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The goal is clear: shipping aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. An ambitious endeavour, considering that we are talking about an estimated 60,000 ships worldwide. The use of alternative fuels and new propulsion concepts will be of major importance. Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, takes a look at the multi-fuel future.

In the past months, the upcoming inclusion of the maritime sector in the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has caused a lot of debate and open questions regarding who will pay for EU ETS certificates. Now there seems to be more clarity according to Sebastian von Hardenberg, BSM’s Chief Financial Officer.

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) has been in force since January 2023. The rating system had been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to gradually reduce CO2 emissions from commercial ships. While the CII is due for review in 2025, we believe that shipowners should aim for top ratings right away, as the CII may not only influence the vessel sale and purchase market, but also develop into a key criterion for cargo owners when they select a vessel as a means of transport.

For almost a year and a half, the BSM managed container vessel “Joseph Schulte” had been detained in the port of Odesa. The ship was finally able to leave Odesa as the first ship through the new humanitarian corridor established by the Ukrainian government.

The maritime sector faces growing labour shortages, in particular at sea. BSM’s strategy to attract and retain qualified seafarers is diversification combined with a strong focus on adapting career options, as well as growing in-house training programmes. One of BSM’s key initiatives is the Cadet Programme, aimed at developing deck, engine and electrical officers. Shipowners play a fundamental role in the long-term success of this programme, as BSM board member and Director of HR Marine, Eva Rodriguez, explains in this interview.

The decarbonisation of shipping entails a lot of technological and economic challenges. The question of safety in the operation of the new climate-friendly technology solutions is rarely discussed in this context but must not be neglected under any circumstances. An opinion piece by David Furnival, BSM Chairman and experienced maritime safety expert.

The supply of qualified seafarers is growing increasingly tight, with several factors contributing to the growing shortage, such as the effects of Covid-19 and geopolitical tensions. The shortfall has important implications for recruitment and retention as well as manning costs for shipping companies. Developing new source markets to address the shortage of qualified seafarers is key.

How to achieve the big “0” in decarbonising shipping is currently the main focus topic. Unfortunately, the small solutions are sometimes lost from focus. But they are often quite simple to implement and can quickly lead to a positive impact. The IMPA SAVE Pledge is one such initiative that aims to reduce and, if possible, stop the supply of plastic bottled water to our ships, and for which BSM wants to attract more owners as supporters.

The next-level bridge: how artificial intelligence can support nautical officers in the future by temporarily taking over their watch.