Innovation through the merger of maritime and non-maritime expertise

A sponsored podcast in association with Rightship Maritime is in transition in many ways – from analogue to digital, from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, and from a focus on the skills available within the industry to the skills we need to bring in from outside shipping. However, industries do not transform themselves. They are transformed by leaders who understand the critical need to keep their businesses relevant to their customers. Transformation is never easy. Sometimes it fails, but for those leaders who recognise the challenges and plan for transition, it can be the catalyst for sustained growth. RightShip is a company in transition from a vetting organisation led by major charterers to a digitally focused due diligence business. It grew out of Australia’s ‘Ships of Shame’ enquiry and launched with safety at its heart, however over the past two decades it has added the pillars of sustainability and social responsibility. That has meant bringing in expertise from outside the business, often with no knowledge of shipping or the traditional ways of the maritime world. Marrying maritime with financial or technology expertise isn’t easy. But in this Lloyd’s List podcast, RightShip’s chief technology officer Marlon Grech and chief product officer Christopher Saunders confirm that it can be done effectively. Mr Grech and Capt Saunders reveal how both maritime and non-maritime expertise have learnt the value of working alongside one another in a common project, tapping into the passion both parties have for what they do. They discuss the importance of a technology culture within a transforming business, and the willingness to think outside the traditional maritime box. They share ways of working together and suggest technology solutions that have already made a difference outside maritime. “It was clear very early on that Marlon and his team were super-passionate about making a difference,” Christopher Saunders concludes. “That has led us on a journey, innovating, asking why and finding new ways to solve problems together.” This podcast has answers to key questions for maritime’s new age of innovation.