In this episode of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast, correspondent Gary Howard sits down at Posidonia with Robert Sakker, president & CEO of Pulsar International, and Ben Palmer OBE, president of Viasat Commercial, to explore how next-generation satellite connectivity is reshaping life and work at sea.

From the mental health of seafarers caught in geopolitical crises to the fiercely demanding Greek shipping market, the conversation dives into why reliable, secure, and high-capacity connectivity is now a strategic necessity—not just a technical nice-to-have.

Robert and Ben unpack NexusWave, a fully managed, bonded multi-network service that combines LEO, GEO, and cellular to deliver resilient connectivity for ship operations and crew welfare. They discuss the shift from price-driven decisions to value and outcomes, the growing role of cyber security as ships become “mobile offices,” and how multi-orbit, software-defined networks and upcoming Viasat-3 satellites are setting the stage for the next five years of maritime digitalisation.

Recorded at Posidonia 2026 in Greece, this episode of the Seatrade Maritime podcast features correspondent Gary Howard in conversation with Maria Kyratsoudi, business development director, Greece, at ABS.

Together they explore how Greek shipowners are responding to tightening IMO and EU regulations, and why energy efficiency and performance optimisation are taking priority over early bets on alternative fuels.

In this episode:

ABS as “Greece’s trusted class”

• How ABS’s role has evolved from traditional classification to technical and sustainability advisor.
• Expanded engineering, sustainability, and advisory capabilities for Greek clients.

Newbuilding trends in the Greek fleet

• Strong increase in tanker, VLCC/Suezmax, and bulk carrier orders, with LNG and LPG also in the mix.
• How owners are aligning fleet renewal with regulatory and commercial pressures.

Decarbonisation and regulation: IMO + EU

• Why Greek owners are looking at the combined impact of IMO and EU rules rather than single regulations in isolation.
• The drive for energy efficiency upgrades, fuel readiness, and robust compliance documentation.

Efficiency first, fuels later

• Why the immediate focus is on energy efficiency and performance optimisation for both newbuilds and retrofits.
• Making vessels more commercially attractive through measurable real‑world gains.

Digitalisation and data

• How regulatory demands for accurate data are pushing pragmatic adoption of digital tools.
• The link between digitalisation and decarbonisation, and using performance data to support charterers and financiers.

In this episode recorded at Posidonia 2026 you’ll hear from Julian Bulan with Bureau Veritas about the shipping industry's challenge of greenhouse gas reduction.

In conversation with Seatrade Maritime News’ Emma Howell he explains how Bureau Veritas supports ship owners in navigating regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance, and improving data accuracy for emissions reporting.

The episode also delves the importance of innovation, technology, and the evolving role of data in driving sustainability within maritime operations.

Listen to the full conversation to learn more about

• Bureau Veritas and GHG reduction
• Regulatory developments
• The verifier role in emissions data
• Ensuring data accuracy
• Addressing conflicting requirements
• Cybersecurity and data management
• LNG as a marine fuel
• Preparing for future GHG rules

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