Episode 96: Steering the Future: How the Propeller Club is Transforming Maritime Associations with Maria Conatser
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Release Date: 01/14/2025
Episode 113: Extending Ship Life & Decarbonization with Tom Lister, CEO of Global Ship Lease
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
🎙️ The Last Dinosaur – Episode 113 Extending Ship Life, Decarbonization & Data with Tom Lister of Global Ship Lease Guest: , CEO, Episode Overview: Under Tom’s leadership, Global Ship Lease has grown into one of the world’s largest container tonnage providers while navigating the shifting seas of decarbonization, digitalization, and geopolitical disruption. In this episode, Tom explains how GSL extends the operational life of ships, collaborates with major charterers like Maersk, and leverages data and IoT to drive efficiency while keeping seafarer welfare at the core. Key...
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Episode 112: Balancing Tradition & Innovation – Kenji Togasaki of IINO Lines
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Embracing Innovation While Honoring Tradition: Kenji Togasaki of IINO Lines Guest: , Senior Vice President at Episode Overview: Chris speaks with Kenji Togasaki about how IINO Lines—a storied, publicly traded Japanese shipping company—balances operational excellence with forward-looking innovation. They explore IINO’s venture investments, focus on digitalization, decarbonization, and the promise of autonomous shipping while navigating the realities of a legacy shipping environment. Key Points: Kenji’s Maritime Journey: From chemical tanker chartering across Asia and the US to...
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🎙️ Episode 111: Cyber Threats on the High Seas, a Conversation with Dr. Gary Kessler
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
🎙️ Episode 111: Cyber Threats on the High Seas, a Conversation with Dr. Gary Kessler Guest: r, Co-Founder, at Episode Overview: Cybersecurity is often underestimated in maritime—but Dr. Gary Kessler is on a mission to change that. A pioneer in digital forensics and co-founder of the new Maritime Hacking Village at DEF CON, Gary joins us to break down the risks, realities, and next steps for a sector still catching up to the cyber age. From AIS spoofing to autonomous vessel vulnerabilities, this episode covers the full threat landscape—and what we can do about it. Key Points: ...
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Episode 110: Rebuilding Shipbuilding – Remote Work, Training & the Future of U.S. Yards with TotalTek Jason Lloyd
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Episode 110: Rebuilding Shipbuilding – Remote Work, Training & the Future of U.S. Yards Guest: Senior Executive at Episode Overview: Jason Lloyd brings over three decades of leadership experience, forged in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program, to the conversation on reviving America’s shipbuilding capabilities. In this episode, he explores how TotalTek is pioneering remote workforce models in ship design and engineering, tackling the shipyard talent gap, and creating pathways for the next generation of maritime professionals. From welding lessons of WWII to the promise of...
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Episode 109: Mental Health at Sea – A Real Talk with Pam Kern
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Episode 109: Mental Health at Sea – A Real Talk with Pam Kern Guest: , MSLCSW, Director of Maritime Mental Health Services, Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, sits down with Pam Kern, a former cruise ship officer turned licensed clinical social worker, to explore the often unspoken realities of mental health at sea. Pam brings deep insight from both her 18 years aboard cruise ships and her current role supporting seafarers through Port Medical Management. From the psychological toll of constant connectivity to the role of leadership in shaping onboard culture, this episode dives...
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Episode 108: Wireless Safety and Real-Time Crew Monitoring with Sven Brooks of ScanReach
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Episode 108: Wireless Safety and Real-Time Crew Monitoring with Sven Brooks of ScanReach Guest: , CEO of Episode Overview: Sven Brooks of ScanReach joins The Last Dinosaur to discuss how wireless mesh networks and wearables are transforming safety and connectivity at sea. From tracking crew locations in real time to enabling fast emergency response and even helping address harassment, this episode explores how digital innovation can empower seafarers, not burden them. Key Points: Purpose-Built Mesh Network: ScanReach has developed a wireless system made specifically for steel ship...
