The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age

Join Christopher Aversano, a seasoned maritime industry expert, as he delves into the fascinating world of digitization in shipping on this interview-style podcast. Gain insights from leading professionals and innovators on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices shaping the maritime industry. Whether you're a seasoned seafarer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of shipping, this podcast is the perfect place to explore the cutting-edge of digital transformation in one of the world's oldest and most essential industries.

The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive No. 4 | Capt. Matthew Glass, Houston Pilots | Technology, Safety and the Changing Job of the Maritime Pilot 10/13/2026

Episode 143: Jon Gahagan, Sentinel Asset Protection | Rethinking Maritime Access Control 09/22/2026

Episode 143: Jon Gahagan, Sentinel Asset Protection | Rethinking Maritime Access Control Episode 143: Jon Gahagan, Sentinel Asset Protection | Rethinking Maritime Access Control What if one of shipping's next opportunities for digitalization is hiding in plain sight? , founder of and winner of Posidonia competition, joins Chris to discuss how a simple question about remotely monitoring a ship's gangway evolved into a much broader conversation about crew workload, security, digital access control and maritime domain awareness. They also get into the realities of building hardware for ships, proving ROI, overcoming resistance to change, raising capital and learning from other industries. In this episode: 01:25 Jon's journey from the Royal Navy to maritime security and Sentinel 04:29 The problem with the traditional gangway watch 09:22 Building a maritime solution from technology outside shipping 10:58 Implementation, change management and lessons from the crew 18:09 Crew welfare, efficiency and digitizing the visitor log 22:33 Measuring ROI and potential crew-hour savings 25:48 Winning The Captain's Table at Posidonia and the funding challenge 30:00 From a gangway solution to maritime access control 35:46 What Jon is reading Stay salty. Stay curious. Tune in Now: Available on , , and more! Watch the episode on Music by: Peg and The Rejected “King of SKA” Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: 💬 Like what you hear? Please rate the show 5 stars, follow, and share with your network. ☕ Support the show: Todays Sponsor: Digital Ship Summit | Athens | October 15 A quick shout-out to Shipping is facing more digital complexity than ever, from AI and cyber risk to connectivity and the growing importance of data. The question is no longer whether to invest in digital technology, but how to do it effectively. Digital Ship Summit brings together industry leaders and practitioners in Athens on October 15 for a day of discussion, debate and practical insight. Learn more and secure your delegate pass at thedigitalship.com/summit. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/42985978

Episode 142: Matthew Costello, Voyager: Pivoting, AI and Building Maritime Tech That Actually Works 09/08/2026

The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive No. 3 | Kenji Togasaki, IINO Lines | Investing in Maritime Innovation 09/01/2026

The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive No. 2 | Osher Perry, ShipIn Systems | AI, Safety and the Future of Shipboard Operations 08/18/2026

The Last Dinosaur Vault | Archive No. 1 | Bill Dobie – SEDNA 08/04/2026

Episode 141 | Beyond the AI Hype: Emma Collier on AI, Leadership & Maritime's Next Transformation 07/21/2026

