What Smart Tech Means in Practice with Propulsion Analytics

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.