Episodios

  • Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World

    Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World
    Mar 31 2026
    Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World Episode Overview Recorded live at CMA Shipping, this roundtable pulls back the curtain on seafarers' welfare in modern shipping. Chris sits down with Rev. Stephen Cushing, Julia Cooper, and Dr. Christopher Graham to explore how digital transformation is reshaping life for crews when ships come into port. From Starlink and onboard connectivity to WhatsApp communication, e-commerce logistics, and social media visibility, this conversation highlights how seafarer welfare has evolved into a critical part of the maritime ecosystem. It also brings into focus a more immediate reality. At a time of rising geopolitical tension, including conflict impacting key shipping lanes, thousands of seafarers continue to operate in high-risk regions. Often out of sight, they remain on the front lines of global trade. Key Discussion Sections 00:00 Introduction to the Maritime Landscape Setting the stage from CMA Shipping and framing the role of seafarers within global supply chains. 02:41 Seafarers' Welfare and Digital Transformation How welfare centers are evolving into logistics hubs, communication bridges, and digital support systems. 05:24 Crew Expectations and Shore-Based Support How increased connectivity is reshaping what seafarers need when they come ashore. 07:51 The Role of Technology in Seafarer Connectivity The impact of Starlink, SIM cards, and onboard internet access on crew behavior and expectations. 10:30 Social Media and Its Impact on Seafarers How platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are shaping communication, visibility, and continuity of care. 13:09 Mental Health and Crew Dynamics The balance between connectivity and isolation, and the importance of leadership and culture onboard. 15:31 The Future of Seafaring and Automation Concerns around automation, job security, and the increasing complexity of maritime careers. 18:12 The Human Element in Maritime Operations Why seafarers remain the essential and often invisible backbone of global trade. 21:01 Final Thoughts on Seafarers' Welfare Including the realities of seafarers operating in active geopolitical hotspots and why their role is often overlooked until disruption occurs. Learn More For more on this topic, check out Episode 87: Navigating the Future – Seafarers' Welfare and Maritime Challenges, recorded live at the NAMMA Annual Conference. That conversation explores similar themes including shore leave, connectivity, and the evolving role of welfare organizations across the maritime industry. Tune in Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch clips and follow along on LinkedIn and YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast This episode is supported by Digital Ship, bringing maritime professionals the latest in digital innovation, connectivity, and technology across the industry. If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow the show. Share it with someone in maritime and subscribe to the newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference.
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    40 m
  • Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman

    Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman
    Mar 17 2026
    Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman Guest: Jan Dieleman President, Ocean Transportation — Cargill Chair, Global Maritime Forum Episode Overview In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris Aversano speaks with Jan Dieleman, President of Ocean Transportation at Cargill and Chair of the Global Maritime Forum. Cargill charters hundreds of vessels across global trades at any given time, moving grains, energy products, and raw materials around the world. From that vantage point, Jan offers a unique charterer perspective on how shipping decisions are made. Hint: it is often long before those decisions become visible to the broader market. At a time when tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to create uncertainty for global shipping and energy flows, the conversation explores how leaders in shipping actually make decisions in real time. The discussion touches on the commercial realities behind maritime decarbonization, how large organizations approach experimentation with new technologies, and why decision-making in shipping often requires acting on imperfect information. Chris and Jan also discuss the role of data in modern shipping, the challenge of balancing analysis with action during geopolitical disruptions, and why maritime remains one of the most essential yet often overlooked industries in the global economy. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Sponsor 01:30 Navigating the Evolving Maritime Landscape 03:09 Jan Dieleman's Journey in Shipping 05:57 Bridging the Gap: Charterers and Owners 10:31 Decarbonization: A Collaborative Journey 13:39 The Economics of Decarbonization 18:44 Experimentation and Transparency in Shipping 22:18 Diverse Dynamics in Maritime Industries 26:33 The Role of Data in Decision Making 31:39 Balancing Risk and Analysis in Leadership 34:23 Attracting Talent to the Maritime Industry 36:47 The Hidden Importance of Shipping Related Listening Episode 54: The Digital Evolution of Shipping with Scott Bergeron of Oldendorff Carriers Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Smart Ship Hub, helping shipowners and operators turn vessel data into measurable operational improvements across their fleets. Want to learn more about sponsoring an episode? Contact my friends at Digital Ship. Tune In Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music by: Peg and The Rejected — King of Ska Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support the Podcast If you found value in this episode: • Follow The Last Dinosaur on Spotify or Apple Podcasts • Leave a 5-star review • Share the episode with someone in the maritime industry You can also support the show through Buy Me a Coffee. Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕⚓
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    41 m
  • Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos

    Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos
    Mar 3 2026

    Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos

    Guest: Léon Gommans, CEO and Co-Founder, Teqplay
    Also: Host of the vodcast Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay
    Special Note: This is a co-produced episode and will be released on both The Last Dinosaur and Teqplay's vodcast Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay

    Episode Overview:
    This one is a true back and forth. Léon and Chris co-host a joint episode that moves from the reality of port call complexity to why "visibility" is still surprisingly hard, and how digital twins can make maritime data usable in the moments that matter. They also dig into transparency, trust, AI, talent, and why the industry's relationship DNA is not going anywhere.

    Key Discussion Highlights (short + punchy):

    1. 28 stakeholders in a single port call: Why port calls are coordinated systems, not simple arrivals.
    2. Digital twin, not another dashboard: Combining AIS, port context, and processes into something actionable.
    3. Paperwork is still the drag: How manual documentation persists despite the cost of waiting.
    4. "Ships dropping out of the air": The visibility gap that should not exist in a connected world.
    5. Transparency creates tension: When operational timestamps feel proprietary and why that is changing.
    6. AI changes the hiding game: If data is out there, it is increasingly hard to keep it invisible.
    7. Speed of change is uneven: Big players move first, but smaller firms are surprising everyone.
    8. Talent is a long game: Programs, hackathons, and the small steps that compound into change.
    9. Trust is the unlock: Shifting from default distrust to shared efficiency and predictability.

    Learn More:
    Teqplay's vodcast: Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay (this episode will be posted there as well).

    Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA"
    Art Work By: GA Design
    Produced by: Chris Aversano

    Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to the newsletter for more updates.

    Sponsorship and Advertising: Interested in sponsoring an episode or advertising with The Last Dinosaur? Reach out via DigitalShip to explore options and audience packages.
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    45 m
  • Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance

    Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance
    Feb 17 2026

    Guest: Thomas Nordberg
    CEO, The Swedish Club

    Episode Overview

    Shipping has always been about risk. But the nature of that risk is shifting.

    In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Nordberg, CEO of The Swedish Club, to explore how maritime risk has evolved from vessel-centric, event-driven incidents to complex systemic exposures shaped by geopolitics, regulation, cyber threats, and digital transformation.

    This is not a conversation about premiums and policies. It is a practical look at how insurers are adapting, how shipowners should be thinking differently, and why the P&I club model may be more relevant today than ever.

    The Last Dinosaur is proud to collaborate with Digital Ship to continue these practical conversations around maritime digitalization and risk.

    Key Discussion Highlights

    ✅ Risk Is Now Systemic
    Geopolitics and regulation reshape exposure overnight.

    ✅ How the Mutual Model Works
    Member-owned structure. Shared risk. Long-term alignment.

    ✅ Reputation Moves at Internet Speed
    Incidents are public in minutes.

    ✅ From Claims to Prevention
    Data and analytics are shifting insurance from reactive to proactive.

    ✅ Cyber Is Expanding Fast
    Dedicated products are emerging as digital exposure grows.

    ✅ Digital Impacts Crew Welfare
    Connectivity now affects retention and wellbeing.

    Why This Episode Matters

    The risk profile in shipping is expanding, not shrinking.

    Geopolitical volatility. Cyber threats. Regulatory acceleration. Green tech.

    Understanding how insurers see these risks gives operators a different lens as we move into 2026 and beyond.

    Tune In Now

    Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    Related Listening

    For more on incident response and public visibility, revisit Episode 115 with Joseph Farrell Jr. of Resolve Marine.

