Reflections on Sea Asia and Singapore Maritime Week 2025: conversations that matter
Singapore Maritime Week and Sea Asia 2025 provided a timely platform for the global maritime community to come together and focus on the future. Across packed exhibition halls, dynamic conference stages, and countless one-to-one discussions, it was clear that the drive for transformation is well underway. For us at Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the week was an opportunity to stand alongside our colleagues at LR OneOcean and Lloyd’s Register and demonstrate how we are actively shaping that future.
From two exhibition stands to 16 speaker engagements and multiple networking receptions, we were proud to be part of a programme that covered everything from emissions compliance to crewing strategies. More importantly, we used our presence to have real conversations with our customers and industry partners about the practical steps we can take together to accelerate change.
A shared presence across two venues
Throughout the week, our teams were available at our stands at Singapore Maritime Week Expo and Sea Asia 2025. This dual presence allowed us to maintain visibility across both events and offer visitors a direct route to engage with OTG and LR OneOcean specialists.
We shared how our combined digital solutions are helping shipping companies manage compliance, strengthen performance, and support their crews. We also showcased the latest in digital learning, competency management, and operational support technology, including a look at LR’s Safetytech Accelerator pod which added to the innovation spotlight.
What stood out most across the many conversations we had over the week was the shared sentiment that decarbonisation and digitalisation cannot succeed without investment in people. Whether it was crew wellbeing, regulatory training or career progression, there was genuine interest in how our platform can support those onshore and at sea, at every stage. That interest also reflected a broader truth — people are key to unlocking the full value of digital innovation. We need to bring them with us on the journey, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Putting innovation in focus at the Xinde Forum
Our first major speaking engagement of the week was the Xinde Marine Forum, where Sanjeev Mathur — who leads the APAC Sales function across OTG and LR OneOcean — joined a high-level panel to explore how new technologies and innovations are helping to drive shipping’s decarbonisation journey.
Sanjeev’s contribution focused on practical implementation. He explained how our combined approach supports shipowners with real-world guidance and tools that go beyond theory. In particular, he spoke to the importance of accessible data, ship-specific analysis and user-friendly interfaces that help decision-makers make informed choices.
He also addressed the role of people in enabling these technologies. Our experience shows that even the best solutions can fall short of their potential without proper training and change management. The discussion reinforced the responsibility we all share in making sure seafarers are brought along on the journey and fully equipped to succeed.
Making sense of regulation at the Capital Link Forum
On Tuesday, regulatory insight took centre stage as Taylor Wamberg, Regional Maritime Commercial Markets Manager at Lloyd’s Register, presented at the 7th Annual Capital Link Singapore Maritime Forum. His session provided an update on two key regulatory developments: the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime initiative.
Taylor walked attendees through the timelines, frameworks, and cost considerations associated with both schemes. He also spoke about the wider implications of these changes on vessel operations, commercial strategy, and compliance tracking. The presentation was detailed and well received, with delegates raising thoughtful questions around implementation, penalties, and data handling.
From our perspective, the regulatory landscape is not just a compliance issue, but a workforce challenge too. New requirements demand new knowledge and new behaviours onboard. As such, our learning tools and onboard assessment frameworks are being increasingly used to prepare crew for the changes ahead. Taylor’s talk helped reaffirm why clarity, communication, and continuous training are vital to navigating this evolving environment.
Powering people at the SMW Expo Theatre
The Singapore Maritime Week Expo Theatre hosted a focused set of presentations on Tuesday that explored the future of maritime operations from a range of perspectives. The session featured three speakers: James Frew, Advisory Director at LR Advisory, who opened with Global Maritime Trends and the Role of a Trusted Adviser; followed by our own Chief Creative Officer, Raal Harris, presenting Harnessing People-Power with Maritime Human Capital Management; and concluding with Barry Hooper, Vice President of Product and Technology at OneOcean, on Managing Emissions Risk with Digital Tools.
Raal’s presentation highlighted the critical role of seafarers in the industry’s long-term success. He began by outlining how crew development must be reframed as a strategic enabler rather than a cost. Introducing OTG’s latest thinking on adaptive learning, digital assessments, and behavioural safety, he explained how data and feedback can be used to drive meaningful, measurable improvements across crew performance.