Episode 141 | Beyond the AI Hype: Emma Collier on AI, Leadership & Maritime's Next Transformation Episode 141: Beyond the AI Hype: Emma Collier on AI, Leadership & Maritime's Next Transformation Topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Maritime Innovation, Digital Transformation, Shipping Technology, Leadership, Change Management, Posidonia 2026, Further Ventures, Maritime Strategy Artificial intelligence is dominating the conversation across maritime, but how do we move beyond pilots, hype, and headlines to create lasting change? In this episode, Chris sits down with Founder of to explore the future of AI in shipping, digital transformation, leadership, and innovation. Together they discuss why successful AI adoption depends less on technology and more on change management, accountability, and developing the people who will lead the industry's next chapter. Why this conversation matters Fresh from the inaugural Further Ventures symposium held ahead of Posidonia 2026, Emma shares the ideas that challenged conventional thinking—from treating AI as a strategic hire rather than another software tool to preparing maritime professionals for a future where continuous learning, human judgment, and domain expertise become competitive advantages. Whether you're a shipowner, operator, technology provider, investor, or simply interested in where maritime is heading, this conversation offers practical insight into one of the industry's most important transitions. AI finally makes the one-on-one tutor accessible and affordable, so we could increasingly start to change manage ourselves as an industry. This should apply both onshore and for seafarers, though their current circumstances rarely allow the time or headspace for it. How this could shift is something our rooms will include. In this episode Emma's unconventional journey into maritime Why Further Ventures was created Lessons from the first AI symposium ahead of Posidonia Why AI should be treated like a strategic hire—not just another tool The accountability challenge surrounding AI Why many AI initiatives struggle to gain traction Change management in the age of artificial intelligence The future skills maritime leaders will need Continuous learning as a competitive advantage Where Further Ventures—and maritime innovation—goes next Episode Timeline 02:25 – Emma's journey into maritime and Greece 05:15 – Why she founded Further Ventures 08:05 – Inside the first Further Ventures symposium 11:30 – Why AI should be treated like a strategic hire 14:50 – Change management and the human element 19:05 – Continuous learning and AI-enabled education 21:45 – The future skills maritime leaders will need 26:30 – Where Further Ventures goes next 30:25 – Emma's recommended reading Sponsor Today's episode is sponsored by . Maritime's digital transformation is accelerating, but turning strategy into execution remains one of the industry's biggest challenges. On 15 October in Athens, Digital Ship's Maritime IT Summit will bring together senior leaders in IT, digitalization, and vessel operations to discuss scaling AI, strengthening cyber resilience, and modernizing data and IT infrastructure. If you're looking for practical insights, real-world case studies, and candid discussions with the people driving change across shipping, this is an event you won't want to miss. Secure your delegate pass today at thedigitalship.com/summit. Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by GA Design Produced by Chris Aversano Support The Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities. If you'd like to support the podcast directly, you can also Buy Me a Coffee. Stay salty. Stay curious. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/42106740

Episode 140: Maritime Digitalization: What We Still Haven't Learned 07/07/2026

Episode 140: Maritime Digitalization: What We Still Haven't Learned Episode 140: Maritime Digitalization: What We Still Haven't Learned For more than four decades, has helped shape maritime technology, from his early days in the Italian Navy and NATO to leadership roles at SpecTec, ShipNet, and In this episode, he shares hard-earned lessons on digitalization, data quality, AI, and why shipping's greatest challenge has never been technology—it's been changing the way people work. In This Episode ✅ Giampiero's journey from the Italian Navy to maritime software pioneer ✅ Why shipping continues to struggle with change management ✅ Lessons from the early days of maritime software ✅ The importance of data quality and sensor reliability ✅ What shipping has gotten right about digitalization ✅ AI, hype cycles, and practical applications ✅ Why technology should support expertise—not replace it ✅ The future of maritime operations and decision-making Notable Quotes "Technology has changed. The mentality has been the roadblock." "Shipping moves at the speed of ships." "IT doesn't replace experience. It supports experience." "Our job is not a real job. It's a disease. Once you get it, you can never get rid of it." Timestamps 00:50 – Welcome and introduction 01:50 – From the Italian Navy to NATO 06:00 – Entering commercial shipping 07:50 – Why shipping still resists change 11:50 – Technology should support people 15:50 – Data quality and sensor reliability 21:50 – What shipping has gotten right 24:50 – Blockchain, AI, and separating hype from reality 27:50 – Practical uses of AI today 34:20 – Advice for the next generation 35:50 – Why shipping becomes a lifelong passion 36:50 – Books, history, and building a personal library 39:50 – Closing thoughts Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: This episode is sponsored by As vessels become increasingly connected, the ability to prioritize, secure, and optimize onboard data has become just as important as the connection itself. Here's how KVH is helping operators turn connectivity into a competitive advantage. Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at to learn more about advertising opportunities. Stay salty. Stay curious. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/41960995

Episode 139: From Data Collection to Decision Making with Christian Treu 06/23/2026

