of spare parts, saving time.The cost of AM technologies is decreasing.Companies are moving from just-in-case to just-in-time operations.Pelagus 3D is implementing on-demand spare parts for the maritime and offshore industries.ABS is developing a certification framework for AM.Safety, mechanical performance and cybersecurity are key concerns for 3D printed parts.GuestsDaniel Tan is the Chief Technology Officer in Pelagus 3D — a joint venture between Thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen — offering digital manufacturing of spare parts for the maritime and offshore industries. While managing the development of the Pelagus Platform, the one-stop digital hub for customers, design owners and fabricators, Daniel is also passionate about exploring innovations and partnerships that can create new value for platform users. Prior to Pelagus 3D, Daniel was with Wilhelmsen Ships Service since 2020 as Venture Technology Lead, developing the platform MVP (minimum viable product) and architecting the operations process for its 3D printing venture. A mechanical engineer by training, Daniel had also spent 10 years in innovation, and running research programs and institutes for the maritime and aviation sectors.Dr. Gu Hai is Vice President of Technology for American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). He overseas ABS’ technology centers in the Pacific region, including Singapore, China, Korea, and Japan. These centers help further innovation and technology development in the maritime and offshore industries. They leverage the full depth and breadth of experience from across ABS’ entire worldwide network to support safety and innovation, locally and globally. He currently sits on the Singapore Maritime Institute Technology Advisory Panel, the Industry Advisory Committee at Singapore Institute of Technology, and the Digital Twin Panel of the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME). He was also a member of the Singapore Tripartite Advisory Panel for Transition and Future Skills for Seagoing Professionals from 2023 to 2024 and the International Advisory Panel of Singapore Maritime Foundation on Decarbonization in the Maritime Sector from 2020 to 2021. He holds a Doctor’s Degree in Engineering from Hiroshima University, Japan.

A revolutionary vessel design with a novel aft layout could reduce a vessel’s environmental impact and promote efficient operations.Craig Carter, Thordon Bearings Vice President of Business Development, and Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, ABS Vice President of Technology, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss the Blue Ocean Alliance’s design for a sterntubeless propeller shaft bearing arrangement and its potential for the maritime industry.Learn more about the sterntubeless design from the ABS Requirements for Sterntubeless Vessels with Water Lubricated Bearings.Be sure to share this episode with your friends and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsDecarbonization in shipping often focuses on fuels, but ship design matters as well.The water-lubricated sterntubeless design can reduce the risk of oil leaks from the propeller shaft.Seawater lubrication is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.The design allows for easier maintenance and inspection of bearings.The design can increase cargo capacity by optimizing space.GuestsCraig Carter is the Vice President of Business Development for Thordon Bearings, a manufacturer of a complete range of zero pollution propeller shaft, rudder and shaftline products for the global marine market. He has been actively working with ship owners, government and special interest groups to provide cost effective solutions to eliminate oil and grease discharges from ships ensuring no environmental impact on our oceans, seas and rivers. He has been involved in the promotion of oil- and grease-free bearing systems for the marine, clean power generation and offshore industries since 1996.Dr. Chris Leontopoulos is Vice President of Technology for ABS. He joined the ABS office in Greece in 2007 as a senior engineer in plan approval and has assumed a number of roles of increased responsibility over time. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He graduated with a bachelor's degree, a master's and a doctorate in mechanical engineering all from Imperial College in London. He also holds a master's degree in business administration. He is currently involved as a project manager in two IACS machinery working groups on Shaft Alignment Damages and Barred Speed Range.

