Podcast
The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In the Digital Age
Hosted by Christopher Aversano · EN
Maritime Digital Evolution with Chris Aversano
Dive deep into the maritime world's digital transformation with Chris Aversano, a seasoned maritime professional with three decades of experience both on shore and at sea. Recognizing that the maritime sector has been one of the last to fully embrace the digital age, Chris delves into the pivotal changes now underway.
Join Chris as he engages with the trailblazers, innovators, investors, and thought leaders who are steering the maritime industry into the digital future. Whether you're a maritime enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or someone curious about both realms, this podcast promises insightful discussions and a fresh perspective on the maritime digital frontier.
Tune in and embark on a journey to explore the digital waves reshaping the maritime world.
26episodes
Episodes
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Episode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy
6d ago00:42:50Tap to summarizeEpisode 136: Translating Maritime Innovation – From Shipyards to Startups with Caitlin Hardy Guest: Caitlin Hardy, Founder & Managing Director, Ness Sea 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. Sponsor – KVH Industries 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 Digital Ship for podcast sponsorships. Get in touch with Digital Ship to explore opportunities.
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Episode 135: Beyond Compliance – The Reality of Seafarer Wellbeing with Meei Wong
3w ago00:36:16Tap to summarizeEpisode Overview: A conversation that challenges how the industry defines "wellbeing." Meei Wong, Founder and CEO of Circle Digital Ventures, breaks down why compliance-driven metrics miss the real picture onboard—and why trust, culture, and incentives are the real barriers to improving life at sea. Timestamps: 00:05 – Introduction and Meei's journey into seafarer welfare 02:23 – A broken system: industry value vs reliance on charities 05:20 – What wellbeing actually looks like onboard vs compliance metrics 10:36 – Why self-reported data misses the reality 13:08 – Health gaps, underreporting, and life at sea 17:35 – Adoption challenges and resistance to new technology 20:13 – Who drives adoption—and who pays 24:23 – The shift from CSR to risk management 28:30 – The case for investing in human lives 31:26 – Closing thoughts and reading recommendations Learn More: Check out related conversations on seafarer welfare and human systems, including Episode 109, featuring Pam Kern talking about maritime mental health. 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: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you've found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Share it with someone in the industry who should be part of this conversation. Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Connect with Digital Ship to learn more.
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Episode 134: Why Maritime Still Isn't Connected – And What It Will Take to Fix It
Apr 1400:31:32Tap to summarizeGuest: Tim Morris, Principal Engineer at Arup; Chair, ITS UK Maritime Forum Episode Overview: Maritime has no shortage of digital tools. What it lacks is connection. In this episode, Chris Aversano 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: Episode 122: Data Infrastructure, Not Apps – with Ari Marjamaa of Raa Labs 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
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Episode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World
Mar 3100:39:52Tap to summarizeEpisode 133: The Human Side of Shipping: Seafarer Welfare in a Connected World Episode Overview Recorded live at CMA Shipping, this roundtable pulls back the curtain on seafarers' welfare in modern shipping. Chris sits down with Rev. Stephen Cushing, Julia Cooper, and Dr. Christopher Graham 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 Episode 87: Navigating the Future – Seafarers' Welfare and Maritime Challenges, 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.
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Episode 132: How Cargill Thinks About Decarbonization, Risk, and the Future of Shipping with Jan Dieleman
Mar 1700:40:55Tap to summarizeEpisode 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 Jan Dieleman, President of Ocean Transportation at Cargill and Chair of the Global Maritime Forum. 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 Episode 54: The Digital Evolution of Shipping with Scott Bergeron of Oldendorff Carriers Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Smart Ship Hub, 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 Digital Ship. Tune In Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 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 Buy Me a Coffee. Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕⚓
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Episode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos
Mar 300:44:34Tap to summarizeEpisode 131: Driving Change in Maritime, and Why Port Calls Still Feel Like Orchestrated Chaos Guest: Léon Gommans, CEO and Co-Founder, Teqplay Also: Host of the vodcast Driving Change in Maritime with Teqplay 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 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: Chris Aversano 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 DigitalShip to explore options and audience packages.
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Episode 130: Risk Is Changing, Lets Talk P&I Clubs, Digitalization, and the New Reality of Maritime Insurance
Feb 1700:33:44Tap to summarizeGuest: Thomas Nordberg CEO, The Swedish Club 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. The Last Dinosaur 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 Episode 115 with Joseph Farrell Jr. of Resolve Marine. Help Us Grow Follow the podcast Leave a five-star review Share it with your network Stay curious. Stay salty.
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Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea
Feb 300:38:37Tap to summarizeGuest: Gordana Ilic, PhD — Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BetterSea and host of The Wavemakers Podcast 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 YouTube and other streaming channels. Related listening: Episode 105: Decarbonization & FuelEU Reality with Friederike Hesse of zero44. This is a strong companion on compliance mechanics, pooling, and commercial decision-making. 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: Chris Aversano 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 Digital Ship.
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Episode 128: Bridge to Boardroom: Class Society Reality, Tech Adoption, and the Ship–Shore Gap
Jan 2000:41:31Tap to summarizeGuest: Capt. Ankur Arora, Global Market Leader, Commercial at Bureau Veritas Group 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: Episode 89: Seafarers, Decarbonization, and Diversity at Sea with Ralph Juhl, EVP, Technical at Hafnia. This is a complementary owner-operator perspective on crew engagement and decarbonization in practice. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected "King of SKA" Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: Please rate the show 5-stars, follow, and subscribe to the newsletter. Interested in advertising? Reach out to my friends at Digital Ship
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Episode 127 — Starting 2026 with the Right Mindset with Akanksha Batura Pai PD
Jan 600:44:40Tap to summarizeGuest: Akanksha Batura Pai, PD Executive Director, Sinoda Shipping Agency Pte Ltd | IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador (Emerita) | #1 Top 100 Women in Shipping Episode Overview: We kick off 2026 with a grounded, practical conversation with Akanksha Batura Pai PD, one of my favorite interviews to date. We talk about what digital transformation actually looks like inside a ship agency, why incremental change beats big-bang initiatives, how mindset drives successful adoption, and why clean data still matters more than AI hype. This episode is part of our ongoing partnership with The Captain's Table Challenge and for the second year in a row, The Last Dinosaur is the official podcast of the Challenge. Key Points: Ship agency is a services business with thin margins and constant pressure to improve Digitalization only works when it reflects real operational workflows Incremental change is more effective than sweeping transformations A failed digital rollout became a success once redesigned around how people actually work "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution" as a leadership mindset AI can reduce friction; but only if the underlying data is clean and reliable Retaining talent requires job redesign, flexibility, and modern leadership Related Listening: Episode 126: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review 2025 with Evan Efstathiou Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate us 5 stars, and share it. Interested in sponsorship or advertising? Opportunities are available through our partnership with Digital Ship.
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