Episode 139: From Data Collection to Decision Making with Christian Treu Episode 139: From Data Collection to Decision Making with Digital transformation in shipping has moved beyond simply collecting data. The challenge now is turning that information into trusted, actionable intelligence that improves performance, efficiency, and decision-making. In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris Aversano sits down with Christian Treu of Danelec, a company, to discuss the evolution of maritime technology, the growing sophistication of AI conversations, and why execution remains more important than strategy. Christian shares insights from his journey through IBM, Maersk, maritime finance, ZeroNorth, and now Danelec, where he helps shipowners bridge the gap between shipboard data and operational performance. Sponsored by Danelec Voyage optimization has been a buzzword in maritime for years. So why are most operators still managing routing, speed, fuel and emissions exposure as if they were separate problems? The Great Integration, a new report from Danelec and Thetius, argues that the next leap in voyage performance will not come from another piece of software. It comes from how existing systems are connected, governed, and used. Especially useful for operators running mixed fleets under tightening regulatory requirements. For more information, reach out to our friends at . Key Topics Discussed 02:00 Christian's journey from the Danish Navy to IBM, Maersk, and maritime technology 07:00 Why maritime customers are becoming more sophisticated digital buyers 10:30 The evolution of Danelec from hardware provider to digital performance platform 15:00 Data quality, trust, and the challenge of turning information into insight 19:00 AI, machine learning, and avoiding "AI for AI's sake" 22:00 Demonstrating ROI and building the business case for maritime technology 25:00 Breaking down data silos and the industry's integration challenge 29:00 Why shipping remains one of the most rewarding industries to build a career in 32:00 Leadership lessons, books, and lifelong learning Why Listen? Christian offers a practical perspective on where maritime digitalization stands today. Rather than focusing on technology hype, he highlights the importance of trust, data quality, integration, and execution. It is a thoughtful conversation for anyone trying to understand what digital transformation looks like inside shipping companies. Memorable Quote "Execution beats strategy. Strategy is important, but execution is what ultimately makes the difference." Related Listening Episode 132: Jan Dieleman, Cargill Tune In Now Available on , , and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/41708645

Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews 06/09/2026

Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews Guest: l, Service Operations Leader at Episode Overview Weather impacts every voyage, every day, yet it often operates quietly in the background of maritime decision-making. In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris sits down with Amy Buhl, Service Operations Leader at Weathernews, to discuss how weather intelligence, vessel operations, connectivity, vessel performance, and voyage optimization are becoming increasingly interconnected. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Amy explains how voyage optimization has evolved from simply avoiding bad weather into a sophisticated balancing act involving safety, fuel efficiency, emissions performance, commercial requirements, and real-time operational decision-making. The conversation also explores the growing role of Starlink-enabled connectivity, probabilistic forecasting, and how weather professionals help operators navigate an increasingly volatile environment. Key Discussion Highlights 01:00 – Introduction to Amy Buhl and Weathernews 05:50 – Why a global maritime weather company operates from Oklahoma 09:00 – How Weathernews supports voyage planning, routing, monitoring, and post-voyage analysis 12:00 – The evolution of voyage optimization and the impact of emissions regulations 15:00 – Technology as decision support, not decision replacement 18:00 – Why maritime digitalization is often a communication challenge 20:30 – Starlink, real-time connectivity, and changing ship-shore operations 23:00 – Probabilistic forecasting and helping operators understand risk 26:00 – Extreme weather, rapid intensification, and emerging operational challenges 29:00 – Why maritime meteorology provides a unique view of global trade 32:00 – The real-world impact of weather decisions on global supply chains 34:45 – Wrap-up and book recommendations Related Listening Episode 134: Maritime's Digital Transformation with Tim Morris of ITS UK Maritime Both conversations explore how technology only creates value when it integrates into operational workflows and helps people make better decisions. Tune In Now Available on , and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at to learn more about advertising opportunities. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/41562760

Episode 137: Fuel, Data, and Real Margins – Building a Modern Bunkering Business with Daniel Rose of Shipergy 05/26/2026