    Help Us Grow

    • Follow the podcast
    • Leave a five-star review
    • Share it with your network

    Stay curious. Stay salty.
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    34 m
  • Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea

    Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea
    Feb 3 2026
    Guest: Gordana Ilic, PhD — Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BetterSea and host of The Wavemakers Podcast Episode Overview: Gordana Ilic didn't come up through shipping. Gordana's path was through sustainability, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, then into Maersk's decarbonization work before returning to entrepreneurship. In this episode, we go beyond regulation talk and into what's really happening in the market: how FuelEU is being received, why smaller owners moved faster than some of the giants, what pooling is changing culturally and commercially, and what founders learn the hard way about building in an industry that's still adjusting to transparency. Key Points: From sustainability to shipping, by way of innovation: Gordana's path from chemistry/PhD work to startup ecosystems, corporate innovation, and finally maritime decarbonization. Why she left Maersk to build again: Entrepreneurship as "nature," not just opportunity and why ignoring that pull started affecting her health. BetterSea's pivot: broad vision → sharp wedge: Starting with a wider decarbonization decision framework, then focusing on FuelEU to match market readiness and urgency. FuelEU early reactions were… real: From "EU ETS won't happen" to skepticism in Singapore and the long road of educating the market before urgency hit. Surprise: smaller owners moved first: Faster decision cycles, direct access to leadership, and a willingness to act once risk/opportunity became clear (including strong early traction with Greek owners). The IMO pause shockwave: A market freeze, regrouping, and then clarity: regional regulations are the near-term reality and FuelEU isn't going away. Pooling is working but it forces transparency: Deals, due diligence, KYC, and the reality that shipping companies aren't always used to hearing "no" from their counterparties, now other shipping companies. Efficiency isn't one silver bullet: Alternative fuels are straightforward in concept, but the bigger differentiator is execution speed, alignment, and how companies think portfolio-style over time. Founder advice that matters: Trust your gut, challenge norms politely, ask "why not," and reach out to people early (LinkedIn is a cheat code when used well). Podcasting as a leadership tool: Why Gordana launched The Wavemakers Podcast, what she's learned from conversations, and why creative projects often become personal "guide rails." Learn More: Check out Gordana's podcast The Wavemakers Podcast on YouTube and other streaming channels. Related listening: Episode 105: Decarbonization & FuelEU Reality with Friederike Hesse of zero44. This is a strong companion on compliance mechanics, pooling, and commercial decision-making. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates — and if you're interested in advertising, reach out to my friends at Digital Ship.
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    39 m
  • Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap

    Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap
    Jan 20 2026

    Guest: Capt. Ankur Arora, Global Market Leader, Commercial at Bureau Veritas Group

    Episode Overview:
    Capt. Ankur Arora has lived shipping from all sides. Years at sea, senior roles with shipowners, and now inside a leading class society. In this episode, he breaks down what changes when innovation stops being a slide deck and starts living onboard: design choices that affect daily work, the role of modeling and verification, how connectivity reshapes crew life, and why talent pipelines depend on telling the real story of seafaring.

    Key Points:

    1. Why he chose sea life (and what he learned fast): Early responsibility, rapid growth, and leadership lessons that carry forward well beyond the bridge.
    2. The reality of going shoreside: Transitioning ashore means starting over; steep learning curves, intense competition, and rebuilding credibility.
    3. Owner vs. class: different seat, same objective: Safe, compliant ships that stay on-hire and keep earning.
    4. Design decisions matter more than most admit: Seafarer input during design is limited, yet small operational details can drive safety and efficiency.
    5. Innovation vs. adoption: The tech landscape is crowded. Key to success is validation and operational fit matter more than trends.
    6. Connectivity as an enabler, not a threat: Normal life at sea now includes connectivity; culture and leadership determine whether it helps or harms.
    7. Vetting and inspections strengthened by digital tools: Technology improves preparation, risk visibility, and robustness all without cutting corners.

    Related listening:
    Episode 89: Seafarers, Decarbonization, and Diversity at Sea with Ralph Juhl, EVP, Technical at Hafnia. This is a complementary owner-operator perspective on crew engagement and decarbonization in practice.

    Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA"
    Art Work By: GA Design
    Produced by: Chris Aversano

    Support Our Podcast: Please rate the show 5-stars, follow, and subscribe to the newsletter.