The emergence of 3D model-based design and engineering for the maritime industry is changing the way ships are designed, engineered, built and classed.This special episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, was recorded on board the Signet Capella tugboat at the Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center near Corpus Christi, Texas. The Signet Sirius, sistership of the Signet Capella, was the first commercial U.S. vessel designed, built and verified using an end-to-end 3D design process.In this episode, Signet Maritime Corporation Senior Vice President of Engineering Tim McCallum, Robert Allan Ltd. Production Design Manager Dmitry Kapiturov and ABS Senior Engineer Scott Sienkiewicz joined host Brad Cox to discuss the Signet Capella, the Signet Sirius, and the impact of 3D design on maritime engineering.If you like this episode, share it, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsThe Signet Sirius and the Signet Capella are pioneering 3D-designed vessels.3D design enhances collaboration among all stakeholders.The maritime industry is embracing 3D design for efficiency.3D design allows for better visualization of complex structures.The younger generation is more adept at using 3D tools.3D models offer improved training potential.GuestsTim McCallum is the Senior Vice President for Engineering, Technical and Economics at Signet Maritime Corporation. He is responsible for corporate engineering leadership, policy, design, new construction, application of engineering principles and practices, fleet maintenance planning and budgeting, and capital project financial planning and management. Tim has been the project lead on Signet’s most advanced vessel design and construction projects and was Signet’s spearhead for the adoption of 3D design in U.S. shipbuilding with the Signet Sirius and Signet Capella.Dmitry Kapiturov is a Technical Manager Production Design and CAD Manager at Robert Allan Ltd., in Vancouver, BC. Dmitry obtained a Master’s Degree in Naval Architecture in 2002 and has more than 20 years of experience in the ship design and shipbuilding industry. Dmitry is registered as a professional engineer at EGBC and is also a member of SNAME. Dmitry pioneers the model-based design approach at Robert Allan Ltd. He is instrumental in leading the company towards innovative solutions and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.Scott Sienkiewicz is a Senior Engineer at ABS and has been with the company for more than 10 years. He works in the New Orleans Hull group and has a primary focus on vessel structures, finite element analysis and statutory services. He obtained a bachelor’s degree of engineering in naval architecture from SUNY Maritime College and holds a Third Mates Unlimited Merchant Marine Credential.

Ammonia offers interesting potential as a zero-carbon marine fuel. Several companies are developing technologies to support ammonia’s application by taking advantage of its energy density and mitigating its toxicity risks.Jan Chow, Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering for Amogy, and Michael Kei, Vice President of Technology for ABS, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss Amogy’s ammonia cracking technology, the company’s ammonia-powered tugboat, and ammonia safety.If you like this episode, share it with your colleagues, leave a review, or send us feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsAmmonia cracking technology breaks down ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen.Ammonia has a higher energy density than hydrogen.The existing infrastructure for ammonia can support its use as a fuel.Safety concerns regarding ammonia are manageable with proper technology and training.Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support ammonia as a marine fuel.Ammonia as a marine fuel could see it comprising more than 40% of the fuel mix by 2050.GuestsJan Chow is the Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering at Amogy. Based in Houston, Jan is responsible for aligning Amogy product development with client needs and industry trends. He was involved in the NH3 Kraken vessel design to demonstrate the application of Amogy’s technology in the maritime industry. Prior to joining Amogy in 2023, Jan worked as a classification design review engineer, surveyor, and digital capabilities and innovation manager at ABS for over 10 years.Michael Kei is Vice President of Technology for ABS. In his role, Michael is responsible for leading and approving technical development and maintenance of products & services to meet organizational and business needs. He has 20 years of experience in the marine and offshore industry where he has driven innovation and led high-performing teams. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in offshore engineering and has a proven track record of implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency. 

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is at the center of the action for the shipping industry’s decarbonization.With MEPC’s 82nd session coming up, we had several IMO delegates from across the industry join Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss what they expect from the meeting, the hottest topics that will be discussed, and issues future meetings will need to address.If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.To hear about the outcomes from the MEPC 82 meeting, view our webinar on demand here: https://bit.ly/3UCrm1x Key PointsMEPC 82 could be a pivotal committee meeting, determining the future of decarbonization in the shipping industry.Mid-term measures and the review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework will likely play a big role in the meeting.Other important issues to be addressed include the Ballast Water Management Convention, the Hong Kong Convention, and the implementation of the IMO net zero framework.The industry is looking for clarity, certainty and pragmatic solutions to meet the targets and transition to a more sustainable future.GuestsThanos Theocharis is a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs for International Registries, Inc. (IRI)/Marshall Islands Registry. He joined IRI’s office in Piraeus, Greece, in June 2007 as a vessel operations manager. He is a member of the delegation representing the Marshall Islands at the IMO.Panos Zachariadis has been the Technical Director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management in Greece since 1997. He is a Fellow member of the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, a member of Technical Committees of several shipping Classification Societies and the Union of Greek Shipowners, Chairman of BIMCO’s Marine Environment Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors of Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and Marine Technical Managers Association (MARTECMA). He has been a member of the Greek delegation to the IMO since 2004.KC Wong is a Senior Technical Manager for INTERTANKO covering the China and Hong Kong region. He is also the Secretary to INTERTANKO’s Safety and Technical Committee, representing the tanker industry on safety and technical matters in liaison with national governmental organizations and international organizations, such as the IMO. KC joined INTERTANKO after his secondment from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) from Sep 2020 to Apr 2022.Emmanuel Vergetis is the Greece Region Representative for INTERCARGO. He joined the INTERCARGO Secretariat in January 2022 after many years working for a classification society. He is a graduate of National Technical University of Athens and holds a master’s degree of Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineer.Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also member of IACS Board of Directors, the IACS Council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

