A look back at the 2024 OTG Customer Seminars in Singapore and Bergen
Our Customer Seminars are a cornerstone of the OTG events calendar, providing an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with our customers and to drive discussions on key industry topics. These events gather thought leaders, enabling everyone to leave with actionable insights and innovative ideas to enhance their day-to-day work and operations.
Recently, we held two Customer Seminars in close succession, first in Singapore, then, most recently, we were in Bergen, Norway. Here, we revisit key themes and takeaways, including discussions on data-driven decision-making, digitalisation, and the future of seafarer training, along with links to recordings of select presentations and detailed blog posts on specific topics.
The OTG update
Each seminar featured a comprehensive company update, led by our senior leadership team, detailing recent milestones and plans for future product releases.
The most significant news since our previous Seminars is the news that Ocean Technologies Group will be acquired by Lloyds Register (LR). This marks a significant stage in the journey of OTG that will see it combined with LR’s fast-growing digital business, LR OneOcean, to create one of the largest software platforms in maritime and help accelerate the digital transformation of the industry. While operational specifics will emerge post-acquisition, this partnership promises long-term benefits for OTG customers and partners.
In his opening remarks at both events, our CEO Thomas Zanzinger, reaffirmed OTG’s commitment to empowering maritime professionals with solutions that enhance safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Thomas emphasised the value of personalised learning as part of a progressive Human Capital Management strategy, particularly as a tool to alleviate time pressure on maritime professionals as they are required to be knowledgeable in a wider range of areas as new technologies and processes are rolled out to enable the industry to meet its decarbonisation commitments.
Thomas covers the LR acquisition in more detail in his latest blog.
Product Innovations
Chief Product and Technology Officer Nicholas Goubert and the Product Experience (Px) team provided a glimpse into the product roadmap, introducing our data philosophy and the new data Dashboards. Launched in Singapore, the Learning Dashboards offer OLP users advanced insights into training performance, supporting data-driven decision-making that helps optimise safety and operational outcomes.
Nicholas Goubert, Chief Product and Technology Officer | OTG
Robert McLaggan, Data Director | OTG
Each of the new dashboards will provide OTG customers with easy access to data insights that will enable them to make data-driven decisions more easily than ever before. Designed to give users access to insights without manipulating data by hand, the dashboards significantly shorten the time between getting information and taking action that will reduce risk or improve performance. You can see Robert’s full presentation here and read more about the OTG data philosophy here.
The team also gave Seminar attendees a first look at Ocean Launch, the single gateway for OTG solutions – a critical development that brings all our solutions closer together.
Service enhancements
Our customers are key to our success, and the solutions we provide are mission-critical to their operations.
Alongside infrastructure improvements detailed by the Px Team in their presentations, we have also made changes to our support infrastructure, which was by Colin Leech, our Senior Director of Customer Support. Key among these is the implementation of Zendesk and a new knowledge base, giving customers quicker, easier access to essential resources and information.
Industry Insights and Panel Discussions
One of the most popular elements of our Customer Seminars are the presentations from guest speakers and our panel discussions that bring together voices from across the maritime industry to share insights on emerging challenges and opportunities. Topics ranged from the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to decarbonisation, each session inviting spirited debate and audience engagement.
In Bergen, we were joined by Anas Alamoush from the World Maritime University, who shared the findings from the “Transport 2040: Impact of Technology on Seafarers – The Future of Work,” conducted by the World Maritime University (WMU) and financially supported by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The report explores how automation, digitalisation, and technological advancements will reshape the maritime industry and its workforce.
Decarbonisation panel
The decarbonisation panel addressed the challenges and crew-focused needs for maritime decarbonisation, emphasising a human-centred approach. Key themes included prioritising crew safety and effective training on new fuels like hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
Panellists stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to establish training standards, citing initiatives like the Maritime Just Transition Task Force’s competency framework and The Nautical Institute’s “Green Curriculum.” They also highlighted simulation-based learning and micro-learning as tools to build confidence in handling alternative fuels, alongside the need to upskill crews in digital and automation competencies. The panel underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to support a safer, more efficient green transition.
