World Maritime Day 2024
Terje Kristiansen, CEO: Embracing Transparency in the Maritime Industry
As CEO of Shipnet, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the maritime industry’s remarkable technological revolution over the past two decades. From the early days of rudimentary satellite communications to today’s advanced AI-powered route optimisation, the progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, as we stand on the brink of another transformative era, it’s clear that the next wave of change isn’t about hardware or software—it’s about transparency.
For centuries, shipping has operated behind a veil of secrecy—vessels’ emissions, fuel consumption, and environmental impacts have been closely guarded secrets, hidden away in logbooks and databases. This opacity has allowed inefficiencies to persist and obscured the true environmental cost of global trade. But that era is coming to an end as progressive shipowners embrace radical transparency around their environmental performance.
This transparency is essential, but as we embrace new technology, we must never lose sight of the foundational principle of safety. The 2024 World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” reminds us that no matter how far technology takes us, safety must remain our highest priority. At Shipnet, we’ve taken this to heart, and today, I want to highlight how members of our team have personally experienced the importance of safety at sea and how it influences the work we do.
Niall Jack, Director of Products: Safety Through Innovation
“Anyone who has spent any time at sea will be very familiar with the burden of paperwork and administration day to day and for particular tasks/events,” says Niall Jack, Director of Products at Shipnet. “I often spent time wondering if the forms and procedures we were following actually prevented accidents and improved safety.”
Having spent time at sea himself, Niall became acutely aware of the ways that administration can sometimes interfere with practical safety. “One of the main reasons I took this job was that over the years it became more and more apparent that if software and support mechanisms for safe working didn’t make it easier to work safely, then they could become a risk themselves,” he explains.
This realisation continues to drive Niall’s work today. “That’s why you’ll hear me talking endlessly about data and insight (and now Helix!). The more we can do to help crews work safely, without adding in administrative hurdles, the better. It’s exciting to see how new technology is being applied to centuries-old problems and yielding results.”
At Shipnet, we believe that technological innovation should do more than streamline processes—it should actively contribute to making life onboard safer.
Anil Bhardwaj, Product Manager: Safety as a Core Value
Before becoming a Product Manager at Shipnet, Anil Bhardwaj worked as a marine engineer. His career shift from ship to shore didn’t change his focus on safety—it reinforced it.
“Many of you might already know that I started my career as a marine engineer,” Anil shares. “Before I transitioned into the tech world with Shipnet, I was sailing with one of the largest container shipping companies.”
He recalls a lesson from his early days at sea that still influences him today: “I remember my very first ship as a cadet. I was working under a Russian Chief Engineer who, despite the language barrier, gave me advice I’ve never forgotten. His words were simple: ‘One hand for work, the other for yourself.’ It was his way of reminding us to always have a hand free to ensure our safety. This discipline stayed with me throughout my career.”
Anil recounts a close call during routine engine maintenance, when a junior engineer skipped a safety step to save time. The incident, although minor, served as a powerful reminder of why safety should never be compromised.
Now, in his role as a Product Manager, Anil’s focus on safety continues: “Even though I’m no longer at sea, the lessons I learned as a marine engineer still guide my work. One of the projects we recently launched is an AI-powered search engine for our document management system, designed to give crews accurate, immediate answers in plain language. Better-informed decisions lead to fewer mistakes and a safer work environment.”
For Anil, safety isn’t just a regulation to follow—it’s a mindset that informs every decision, whether onboard a ship or in product development.
Safety First, Always
As we celebrate World Maritime Day 2024, “Navigating the Future: Safety First” serves as a reminder that while technology and innovation are moving at a rapid pace, safety must always remain the top priority. At Shipnet, our goal is to provide the maritime industry with tools that not only support operational efficiency but also ensure the wellbeing of those who rely on our solutions every day.
Through the personal experiences of team members like Niall Jack and Anil Bhardwaj, we are reminded of the real-world impact of safety. Their insights fuel our passion to create technology that makes life at sea not only easier but, most importantly, safer.
The Shipnet Team
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