Episode 137: Fuel, Data, and Real Margins – Building a Modern Bunkering Business with Daniel Rose of Shipergy Episode 137: Fuel, Data, and Real Margins – Building a Modern Bunkering Business with Daniel Rose of Shipergy Guest: , Co-Founder, Episode Overview: What does it take to build a modern trading business in one of shipping’s oldest markets? In Episode 137, Daniel Rose shares how he co-founded Shipergy and scaled it from zero to over $200M in revenue, all while building data-driven tools that challenge how fuel is bought and valued. From early-stage chaos to AI-enabled operations, this is a grounded look at where technology really works and where it doesn’t. Key Moments 00:10 – The origin of Shipergy From entrepreneur-in-residence to building a new kind of bunkering company 01:50 – Why tech comes second to revenue early on Starting with fuel trading, not software 04:35 – Solving real problems vs chasing hype Why most “cool tech” never lands in maritime 07:40 – Scaling to $200M+ revenue What actually drove early growth (and what didn’t) 11:00 – Building trust from zero Credit, counterparties, and flying around the world to close deals 15:40 – The mistake: growth for growth’s sake Why slowing down might have made more money 18:20 – The hidden inefficiency in bunkering Why energy content and not price per ton should matter 21:30 – Data, transparency, and margin tension Why transparency is both necessary and dangerous 25:10 – Why adoption fails (and how to fix it) If it’s not tied to KPIs, no one cares 28:30 – Proof over pitch Using external validation and real data to win trust 30:40 – AI in shipping: what actually changes Efficiency gains, not full automation 32:40 – The shift from SaaS to data consumption Why clients increasingly want APIs, not platforms 34:50 – AI inside the company 4x productivity—but with real risks 38:00 – Leadership and decision-making Lessons from The Courage to Be Disliked 🤝 Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Their latest collaboration with Thetius, The Great Integration, explores the hidden “fragmentation tax” across shipping; where teams lose time reconciling data across disconnected systems instead of making decisions. Recommended listening for owners, charterers, and commercial teams looking to better connect data, workflows, and operational insight. For more information, reach out to our friends at 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: Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference! /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/41403420

Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy 05/12/2026

Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy Guest: , Founder & Managing Director, Episode Overview: Caitlin Hardy joins The Last Dinosaur to break down what it really takes to bring technology into maritime, from shipbuilding and subsea systems to startups trying to find product-market fit. Drawing on her experience across naval architecture, Kongsberg, and now Ness Sea, Caitlin offers a clear-eyed view of why adoption is hard, who drives innovation, and why the industry still struggles to tell its story. This conversation touches on the realities of commercial vs defense innovation, the role of capital in driving change, and the growing need for “translators” who can bridge engineering, operations, and business. Key Points Bridging Ship and Shore: The disconnect between design, operations, and crews continues to create friction and opportunity Commercial vs Defense Reality: Speed vs process and why commercial maritime moves faster than government-led innovation Innovation is Owned by Risk-Takers: Progress happens when someone is willing to fund and trial new technology Startups in Maritime: Execution under real-world constraints is far harder than building the idea Autonomy vs Practical Automation: The industry may see more impact from incremental automation than full autonomy The Translator Gap: Maritime needs more professionals who can connect technical, operational, and commercial perspectives A Branding Problem: The industry struggles to tell its story and attract the next generation of talent Timestamps 00:50 – Introduction to Caitlin Hardy 01:40 – Early maritime roots and Naval Academy background 04:00 – Transition from Navy to commercial maritime 07:20 – Procurement complexity and shipbuilding challenges 12:53 – Subsea technology and autonomy: reality vs hype 17:15 – Who owns innovation in maritime 22:15 – The rise of maritime tech startups 24:35 – What founders get wrong 26:55 – What operators get wrong 33:18 – Social media and maritime’s branding problem 40:20 – Wrap-up and final thoughts Learn More: For more on how capital and strategy are shaping maritime innovation, check out Episode 112 with Kenji Togasaki, as well as past conversations with Jan Dieleman and Evan Efstathiou. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch the episode on YouTube. Staying connected at sea isn’t just about bandwidth anymore. It’s about reliability, flexibility, and control. KVH Industries is setting a new standard with fully integrated LEO connectivity, combining Starlink and OneWeb with advanced onboard network management. Whether you’re managing a single vessel or an entire global fleet, KVH delivers fast, low-latency connectivity with seamless switching across networks. And with the CommBox Edge ecosystem, you can manage bandwidth, prioritise applications, and optimise performance across every vessel. You’re not just connected—you’re in control. Visit kvh.com and see what full control at sea really looks like. Interested in Sponsoring? If you’re looking to reach a highly engaged maritime audience of operators, technologists, and decision-makers, The Last Dinosaur partners with for podcast sponsorships. Get in touch with Digital Ship to explore opportunities. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/41235410