Contributors to the discussion:
Singapore
- James Forsdyke | Managing Director – Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, Lloyd’s Register
- Celia Kang | Head of Crew Manning – Global, Eastaway Ship Management
- Kenneth Lim | Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), MPA
- Sanjeev Thasari | Product Sales Manager – Smart Ports & Simulation, Wärtsila Voyage APAC
- Capt. Yves Vandenborn | Head of Loss Preventions Asia-Pacific, NorthStandard / Committee Member, The Nautical Institute Singapore
Bergen
- James Helliwell | Decarbonisation Manager, V.Group
- Johan Ekval | Head Of Products, Wärtsilä Voyage
- Simon Grainge | Chief Executive, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
- Michael North | Sales Manager and Senior Representative for Norway, Lloyd’s Register
- Kirsten Birgitte Strømsnes | Business Development Leader Global initiatives – Operational Safety and
- Safety Culture Maritime Advisory, DNV AS
Both panels were moderated by Raal Harris | Chief Creative Officer, OTG.
AI and Digitalisation Panel
This panel discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming the maritime industry, moving beyond the “buzzword” phase to practical applications. Key areas for AI include fuel optimisation, vessel performance, maintenance, compliance, and crew management—each aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Panellists shared real-world examples, such as AI-driven safety monitoring and chat systems enhancing compliance. They emphasised that AI should remain human-centric, supporting rather than replacing human oversight. The panel also highlighted the need for industry-specific training and robust regulatory frameworks to guide AI’s ethical use, envisioning a future where AI boosts operational excellence and empowers crews to make data-driven decisions.
Contributors to the discussion:
Singapore
- Cynthia Mark Mohan | Assistant Vice President Head of Digitalisation, Jurong Port
- Jamie Ramsamy | Global Chief Digital Officer, OSM Thome
- Rahul Sapra | Loss Prevention Director APAC, NorthStandard / Committee Member, The Nautical Institute Singapore
- Nicholas Goubert | Chief Product and Technology Officer, OTG
Bergen
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Anas Alamoush | Post-doctoral Research Associate, World Maritime University (WMU)
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Nathalie Quiquempoix | Senior Vice President Process Efficiency, Zeaborn Ship Management
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Tor Egil Skumsnes | Maintenance Manager, Shearwater GeoServices
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Nicholas Goubert | Chief Product and Technology Officer, OTG
Both panels were moderated by Peter Shellenberger | Director and founder, Novamaxis
Inspections Panel
The panel discussion on inspections at the recent OTG seminar highlighted critical themes around inspection challenges, standardisation, and the increasing role of technology. Panellists highlighted the role of structured checklists, inspector accreditation, and technology to improve accuracy and consistency.
To reduce crew workload, they recommended digital monitoring and consolidating inspections where possible. As technology progresses, future inspectors will require both maritime expertise and digital skills, fostering a balanced, collaborative approach that aligns rigorous standards with crew needs across the industry.
Contributors to the discussion:
Singapore
- Capt. Mahyar Erach Jokhi | Gas Manager, Intertanko
- Capt. Hari Subramaniam | Regional Head Business Relations, Shipowners Clu
- George Haysom | Chief Commercial Officer, Idwal
- Christopher Saunders | Chief Maritime Officer, Rightship
Moderator: Su Yin Anand | Member Board of Directors, Hafnia
Bergen
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Capt. Jan Ove Ødegård | Marine Manager – Fleet Bergen, Odfjell
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Carlos Gonzalez | Research and Technology Manager, INTERTANKO
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Sven Atle Halvorsen | PMS Manager, Utkilen A
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Andrew Easdown | Maritime Consultant
Moderator: Vibeke Nordahl-Paulsen | Senior Manager, Training Content, OTG
Connecting leaders
Both events closed with drinks receptions, providing attendees with a relaxed setting to connect, exchange ideas, and reflect on the day’s discussions. Maritime is built on relationships, and these events reflect the importance and strength of community in our industry.
Thank you to our speakers, presenters, and customers who joined us in Singapore and Bergen. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
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