ABS recently launched the sixth edition of its sustainability Outlook series, Beyond the Horizon, Carbon Neutral Fuel Pathways and Transformational Technologies. The new Outlook provides a forecast for net zero scenarios factoring in the future fuel mix, energy efficiency technologies and shipyard capacity for retrofits.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Stergios Stamopoulos, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, and Ushma Ahuja, ABS Senior Sustainability Engineer, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the publication’s findings and major sustainability trends in the industry.Download the latest edition of the Outlook at www.eagle.org/2024Outlook.If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsThe number of ships using alternative fuels is expected to continue growing.Energy efficiency technologies have an important role to play in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.Increased shipyard capacity for newbuilds and retrofitting is crucial for decarbonization.Liquid hydrogen and nuclear energy have substantial potential to support decarbonization.The industry needs innovation, regulatory compliance and collaboration to achieve net-zero targets.GuestsStergios Stamopoulos is the ABS Director of Global Sustainability for the Western Hemisphere, leading ABS activities in the Americas and Europe regions. Under his leadership, the ABS sustainability centers in Houston, Athens and Copenhagen are assisting ship and offshore owners, operators, and other stakeholders with achieving their sustainability goals. He joined ABS in 2007 as an engineer and has worked in Greece, South Korea and the U.S. in a variety of roles.Ushma Ahuja is a Senior Sustainability Engineer at the ABS Global Sustainability Center in Copenhagen, where she supports ESG mapping projects. She has been a Secondee with the Regulatory Affairs team of Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping since 2023.

Once considered future fuels, options like LNG, methanol and ammonia are quickly becoming current fuels for the maritime industry. However, as alternative fuel-enabled ships start hitting the water, challenges remain for both availability and risk assessment.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Dinesh Balraj, Maersk Head of Fleet Operations East, and Shu Yong Koh, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, explore some of the biggest challenges of methanol as a marine fuel with host Brad Cox, ABS.If you like this episode, share it with your colleagues, leave a review, or send us feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsMaersk is using methanol as a pioneer fuel to achieve carbon neutrality and meet their ambitious sustainability goals.Methanol offers speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for reducing emissions.The complete methanol value chain is still developing, with challenges in sourcing and infrastructure.ABS has published a bunkering advisory to support the safe handling of methanol.Methanol is expected to play a key role in the future fuel mix, but a diverse range of green fuels is also anticipated.GuestsDinesh Balraj is the Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller-Maersk. Dinesh oversees the technical management of a fleet comprising 185 container vessels. In this role, Dinesh champions safety, reliability and energy efficiency, leveraging his diverse background spanning Chief Engineer, Classification Surveyor, Fleet Superintendent, and Fleet Manager positions. As a key member of the Fleet Management and Technology leadership team, Dinesh spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at driving cultural transformation, decarbonization efforts, and operational excellence throughout the organization.Shu Yong Koh serves as ABS Director of Global Sustainability, responsible for driving the ABS sustainability strategy and assisting ship owners and operators with achieving their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals through industry-leading support and digital solutions. He has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and is actively pursuing the challenges of the maritime and shipping industry. He is working on energy, emissions and innovative technologies associated with alternative fuels, taking into account technical, environmental, regulatory and economic factors.