    Interested in advertising? Reach out to my friends at Digital Ship
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    42 m
  • Episode 127 — Starting 2026 with the Right Mindset with Akanksha Batura Pai PD

    Episode 127 — Starting 2026 with the Right Mindset with Akanksha Batura Pai PD
    Jan 6 2026

    Guest: Akanksha Batura Pai, PD Executive Director, Sinoda Shipping Agency Pte Ltd | IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador (Emerita) | #1 Top 100 Women in Shipping

    Episode Overview:
    We kick off 2026 with a grounded, practical conversation with Akanksha Batura Pai PD, one of my favorite interviews to date. We talk about what digital transformation actually looks like inside a ship agency, why incremental change beats big-bang initiatives, how mindset drives successful adoption, and why clean data still matters more than AI hype.

    This episode is part of our ongoing partnership with The Captain's Table Challenge and for the second year in a row, The Last Dinosaur is the official podcast of the Challenge.

    Key Points:

    • Ship agency is a services business with thin margins and constant pressure to improve
    • Digitalization only works when it reflects real operational workflows
    • Incremental change is more effective than sweeping transformations
    • A failed digital rollout became a success once redesigned around how people actually work
    • "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution" as a leadership mindset
    • AI can reduce friction; but only if the underlying data is clean and reliable
    • Retaining talent requires job redesign, flexibility, and modern leadership

    Related Listening: Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou

    Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

    Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA
    Artwork by: GA Design
    Produced by: Chris Aversano

    Support the Podcast:
    If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate us 5 stars, and share it.
    Interested in sponsorship or advertising? Opportunities are available through our partnership with Digital Ship.
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    45 m
  • Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou

    Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou
    Dec 16 2025
    Guest: Evan Efstathiou, CEO of Burmester & Vogel and Founder of SkySail Advisors Episode Overview: For the fourth year in a row, Evan joins The Last Dinosaur to unpack the big storylines in maritime tech. From AI hype vs. reality and sector consolidation, to decarbonization, hardware innovation, and the next wave of corporate venture investing, this episode is your annual "state of the union" for digital shipping. Chris and Evan revisit last year's predictions, look at what played out in 2025, and lay out what to watch closely in 2026. Key Points: AI Moves From Hype to "Show Me the Money": AI has shifted from novelty add-on to table stakes. Vendors can't just say "AI" anymore—customers want real productivity gains and measurable ROI, not marketing gimmicks.Roll-Ups, Acqui-Hires, and the Looming "Big Five" Question: 2025 saw continued M&A among larger players and classic roll-ups plus AI acqui-hires. Evan talks about Kpler, Marcura, Sedna and others—and what it might look like if some of the "big five" platform players eventually combine. Decarbonization Tech Is Here to Stay (Even If Policy Pauses): Despite IMO's slower tempo, tools for ETS, FuelEU and emissions accounting are now baked into contracts and day-to-day operations. Tech and digital remain the "low-hanging fruit" for compliance, risk reduction, and cost savings.VC & Corporate Venture Capital Double Down on Maritime: Dedicated maritime funds and shipowner-backed CVC arms are becoming core capital sources for seed and early-stage innovation, especially where AI, optimization and decarb intersect.Hardware + Software Stacks Gain Momentum: From robotic hull cleaning to onboard sensor platforms and wind-assisted propulsion, Evan highlights how digital twins and AI-enhanced analytics are making hardware projects more bankable and easier to scale across fleets.The Future of Work: Smaller Teams, Bigger Tools: Claims departments, chartering desks, and brokers aren't going away—but their toolkits are changing. The real future is smaller, highly experienced teams amplified by AI, not full automation replacing human judgment and relationships.2026: The Year of the AI Shakeout: With spending at "epic levels" for AI - boards, investors, and customers will all be asking the same thing: did it pay off? Evan predicts 2026 will be a defining year where resilient, commercially viable AI products pull ahead and weaker offerings fall away. Learn More: If you enjoy this episode, go back to our earlier Year in Review with Evan: Episode 94 – "Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2024 with Evan Efstathiou" Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – "King of SKA" Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please: Follow the show and rate us ★★★★★Share the episode with a colleague or friendSupport via Buy Me a Coffee if you'd like to help keep the pod going 💼 Advertising: If you would like to advertise with us, please contact Digital Ship.
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    40 m