Episode 135: Beyond Compliance – The Reality of Seafarer Wellbeing with Meei Wong 04/28/2026

Episode 134: Why Maritime Still Isn’t Connected – And What It Will Take to Fix It 04/14/2026

Episode 134: Why Maritime Still Isn’t Connected – And What It Will Take to Fix It Guest: , Principal Engineer at Chair, Episode Overview: Maritime has no shortage of digital tools. What it lacks is connection. In this episode, speaks with Tim Morris about why shipping still operates in silos while other transport sectors have evolved into fully connected systems. They explore what intelligent transport systems (ITS) really mean in a maritime context, where the industry is falling short, and how better coordination across ports, vessels, and landside logistics could unlock efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Key Moments 00:05 – Introduction Chris sets the stage: maritime as part of a broader transport ecosystem and the gap between shipping and other modes. 01:14 – Tim’s Background and Systems Thinking From highways to ports, Tim explains how land-based transport challenges led him to maritime and system-wide coordination. 03:23 – The “Light Bulb” Moment COVID disruptions revealed how fragile and disconnected maritime systems are when things go wrong. 07:42 – What Is an Intelligent Transport System (ITS)? ITS defined as digitized data + secure communication + decision-making capability across connected systems. 12:00 – The Core Problem: Who Owns the System? Chris highlights the fundamental challenge of fragmentation and lack of shared standards across stakeholders. 13:04 – Technology vs. Transformation Tim explains why this is not just a tech problem, but a change management and alignment issue. 16:27 – Where to Start: Breaking the Deadlock Ports and terminals emerge as a practical starting point for enabling data sharing and coordination. 21:16 – The UK Perspective How the UK is exploring coastal shipping, smaller port inclusion, and integrated transport strategies. 23:46 – What Happens If We Do Nothing? The risk is not just inefficiency—it is widening disconnect between maritime and the rest of the supply chain. 25:45 – Efficiency, AI, and New Business Models Connectivity could unlock new services, better decision-making, and entirely new commercial opportunities. 28:28 – Human + AI Collaboration AI as a support tool, not a replacement, especially in safety-critical maritime environments. 28:51 – What Tim Is Reading The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides—a look at Captain James Cook’s final voyage and early navigation challenges. 29:55 – A Book in the Works Tim shares that he is co-authoring a book on maritime ITS, expected later this year. Learn More 🎧 Related episode: A complementary conversation on building the data layer required for system-wide coordination. Tune in Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Watch clips on YouTube. Support & Advertising If you’ve found value in this episode, please follow, share, and leave a 5-star review. 📣 Interested in advertising on The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – “King of SKA” Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/40816490

Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World 03/31/2026

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 Episode Overview Recorded live at , this roundtable pulls back the curtain on seafarers’ welfare in modern shipping. Chris sits down with , , and 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 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. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/40653905

Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman 03/17/2026

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 Guest: Jan Dieleman President, Ocean Transportation — Cargill Chair, Global Maritime Forum Episode Overview In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris Aversano speaks with , President of Ocean Transportation at and Chair of the . 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 Sponsor This episode is sponsored by , 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 Tune In Available on , , and 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 Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕⚓ /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/40475680

Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos 03/03/2026

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 Guest: , CEO and Co-Founder, Also: Host of the vodcast 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): 28 stakeholders in a single port call: Why port calls are coordinated systems, not simple arrivals. Digital twin, not another dashboard: Combining AIS, port context, and processes into something actionable. Paperwork is still the drag: How manual documentation persists despite the cost of waiting. “Ships dropping out of the air”: The visibility gap that should not exist in a connected world. Transparency creates tension: When operational timestamps feel proprietary and why that is changing. AI changes the hiding game: If data is out there, it is increasingly hard to keep it invisible. Speed of change is uneven: Big players move first, but smaller firms are surprising everyone. Talent is a long game: Programs, hackathons, and the small steps that compound into change. 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 , , and more. Watch the episode on . Music by: Peg and The Rejected “King of SKA” Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: 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 to explore options and audience packages. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/40266625

Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance 02/17/2026

Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance Guest: CEO, 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. 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 Help Us Grow Follow the podcast Leave a five-star review Share it with your network Stay curious. Stay salty. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/40104830

Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea 02/03/2026

Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea Guest: — Co-Founder & Co-CEO, and host of 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 and other streaming channels. Related listening: 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: 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 . /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/39916385

Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap 01/20/2026

Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap Guest: , Global Market Leader, Commercial at 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: Why he chose sea life (and what he learned fast): Early responsibility, rapid growth, and leadership lessons that carry forward well beyond the bridge. The reality of going shoreside: Transitioning ashore means starting over; steep learning curves, intense competition, and rebuilding credibility. Owner vs. class: different seat, same objective: Safe, compliant ships that stay on-hire and keep earning. Design decisions matter more than most admit: Seafarer input during design is limited, yet small operational details can drive safety and efficiency. Innovation vs. adoption: The tech landscape is crowded. Key to success is validation and operational fit matter more than trends. Connectivity as an enabler, not a threat: Normal life at sea now includes connectivity; culture and leadership determine whether it helps or harms. Vetting and inspections strengthened by digital tools: Technology improves preparation, risk visibility, and robustness all without cutting corners. Related listening: This is a complementary owner-operator perspective on crew engagement and decarbonization in practice. Tune in Now: Available on y, and Music by: Peg and The Rejected “King of SKA” Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Support Our Podcast: Please rate the show 5-stars, follow, and subscribe to the newsletter. Interested in advertising? Reach out to my friends at /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/39782895

Episode 127 — Starting 2026 with the Right Mindset with Akanksha Batura Pai PD 01/06/2026

Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou 12/16/2025

Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou Guest: , CEO of l and Founder of 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 , , , 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 friend Support via if you’d like to help keep the pod going 💼 Advertising: If you would like to advertise with us, please contact /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/39394615

Episode 125: Leveling the Playing Field in Global Trade with Carmit Glik of Ship4wd 12/02/2025

Episode 125: Leveling the Playing Field in Global Trade with Carmit Glik of Ship4wd Episode 125: Leveling the Playing Field in Global Trade with Carmit Glik of Ship4wd Guest: CEO, Episode Overview: Global trade isn’t just mega-shippers and Fortune 500s. It’s thousands of small and mid-sized businesses trying to move a single container without getting crushed by complexity. In this episode, Carmit Glik, CEO of Ship4wd, explains how her team is building a digital-first freight solution that combines technology and human support to give underdogs a fair shot in international logistics. Key Points: Why SMBs Are the Real Backbone of Trade How small and mid-sized businesses make up the majority of economic activity—and why they’re often ignored by traditional logistics providers. Trust After Turbulence What COVID, the Red Sea disruptions, and shifting tariffs have done to SMB confidence—and why “too good to be true” is the default reaction to new services. Digital-First, Human-Backed How Ship4wd blends self-service booking, tariff calculators, and shipment tracking with real people on call when things go sideways. Knowledge as an Antidote to Chaos Why transparency on duties, tariffs, and total landed costs is now non-negotiable for business owners making tight-margin decisions. From VC to Founder: Lessons for Maritime/Logistics Startups Carmit’s path from maritime VC to operator, what’s changed in the startup ecosystem since 2018, and her advice for founders who want to solve real problems in freight. Sponsored by Accelleron This episode is brought to you by and the LOREKA360° Emissions Desk—one partner, one process, and complete confidence in your compliance. Learn more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk. If you’d like to discuss sponsoring The Last Dinosaur, please get in touch with Tune in Now: Listen to Episode 125 on or your favorite podcast platform. /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/39187030

Episode 124: Connecting Ships with Local Experts: Manos Koukouvios, COO, Vsltec 11/25/2025

Episode 123: Digital Pay at Sea: Crew Wages, Compliance, and Cashless Ships with Stuart Ostrow of ShipMoney 11/18/2025

Episode 122: Why Maritime Needs a Data Utility, Not Another App – Ari Marjamaa, Raa Labs 10/28/2025

Episode 121: From Excel to Foresight: Ingrid Kylstad on Building Resilient, Low-Carbon Supply Chains 10/21/2025