As the maritime industry grapples with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have seen a multitude of regulations intended to drive progress. Now we have the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which introduces the concept of well-to-wake carbon equivalent emissions per megajoule of energy and it enters into force in January 2025.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Francesco Bellusci, Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management, Ricardo Batista, Policy Officer with the European Commission’s DG-MOVE, and Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the implementation and challenges of FuelEU. The group discusses wind-assisted propulsion incentives, the role of carbon capture technology and the regulation’s emissions pooling mechanism.If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsThe FuelEU Maritime Regulation aims to decarbonize maritime transport by reducing carbon intensity and promoting the use of renewable fuels.Wind-assisted propulsion is seen as a technology that can contribute to emissions reduction and incentives for using it are included in the regulation.Carbon capture is not currently included in the regulation, but there is potential for its inclusion in the future.The pooling function in FuelEU incentivizes compliance and rewards overachievers by allowing companies to pool ships and trade surplus emissions.FuelEU is seen as a first step toward global implementation of a similar International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulation.Collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of decarbonization measures in the maritime sector.GuestsFrancesco Bellusci is the Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management. Francesco was Technical Director in Scorpio from 1995, Designated Person Ashore (DPA) from 1997 and was appointed General Manager in 2008. He has been the Managing Director since 2010. Francesco was instrumental for the success of Scorpio Tankers fleet renewal into ECO design and the transition from Scorpio Bulkers into Eneti Inc. and wind offshore renewable.Ricardo Batista is a Policy Officer with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG-MOVE), Maritime Transport unit. In the Commission, Ricardo is engaged in the development, negotiation and preparatory work for implementing the FuelEU Maritime Regulation under the Fit for 55 package. Before joining the European Commission, Ricardo worked in the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), responsible for technical and scientific support to the Commission on several topics of ship safety and sustainability, with a focus on energy systems. Ricardo has previous experience as a Marine Engineer onboard naval ships and a Naval Architect involved with newbuild and retrofit works. He also has classification society experience.Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the IMO, flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also a member of IACS board of directors, the IACS council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

Digital twins have captured the maritime industry’s attention amid the global journey toward digitalization and decarbonization. However, confusion remains about what exactly a digital twin is, what it isn’t and how it can be used.On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Eric VanDerHorn, ABS Technology Manager, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss digital twins and the potential benefits for the maritime industry. If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.Key PointsDigital twins are a hot topic in the maritime industry, with over 20,000 publications mentioning them in 2023 alone.The concept of a digital twin can be traced back to the use of physical twins throughout history to better understand the real world.Building a digital twin involves integrating various data sources and models, but there is no grand unified model yet.Digital twins offer potential advantages in areas such as diagnostics, predictive maintenance, performance optimization and training.Digital twins can also be used to support decision making in the decarbonization journey of shipowners and operators.GuestEric VanDerHorn is a Technology Manager for ABS. He supports digital transformation in the maritime industry by developing and qualifying cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, smart functions, structural health monitoring, asset integrity management, predictive analytics, and condition-based Class programs. Eric holds a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate in civil engineering with a focus on uncertainty quantification from Vanderbilt University.

As the commercial spaceflight industry continues to grow, so does the need to support offshore operations such as launch and recovery. Enter a new type of offshore support vessel (OSV) that can play a vital role in this skyrocketing sector.On this episode of Setting Course, Captain Bryan Dietz, Master of Space Perspective’s MS Voyager, and Tyson Breedlove, ABS Manager of Business Development for Global Offshore, join host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss these new space support vessels.If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your friends. Feedback is also welcome at [email protected] to more episodes at www.eagle.org/podcast or on your favorite podcast platform.Key PointsThe space industry is experiencing significant growth, with increasing interest in commercial spaceflight and space exploration.Offshore support vessels (OSVs) are being adapted and certified for space support operations, including launch and recovery operations.ABS, as a class society, plays a crucial role in the conversion and certification of OSVs for space support.Modifications to Space Perspective’s vessel include lengthening, propulsion system changes, additional crew accommodations, rewiring and safety enhancements.GuestsCaptain Bryan Dietz is the Master of the world’s first marine spaceport, the MS Voyager, for Space Perspective. He is a native of Long Island, N.Y., and was born into a saltwater fishing and boating family. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College and has more than a decade of experience in the offshore sector, including ultra deepwater subsea construction.Tyson Breedlove is a Business Development Manager in Global Offshore for ABS and leads the team’s offshore space strategy. Breedlove has worked in the maritime industry for 16 years, the first 12 of which were in the field as a surveyor in South Korea and Singapore.

