In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris dig into the findings of a new Thetius research report commissioned by Marcura, which shows that while 81% of maritime organisations are piloting AI, only 11% have policies in place, and just 23% are training their people. They debate whether AI deserves its own strategy or should simply sit inside a broader technology plan, with Nick introducing the Thetius ADAPT framework as a way for leaders to cut through the hype and move beyond “pilot purgatory.”

They then turn to OrbitMI’s back-to-back acquisitions of Auqub and Galeforce, exploring why pairing agentic AI software with a traditional weather routing advisory business could be a smart hybrid play. The discussion unpacks how human expertise and automated platforms can coexist, and why trust and verification matter more in AI-driven systems than in traditional SaaS.

A major cyberattack on Iran’s shipping industry prompts a conversation on satcom vulnerabilities, IT/OT segregation, and why drills and resilience testing need to become the norm. From there, Nick and Raal dive into the human side of maritime, discussing seafarer isolation in the digital age, the double-edged sword of connectivity, and the undervalued role of emotional intelligence in crew management and leadership.

Looking ahead to London International Shipping Week, they share what’s on their agendas — from the Thetius Top 150 launch to panels on digitalisation, AI, and decarbonisation. They also highlight Marine Media Enterprises’ new Donate & Train initiative, blending e-learning with charitable giving.

To wrap up, a light-hearted debate over Elon Musk’s latest venture — “Macro Hard,” an AI-driven challenger to Microsoft — sparks reflections on branding, competition, and whether the tech billionaire can really pull it off.

Download the Thetius "Beyond the Hype" Report here.

In this episode, Nick Chubb brings Raal Harris up to speed on a wave of recent maritime tech M&A deals. They start with Marcura’s acquisition of Brightwell Navigator, unpacking why cruise is such a hard market to crack and how crew payments and procurement could open doors for cross-sell. The pair debate whether cross-selling in shipping ever really works, given entrenched silos and slow decision cycles.

They then turn to STAR Information Systems’ acquisition of Sharecat, exploring the importance of clean, enriched data for maintenance and asset management, and why “garbage in, garbage out” matters more than ever in a post-AI world. Polestar’s move into marine insurance with Clearwater Dynamics prompts a discussion on risk visibility, while Xeneta’s purchase of eeSea sparks a deep dive into enforced transparency, supply chain resilience, and why schedule reliability data is becoming as critical as freight rates.

Nick and Raal also dissect the fast-changing satcoms market, where Project Kuiper’s arrival has already forced Starlink into a price rethink. They consider what happens when bandwidth at sea becomes a commodity, and whether Elon Musk’s dominance will hold against Jeff Bezos’ Amazon-backed play.

To wrap up, they spotlight a first-of-its-kind green ammonia bunkering operation in China. With early tests showing up to 95% emissions reduction, they weigh the fuel’s promise against its challenges and scalability.

In this episode, Nick Chubb breaks the news that DNV is spinning off its Ship Manager software into a new standalone brand: CFARER. He and Raal Harris unpack the branding choice, Wilhelmsen’s minority stake, and what it signals about class societies doubling down on maritime software ventures.

The main discussion tackles a bold question: Is agentic AI the beginning of the end for SaaS? Raal introduces the argument that language-based AI agents could replace traditional user interfaces, challenging the CRUD foundation of most SaaS tools. Nick explores the business model implications, from the rise of pay-per-use AI agents to the possible return of software you “buy once.” Together, they weigh whether brands, UX, and trust might still give SaaS an edge, especially in conservative industries like shipping.

They also dig into how maritime software vendors should evolve, introducing the concept of Agent-Computer Interfaces (ACIs) and the importance of deep domain knowledge and process transformation over just new tech.

Nick then highlights a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling that may force ports to include Scope 3 emissions from visiting ships in their sustainability reporting. He explains why this precedent could reshape port planning and carbon accounting.

To wrap up, they spotlight two safety tech breakthroughs: Kaiko Systems, which helped TMS Cardiff Gas cut SIRE observations by 34%, and Zelim, whose AI-powered man-overboard detection system achieved 96.8% accuracy in trials. They also celebrate Scorpio Tankers' installation of the first centrifugal carbon capture system, and a circular economy pilot turning captured CO₂ into concrete ingredients.