He also explored the value of personalisation in training delivery, ensuring that seafarers are equipped not only to meet regulatory requirements but to progress in their careers and contribute with confidence. By placing people at the centre of maritime transformation, Raal argued, we can build an industry that is not only compliant but resilient, agile, and future-ready.
The session had strong engagement from the audience, and follow-up discussions continued at our stand throughout the afternoon. It was clear that many attendees are now actively looking for ways to apply these principles within their own crewing strategies and operational frameworks.
Championing maritime just transition at the G20 Ocean Dialogue
In addition to his presentation at the SMW Expo Theatre, Raal also attended the G20 Ocean Dialogue Meeting with our co-CEO Nicholas Goubert. This invitation-only session brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to develop recommendations for the G20 Summit in South Africa in 2025.
Hosted under the Ocean20 initiative and co-convened by the UN Global Compact, the meeting focused on the role of shipping and ports in supporting a just transition. Discussions explored how the decarbonisation of maritime transport can strengthen trade security, enhance supply chain resilience, and generate positive outcomes for the Global South.
Raal contributed insights on workforce development, highlighting the importance of training, upskilling, and inclusive access to learning. Drawing on OTG’s global experience, he emphasised the need for practical tools that empower seafarers and shore-based personnel to adapt to new technologies and regulatory requirements.
The session also touched on the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors, and the role of strong institutions in enabling sustainable change. It was an important moment to reinforce the message that no transition can succeed without people at its core, and that global progress depends on equitable opportunity across the entire maritime workforce.
Creating space for real dialogue at our Happy Hour reception
Following a busy day of sessions and meetings, we welcomed customers and colleagues to a more informal setting with our Happy Hour drinks reception, co-hosted with LR OneOcean at the Sea Asia stand on Tuesday afternoon. This gave us a chance to relax, reconnect and continue conversations in a setting that encouraged open dialogue and fresh ideas.
Looking ahead to hybrid futures: WATTS UP APAC and battery technology
On Thursday, attention turned to emerging propulsion technologies at the WATTS UP APAC event, organised by the Maritime Battery Forum. Sponsored by Lloyd’s Register, this session explored how maritime battery systems and hybrid configurations are advancing vessel efficiency and reducing emissions.
While OTG was not on stage, we were closely engaged with the session, given its relevance to crew readiness and operational safety. As vessels integrate high-voltage systems and energy storage solutions, seafarers must be trained to manage these safely and effectively.
Our team spoke with several delegates about the future of battery-specific safety training and the growing need for blended learning modules that combine theoretical knowledge with onboard practical application. Events like WATTS UP help inform the future direction of our content development, ensuring we continue to equip crews with the tools they need as the technology landscape evolves.
Standardising progress: the Maritime Technologies Forum
The final key speaking engagement of the week was the Maritime Technologies Forum session, which looked at the challenges and opportunities around digital standards and data interoperability. Representatives from Lloyd’s Register contributed to a thoughtful discussion on how the industry can embrace consistency in digital systems and frameworks.
For OTG, this conversation sits at the heart of our own product strategy. We are strong advocates for standardised crew data, digital records, and portable credentials that support better decision-making and reduce duplication. This session reinforced the importance of building systems that are not only smart and scalable but also aligned with a wider ecosystem that values trust and transparency.
Closing thoughts: a week of connection, clarity, and momentum
As we packed down at the end of the week, one thing was clear. Sea Asia and Singapore Maritime Week 2025 were not just about showcasing capability. They were about setting direction, aligning on shared goals, and building the trust required to deliver on them.
From regulatory updates to innovation showcases, from technical panels to personal conversations, the tone of the week was one of action. The challenges facing our industry are significant, but the energy we felt throughout the week gives us confidence that the sector is moving with purpose.
We want to thank everyone who engaged with us across the week. Whether you joined us at a session, visited our stand, or raised a glass at the Happy Hour, we value your time and your insight.
We are already building on the connections made and the ideas shared. If you would like to revisit any of the discussions from the week or explore how OTG can support your goals, please reach out. We look forward to continuing the journey together.
Want to be first to hear all our news?
Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep up to date!