The rapid pace at which technologies are evolving and emerging within the marine and offshore industries requires an agile approach to asset design.On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss ABS’ risk-based approach to its Rules with ABS Chief Engineer, Derek Novak; ABS Vice President of Class Standards, Dan Cronin, and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media.Key PointsABS is adopting a risk-based approach to rules in response to industry changes.The risk-based approach focuses on safety and can be applied to any technical situation.The approach allows for the adoption of new technologies and innovations without being held back by the lack of specific requirements.ABS had made changes to improve clarity and accessibility, including the introduction of Rule Manager 2.0.Learn more about how ABS is supporting the industry at https://www.eagle.org.If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your contacts. This episode is available at https://www.eagle.org/podcast and on your favorite podcast platforms.GuestsDerek Novak is the Chief Engineer for ABS. He oversees interpretation, application and compliance with ABS Rules across all ABS Engineering offices worldwide. Novak joined ABS in 1994 and has held a number of senior management roles within the organization, including Senior Vice President for Engineering and Technology, President and Chief Operating Officer – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Engineering, and Manager – Naval Engineering.Dan Cronin is the Vice President of Class Standards for ABS. He oversees the Rule Development process and is leading the Rules 2025 initiative. Cronin joined ABS in 1997 and has held several roles within the organization, including Vice President of Digital Class, Vice President of Engineering for Americas, and Manager of Ship and Offshore Engineering in Singapore.

The maritime industry is facing a myriad of challenges on the journey to decarbonization. On this special Singapore Maritime Week episode of Setting Course, guests from Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL), PaxOcean and ABS discuss the challenges and solutions shaping the industry’s future.Chern Meng Huat, PCL General Manager of Technical Fleet Management, Sidat Senanayake, PaxOcean Head of Commercial and Shu Yong Koh, ABS Global Sustainability Director, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to talk about how collaboration is key to advancing maritime decarbonization.Key PointsShip owners face broad challenges on the decarbonization pathway, such as fleet diversity, regulatory uncertainty, technological limitations, operational optimization and crew training.Industry collaboration and partnerships are crucial in developing effective decarbonization strategies.Initiatives such as the use of alternative fuels, energy-saving technologies, and eco-friendly ship designs are being pursued to reduce emissions.The future of decarbonization requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and a global commitment to sustainability.Learn more about the outlook for the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey in Beyond the Horizon: View of the Emerging Value Chains.If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your friends.Guests:With over 25 years of industry experience, Chern Meng Huat started his career sailing as an engine cadet to Chief Engineer. Before joining Pacific Carrier Limited (PCL), he worked as a marine surveyor, gaining insights into different industry facets. Now, as General Manager, Technical Fleet Management, he oversees the operation, maintenance, and safety of vessels under PCL's purview.Sidat Senanayake is the Head of Commercial for PaxOcean Group and based in Singapore, where he is responsible for the group’s global commercial activities covering newbuilding, conversions, repairs and fabrication. He has spent over 20 years covering the maritime and offshore sector in financing, marketing, business development, restructuring and risk management roles. His last role was Head of Risk Management & Compliance for Kuok Group Singapore, the parent company of PaxOcean Group.Shu Yong Koh serves as ABS Director of Global Sustainability, responsible for driving the ABS sustainability strategy and assisting ship owners and operators with achieving their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals through industry-leading support and digital solutions. He has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and is actively pursuing the challenges of the maritime and shipping industry. He is working on energy, emissions and innovative technologies associated with alternative fuels, taking into account technical, environmental, regulatory and economic factors.