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Episode 107: Driving Innovation at Sea – A Conversation with Garry Noonan of Ardmore Shipping
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
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Episode 106: The Evolving Role of Freight Trading in a Digital World
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
🎙 Episode 106: The Evolving Role of Freight Trading in a Digital World Guest: Head of Research and FFA, and (Copenhagen Merchants Group) Overview: From chartering desks to freight analytics, Mads Frank Markussen bridges operational experience with digital innovation in maritime trading. In this episode, we explore how Navi Merchants builds freight models that empower — not replace — traders, the enduring value of brokers, and why FFAs are gaining ground in a volatile market. Key Points: Data models must serve the trader, not the other way around. Despite digitalization, brokers and...
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Episode 105: Decarbonization Meets Digital - zero44’s Vision for Maritime Compliance
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Episode 105: Decarbonization Meets Digital - zero44’s Vision for Maritime Compliance Guest: , Co-founder & Managing Director, Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Friederike Hesse, Co-founder and Managing Director of zero44, a Berlin-based startup helping the maritime industry navigate decarbonization through smart digital tools. From FuelEU Maritime to commercial strategy and pooling, Friederike breaks down how zero44 is giving operators a way to not only comply—but thrive. Key Points: The FuelEU Maritime Effect: How upcoming EU regulations are shaping behavior...
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Episode 104: From Satellites to Shipping – Terminal Innovation with Paul Albert-Lebrun
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age
Episode 104: From Satellites to Shipping – Terminal Innovation with Paul Albert-Lebrun Guest: , Co-Founder & CEO of Paul joins us to explore how his aerospace background helped shape Nodal, a company creating a data assistant for terminal operators. We talk empathy in product design, the stubbornness of Excel, and the realities of bringing AI into complex operational environments. In this episode: What satellite operations taught Paul about physical infrastructure Why tech needs to meet maritime where it is — not replace it Lessons from inside the terminal operator’s office (yes,...
info_outlineEpisode 96
Guest: Maria Conatser, President, International Propeller Club of the United States; Senior Financial Planning Analyst, Ingram Barge Company
Episode Overview:
Maria Conatser joins The Last Dinosaur to discuss the transformation needed for industry associations like the International Propeller Club to remain relevant in today’s digital age. She highlights the strategies to attract and retain members, leverage social media, and modernize offerings while reflecting on the organization’s rich history and ongoing contributions to the maritime industry.
Key Points:
- The Propeller Club’s Legacy and Evolution:
- Founded in 1922, the International Propeller Club is a cornerstone of maritime networking. Maria shares its evolution from informal luncheons to a global network with over 80 ports worldwide.
- Adapting to the Digital Age:
- Associations must embrace technology to meet the expectations of younger members, including virtual events, interactive websites, and engaging social media campaigns.
- Transformative Leadership:
- Maria’s vision for revitalization includes expanding international chapters, strengthening government advocacy, and fostering collaboration with like-minded organizations.
- Impact of the Pandemic:
- COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital tools, enabling global connections through virtual meetings and webinars. This shift created opportunities to reach wider audiences.
- Engaging the Next Generation:
- To attract younger maritime professionals, the Propeller Club is diversifying its offerings, from social events to educational webinars, and addressing workforce development challenges.
- Workforce Development and Retention:
- Maria emphasizes the need for improving the industry's perception, providing connectivity and work-life balance for seafarers, and aligning with societal values to attract new talent.
- Strengthening International Relations:
- The Propeller Club’s intentional push for international growth includes new chapters in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Norway, and more, signaling its commitment to a global maritime strategy.
- Leveraging Social Media:
- A robust digital presence is key to staying relevant. Maria shares the Propeller Club’s ongoing efforts to modernize its website and social media strategies.
- The Future of Maritime Advocacy:
- Addressing “sea blindness,” Maria calls for greater public awareness about maritime’s essential role and its environmental advantages in global trade.
Special Mention: Christopher Aversano’s podcast is proud to be a media sponsor of London International Shipping Week, coming in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration!
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
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