In this episode, Nick Chubb breaks the news of his acquisition of Digital Ship, revealing plans to relaunch it under the new Antares Digital Group. He and Raal Harris discuss restoring the brand as a multimedia hub for maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation, separate from Thetius, but aligned in ambition.

They explore the concept of collaborative autonomy, drawing parallels between smart cities and maritime tech. Nick introduces VDES as the next evolution of AIS, enabling real-time sharing of vessel passage plans and opening the door to richer operational awareness, alongside new risks.

The discussion shifts to maritime’s data dilemma, from cybersecurity threats at ports to the cultural and commercial barriers to data sharing. Nick shares lessons from Thetius’ benchmarking work and how structure and clarity can unlock collaboration.

To close, they preview London International Shipping Week, where both are hosting events. Nick’s launching the Thetius 150, while Raal’s leading “Strictly Decarb.” They offer tips for navigating the packed LISW calendar, and avoiding London traffic.

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris reflect on six years of Thetius, unpacking the role of luck, timing, and adaptability in building a sustainable maritime intelligence business. They trace Thetius’ evolution from a startup database of maritime innovators to a trusted research partner for shipowners, tech suppliers, and investors, with some acquisition success stories along the way.

The conversation then shifts to Orbit MI’s unexpected acquisition of stealth-mode AI startup Auqub, and what it signals about the arrival of agentic AI in maritime. Nick explains how the move resembles a Silicon Valley-style “acquihire” and suggests this may be the first clear play for AI agents capable of action, not just insight.

Next, they explore the concept of the superworker—a human-AI hybrid role evolving through four stages of automation. Drawing on Josh Bersin’s framework and new academic research, they discuss the creative lift AI can bring, the hidden risks of homogeneity, and the tension between productivity gains and organisational change.

Rounding out the episode, they swap AI coaching hacks, analogue oblique strategies, and some friendly disagreement over how politely one should speak to their GPT.

In this episode, Nick Chubb and Raal Harris unpack theDock’s 30 Under 30 Maritime Technology Companies list, spotlighting trends in European innovation and the dominance of chartering-focused software. They break the news of Sedna’s acquisition of Dataloy, exploring how the move could create a voyage management superapp and reshape email-driven operations.

The conversation turns to the Allianz Safety and Shipping Review, highlighting a record low in vessel losses but rising anxiety around geopolitical risks, including the recent sinking of the Magic Seas. They discuss the sharp rise in war risk premiums, the growing impact of the “dark fleet,” and the need for holistic responses to global shipping pressures.

Rounding out the episode, they revisit nuclear-powered shipping, examining the financial and regulatory barriers to small modular reactors, and draw parallels with challenges in carbon capture and waste logistics. From inboxes to innovation pathways, this is a wide-ranging look at the forces reshaping the maritime sector.

Links:

• theDock 30 under 30
• Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2025
• Has shipping painted itself into a CO2 corner?

In this episode, Raal Harris and Nick Chubb reflect on the evolution of tanker inspections under OCIMF’s SIRE 2.0, praising the human-centric transformation led by Karen Davis. They discuss the rise of ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers, highlighting projects by BHP and Amon Maritime and the growing role of state support and route specialisation in decarbonisation. The conversation moves into cybersecurity, exploring a phishing case that cost £60k, the importance of regular drills, and the potential impact of connectivity on vessel seaworthiness. They wrap up with a look at the AI “gold rush” and how companies like Sedna are integrating large language models directly into maritime workflows.

In this episode, Raal Harris and Nick Chubb discuss the significance of Day of the Seafarer, highlighting the challenges faced by seafarers, including regulatory burdens and the need for better safety culture. They explore NYK's acquisition of Kadmos and its implications for the maritime industry, as well as the role of technology in enhancing safety and welfare. The conversation also touches on public engagement initiatives like MSC's Yellow Festival and the environmental impact of AI in maritime operations.

Links:

• Captain Alexandros Lignos' post on the realities of being at sea
• Sam Chambers' Chart on Seafarer Safety

• MSC Yellow Festival