As the marine industry increasingly considers applications for autonomous technologies, regulatory bodies must adapt and assess these technologies to promote safe use.On this episode of Setting Course, Joseph Gardemal, ABS Regulatory Affairs Manager, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss the development of a regulatory framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).Gardemal discusses the drivers behind autonomous regulations, the degrees of autonomy and what the evolving regulations are aiming to achieve.Learn more about some of the regulatory trends facing the industry at www.eagle.org/regulatorytrends.GuestJoseph Gardemal is a Regulatory Affairs Manager for ABS. He is responsible for providing advisory support on new and ongoing developments taking place at IMO. He has been with ABS for 17 years, with a focus on design of ships and offshore units for regulatory compliance.

Seafarers are the backbone of the global maritime industry. They are also among the most affected when the industry undergoes change, whether from new technologies, staffing shortages or geopolitical tensions.On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss the challenges facing current and future seafarers with Chuck Kemper, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jennifer Harrison, ABS Senior Director of Learning Strategy, and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media.Listen to more episodes of Setting Course at www.eagle.org/podcast.GuestsChuck Kemper is Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at ABS. He leads the global human resources’ function, facilities and real estate, as well as security for the organization. He has over two decades of experience in the human resources field.Jennifer Harrison has almost 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, the last 21 of which have been with ABS, where she has worked in various roles in software consulting, business development, marketing, public relations and training. Since 2022, Jennifer has led the technical training development function for employees, including delivering programs for ABS Academies in Houston, Shanghai, Singapore, Busan, Doha and Athens. Jennifer also oversees the ABS Academy client training services. Before joining ABS, Jennifer was a ship personnel manager and crew purser working on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

While regulations and the global energy transition have brought a wide range of alternative fuels into the spotlight, nuclear energy has emerged as a zero-carbon option with broad potential for the marine and offshore industries.On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss the potential for nuclear energy with Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Meg Dowling, ABS Technology Engineer and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media. Patrick and Meg provide insight into potential applications, challenges, opportunities and regulatory hurdles for nuclear energy for maritime applications.Learn more about some of the major technology trends facing the industry at www.eagle.org/techtrends.Key PointsThe shipping industry is considering nuclear power as an alternative fuel source to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.Nuclear power could be used in the production of alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen.Advanced nuclear technologies are being developed to address safety concerns and improve efficiency and performance.Technical challenges in commercializing nuclear propulsion for merchant ships include reactor design, manufacturing and transportation.Collaboration between the maritime industry and nuclear regulatory bodies is necessary to develop new regulations and support the use of nuclear power.GuestsPatrick Ryan is Senior Vice President, Global Technology and Digital Product Development, and Chief Technology Officer for ABS. He is responsible for ABS’ technology research and development, digital product development, engineering software organizations and seven Global Technology Centers. He joined ABS in 2019. For 21 years prior, he was in various ship design, program management and engineering leadership roles at the largest shipyard in the United States.Meg Dowling is a Senior Engineer in the Energy Transition group for ABS Americas Technology. She serves as the ABS Nuclear Programs Lead and has been involved in research and project development subjects related to sustainable shipping initiatives and alternative power options, including biofuels, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Meg received her BS in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering from the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Between the IMO’s goal for net-zero emissions by 2050 and rapidly evolving technologies, the marine and offshore industries are facing a complex decade of change.On this episode of Setting Course, Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President for Global Business Development and Global Marine, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor for Riviera Maritime Media, for a broad discussion on how the industry and class societies are reacting to the decade of change. Vassilios also discusses the technologies and alternative fuels poised to impact the industry.To learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industries, visit www.eagle.org.Key PointsThe maritime industry is undergoing rapid changes to meet IMO's net zero targets by 2050.New ships, low- and zero-carbon fuels, new engines and technologies, digitalization, and seafarer training are all factoring into the industry’s decarbonization journey.ABS and the class process are evolving to focus on sustainability and digitalization.The industry is moving toward a multi-fuel future, with a mix of alternative fuels depending on the type of vessel and operation.Safety considerations and crew familiarization are crucial in the adoption of new technologies and fuels.ABS is supporting the industry's decarbonization journey through joint development projects, developing rules and guidelines, talent development, and the establishment of sustainability and technology centers.GuestVassilios Kroustallis is Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Global Marine for ABS, responsible for client relationship management and business solution development across the ABS operational hemispheres. Previously he served as Vice President, Global Business Development of Europe for ABS, responsible for client relationship management and business solution development within the region.