Episode 121: From Excel to Foresight: Ingrid Kylstad on Building Resilient, Low-Carbon Supply Chains From Excel to Foresight: Ingrid Kylstad on Building Resilient, Low-Carbon Supply Chains Guest: , Managing Director, Episode Overview: Ingrid Kylstad joins Chris to unpack how Klaveness Digital’s helps industrial shippers shift from day-to-day firefighting to foresight-driven planning. They dive into digital twins for the seaborne supply chain, AI-enabled scenario modeling, change management in B2B software, and what it will take to build resilient, decarbonized, and cost-effective supply chains. As part of our Challenge series, this conversation spotlights practical innovation that sticks. The Last Dinosaur is the official podcast of the Captain’s Table Challenge Key Points: Ingrid’s path into maritime: From EU regulatory affairs to the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association to leading at Klaveness Digital—why diverse backgrounds strengthen shipping. CargoValue explained: A SaaS “digital twin” that gives real-time shipment/inventory visibility, optimizes schedules, reduces stock-outs and demurrage, and enables global, real-time collaboration. From reactive to proactive: Why foresight, scenario planning, and “what-if” modeling beat spreadsheet firefighting. Change management is the product: Champions, early wins, and dedicated customer success are essential—Excel is the status-quo competitor. AI & automation: Co-pilots and automated workflows are moving from hype to table stakes; scenario modeling now far more attainable. Open ecosystems & APIs: Sophisticated buyers demand data portability and integrations; vendors must play nicely in diversified tech stacks. Decarbonization momentum: Less hype, more implementation—Scope 3 rigor is rising among large industrials; owners that serve them need credible data and tools. Learn More: Related episode: : Evidence-based ROI for digital platforms and closing the innovation gap for small/mid-size owners. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by helping operators monitor, manage, and optimize emissions decisions. Learn more: accelleron.com/digital-solutions/emissions-desk Tune in Now: Available on , and . 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, follow, and share. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates—and consider supporting us on . Your support truly makes a difference! /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/38570570

Episode 120: From F1 to Wind Wings: John Cooper on Data-Driven Decarbonization 10/07/2025

Episode 119: Project-Led Growth, Practical Decarbonization & Startup Bridges with Tabitha Logan 09/23/2025

Episode 118: Driving Strategy and Scaling Maritime Tech with Aleksander Askeland of Manta Marine Technologies 09/16/2025

Episode 118: Driving Strategy and Scaling Maritime Tech with Aleksander Askeland of Manta Marine Technologies Episode 118: Driving Strategy and Scaling Maritime Tech with of Guest: Aleksander Askeland, Chief Financial Officer, Manta Marine Technologies Episode Overview: Aleksander Askeland’s career journey has taken him from the Arctic coal trade to leading strategy and finance at Manta Marine Technologies, one of the most forward-looking players in maritime decarbonization. In this conversation, we dive into the CFO’s role as a strategic driver, the realities of scaling tech in shipping, and why digitalization and emissions compliance must go hand in hand. Key Points: From Svalbard to Shipping: How a coal export operation in the Arctic introduced Aleksander to shipping’s complexity and sparked his passion. The Yara Years: Why Yara’s pivot from scrubbers to a broader tech portfolio laid the groundwork for Manta’s evolution. CFO as Strategist: Moving beyond balance sheets and towards how finance leadership shapes market positioning, acquisitions, and tech bets. Change Management at Sea: Why crew adoption is central to decarbonization technologies and how to avoid disrupting daily workflows. Acquisition by Okapi Supply Trading SA: How independence from Yara is making Manta more agile in responding to market and regulatory pressures. Scaling Beyond Pilots: Overcoming the challenge of moving shipowners from 1–2 trial vessels to fleet-wide adoption. Investor Attention: Where maritime tech is in the “football match” of investment and why maritime-focused VCs are changing the game. Learn More: Listen to my conversation with Scott Bergeron, Head of Fleet Management at Oldendorff Carriers, on scaling maritime operations [Episode 82]. 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 Head cook and bottle washer: Support Our Podcast: If you’ve found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference! Proudly sponsored by: – the premier global pitch competition for maritime and logistics startups – North America’s premier technology & innovation forum for shipping – where the world’s maritime leaders meet Curious about adverstising with us? Get in touch with the team at /episode/index/show/c524a237-0583-40dd-9ad3-e99f64f964e4/id/38213485

The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age

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