How is artificial intelligence changing the world of maritime shipping and the broader chemical industry supply chain? Victoria Meyer speaks with Per Ostman, VP of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to explore the impact of technology and data-driven solutions on shipping operations. Per shares how Veson Nautical integrates advanced software and AI-enabled workflows to help shipping companies manage complex data, enhance efficiency, and adapt to rapid changes in the marketplace.

Victoria and Per dig into the speed and complexity of shipping data, the importance of system integration, and the role of AI in streamlining tasks like claims handling. The conversation also addresses the human side of technology adoption—how AI is transforming jobs, creating new opportunities, and driving a need for continual learning. With practical advice for industry professionals and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of technology, people, and progress in maritime shipping and chemicals.

Victoria and Per explore the following topics:

• Using AI and technology to accelerate maritime operations
• How Veson transforms complex data into actionable supply chain intelligence.
• Using AI to speed up demurrage claims assessment by 300%
• Why AI augments rather than replaces human expertise in shipping.
• Leadership advice for non-traditional career paths

00:00 Classics Major's Unique Tech Perspective

06:57 Veson Nautical's Integrated Maritime Solutions

09:09 Navigating Complex Shipping Data

12:51 Data Integration Challenges

18:36 AI Streamlines Claims Demurrage Process

23:20 AI Enhancing Claims Analyst Roles

25:35 "Tech Solutions: Communication & Collaboration"

29:31 Leadership Advice for Chemical Industry Entrants

30:54 Embrace Uniqueness, Pursue Passions

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With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Principal Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace.

Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.

Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following:

• 2025–2026 Chemical Outlook: Modest growth expected and key market signals for decision-makers.
• Strategic planning approaches for uncertain economic conditions and scenario testing.
• How tariffs, taxes, and regulations in major markets impact chemicals.
• Data Over Hype: Focus on financial metrics (bookings, backlogs, billings) vs. market sentiment.
• Leading Through Uncertainty: Practical strategies for confident leadership during volatile times.

00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview

05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus"

10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials"

13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges

17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test

21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact

25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges

28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data

31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes

33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments

37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages

39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"

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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.

Can environmental biotech finally crack the code on PFAS, “forever chemicals,” and other persistent pollutants? Ray Sambrotto, CEO of Allied Microbiota, joins Victoria Meyer to share how advances in microbial technology are reshaping the landscape of remediation in the chemical industry. With a foundation in environmental microbiology and years of academic research, Ray explains his journey from oceanography to entrepreneurship, revealing how precise strains of bacteria can tackle tough contaminants—speeding up processes previously measured in years down to mere weeks.

Victoria and Ray discuss the shift from traditional clean-up methods to scalable, biologically driven solutions for soil and wastewater. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, the integration of AI for microbial discovery, and how collaboration between specialty biotech firms and established engineering players can expedite commercial scale-up. As regulatory standards tighten and the demand for cost-effective cleanup grows, Allied Microbiota’s approach signals a new era where biology is not just an afterthought but a strategic asset in achieving industrial and environmental goals.

Victoria and Ray discuss the following topics in this week's episode:

• Transforming university research into commercial products
• Utilizing microbiology to break down "forever chemicals" in soil and water faster.
• Building strategic partnerships to enable scale-up
• How AI and machine learning can accelerate development

00:00 Chemical Industry Innovators Podcast

05:01 Bioremediation Challenges: Emerging Contaminants

08:39 Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil

11:35 Environmental Engineering Permitting Strategy

12:51 PFAS Breakdown: Cost-Effective Alternatives

16:28 Proactive Industrial Waste Management Solutions

22:18 Academic vs. Industrial Challenges

24:23 "Join & Share: The Chemical Show"

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***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.