Ammonia is one of several alternative fuels being evaluated by the maritime industry to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. While ammonia has the potential to be a zero-carbon fuel or a carrier for hydrogen fuel, the chemical is extremely toxic and has stringent handling requirements.On this episode of Setting Course, Rene Laursen, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss ammonia’s potential, its challenges and its path to broad adoption as a maritime fuel.Key PointsAmmonia is being considered as an alternative fuel for shipping to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.It can be produced from renewable sources and does not emit carbon or CO2 when combusted.Scaling up renewable electricity and, thus, green ammonia production is a challenge to meet the industry's fuel needs.The cost of producing green ammonia is expected to be two to three times more expensive than traditional ammonia.Ammonia can be used as a fuel in both four-stroke and two-stroke engines, but the combustion technology and pilot fuel requirements differ.Storing ammonia on board ships is already taking place, and there are different tank systems available.Safety measures and training are necessary due to the toxicity of ammonia.The shipping industry is expected to see an increase in the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel in the coming years.GuestRene Laursen serves as Director of Sustainability for ABS, leading the ABS Copenhagen Sustainability Center. In his current role, he supports shipowners in selecting the best technologies and fuel mixes for their fleet.

As the maritime industry grapples with the need to reduce emissions, carbon capture technology offers a potential solution with wide-reaching implications.On this episode of Setting Course, Joe Rousseau, ABS Director of Offshore Technology, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor for Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss the emerging carbon capture, utilization and storage value chain. Rousseau provides insight into new carbon capture technologies, potential use cases for captured carbon and the value chain’s impact on the maritime industry.Key PointsOnboard carbon capture is still in the early stages of development in the maritime industry.Scaling the technology for shipboard use presents challenges such as limited space, weight considerations, and the need for associated systems and power.Infrastructure and regulatory support are crucial for the commercialization of carbon capture in shipping.Captured carbon can be used to create synthetic fuels, but the scale of carbon capture efforts requires significant infrastructure and financial considerations.Carbon capture in shipping involves not only onboard capture but also the transportation, storage, and potential reuse of captured carbon.

As vessels become increasingly complex with new technologies and fuels, the application of autonomous technologies to support human crew decision-making is gaining ground in the maritime industry.On this episode of Setting Course, Chih Wei Lui, ABS Senior Managing Principal Engineer, and Kalevi Tervo, ABB Corporate Executive Engineer and Global Program Manager, join host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to broadly discuss the impact of autonomous technologies on the maritime industry.Lui and Tervo discuss specific applications, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the evolving role of crew onboard vessels with autonomous technologies.If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your friends.Key PointsAutonomy in the maritime industry is in an exciting phase with a lot of work happening behind the scenes.The focus is on the practical application of autonomous technology in vessel operations to improve efficiency.Human beings are still crucial for decision-making, while machines handle tedious and data-intensive tasks.These technologies are being piloted in various sectors of the maritime industry.GuestsChih Wei Lui is a Senior Managing Principal Engineer with ABS and leads the electrical plan review team in Singapore. Lui has been with ABS for 16 years working in various roles in Engineering plan review and Technology in Singapore and Dubai. He has extensive experience in maritime regulations and electrical and automation systems. He is a subject matter expert on smart and autonomous shipping and is actively involved in global efforts on this topic. He represents ABS on the IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) Expert Group on MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships). He was the lead author of the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions and the Advisory on Autonomous Functionality.Dr. Kalevi Tervo received his D.Sc. (Tech.) degree in Control Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, in 2011, where he served in various positions during 2005-2011. At Aalto University, he led a research team involved in building the first IoT systems for mobile working machines with major Finnish working machine companies. Since joining ABB in 2011, he has led R&D projects focused on increasing ship automation and performance through data analytics, optimization and control. In his current role as a Corporate Executive Engineer, Dr. Tervo leads a major R&D program developing efficient, sustainable and intelligent shipping solutions.