Originally founded in 1997 as a weather forecasting service, StormGeo quickly saw the potential of providing innovative services to help the shipping industry unlock added value – reducing fuel and emissions, while keeping assets and people safe.
Today the business remains at the vanguard of the industry, advising on around 65,000 voyages every year. It retains its position by combining deep domain expertise with cutting-edge data science, empowering better business decisions in weather-sensitive operations.
Here Andersen, who joined the firm in 2019 after over two decades of leadership roles within maritime, discusses how the industry can navigate the future with efficiency, confidence and sustainability to the fore.
Dive in and see what you discover.
What do you see as the greatest opportunity for the ocean industries over the next decade?
Reducing fuel consumption and emissions by smarter data use, management and sharing. Using data across industry boundaries really is the key to unlocking a new age of smarter, more sustainable shipping, but you have to know how to realise its true value.
By working with partners that can help you use, organise and understand data – both from internal and external sources – you achieve greater insight and that delivers enhanced control and more sustainable behaviour (in terms of operations, but also from a broader business perspective).
Combining data and tools adds exponential value, allowing the industry to reach for its ambitious goals, commercially as well as sustainably. That’s why StormGeo is launching our s-Suite, an integrated platform for vessel operations, which can take fuel consumption even lower than today and help our clients manage the increasing regulatory burden they experience.
What do you regard as the greatest challenge?
Short-termism. The industry, and it is not alone in this, often has a tendency to look for short-term, small savings instead of investing in the really big efficiency drivers. If you as a shipping company can demonstrate that you are more efficient than others, you will have a leading position in the market, and a preferred position with financers. An open mind to innovation will help us stay ahead of regulations and create real long-term value. To lead the way forward we have to evolve. Those that don’t will face real challenges, especially in times of crisis.
What do you see as the unique strength of your business and how will it help you succeed?
Our combination of industry understanding and advanced analytics is second to none, while our innovative approach and global reach put us in a position to provide personalized service and decision support 24/7, anywhere in the world. And our portfolio of solutions offers a unique platform for driving the right behavior on shore and on the vessel, so that savings and efficiencies will be maximized. I don’t see anyone else in the market today with our broad scope of solutions.
What key skills are you looking for in the next generation of industry professionals and how are you working to attract new talent?
An innovative, open mindset and an appreciation of both digital and human potential, as well as limitations. A willingness to collaborate with others and seek shared solutions is also imperative. Bravery and passion are some of the values we look for in our employees.
We are always on the lookout for talented and ambitious people with real business and personal integrity. If that’s you, then get in touch!
What are you most looking forward to at Nor-Shipping 2021*?
Nor-Shipping is an arena where everyone within the maritime and ocean value chain meets. That makes it an invaluable networking opportunity, but also a key hub for sharing knowledge, finding partners and discussing future opportunities and challenges.
After the current health pandemic it’ll be more important than ever.
What three words sum up your vision for the future?
Unlocking added value.
*Please note that this article was written before Nor-Shipping 2021 was postponed to 10-13 January 2022.
Nor-Shipping 2022 – Your Arena for Ocean Solutions – takes place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, 10-13 January 2022. Make sure you’re part of the #ACTION. Sign up NOW for our newsletter!
