- Schneiter pushes WinGD ahead in ammonia engine development.
- Lauber positions Everllence as a full-range alternative-fuel engine leader.
- Kawagoe leads MOL to a breakthrough in methane slip reduction.
In just three short years, Starlink has completely transformed maritime connectivity, pushing older technologies like GEO satellites and VSAT into the background. Now, crews consider Starlink’s availability a key factor when choosing ships, thanks to its reliable video calls and streaming capabilities even far out at sea. While this surge in connectivity does raise some cyber-risk concerns, Shotwell’s leadership at SpaceX since 2002 has firmly established Starlink as the new gold standard in the industry, even though maritime operations aren’t SpaceX’s main focus, reports Lloyd’s List.
Dominik Schneiter is Making Strides in Ammonia Engine Technology at WinGD
WinGD’s first X52DF-A ammonia-fueled engine was successfully installed on an Exmar LPG carrier in early 2025 after a lot of hard work and development. With 40 ammonia-fueled vessels now on order worldwide, Schneiter’s efforts are helping to clear up any doubts about engine readiness, even though the availability of ammonia fuel still poses a challenge.
Uwe Lauber is Putting Everllence at the Forefront of Alternative Fuels
Everllence, which used to be known as MAN Energy Solutions, introduced its dual-fuel ammonia engine in November 2025. This engine is designed to work with all major alternative fuels, positioning the company alongside WinGD in the ammonia sector. Lauber described this launch as a significant step toward a climate-neutral future, emphasising that engine technology won’t be the obstacle to adopting new fuels.
Yoshikazu Kawagoe is Leading MOL’s Efforts in Reducing Methane Slip
MOL, in collaboration with Kanadevia Corp and Yanmar, achieved an impressive 98% reduction in methane slip during sea trials, a significant achievement for LNG as a transitional fuel. As CTO, Kawagoe has also been instrumental in MOL’s broader strategy for alternative fuels, which includes plans for clean ammonia bunkering in Western Australia and a successful trial of biodiesel bunkering.
Håkan Agnevall Steers Wärtsilä Toward Decarbonisation Leadership
The company recently announced impressive 2024 results, showcasing a remarkable 78% increase in operating profit, thanks to a surge in demand for engines that are ready for alternative fuels. Agnevall’s vision prioritises decarbonization, as evident in the fact that 65% of their order book is for alternative fuels. They’ve also introduced a new carbon capture solution that can cut emissions by 70% and installed the world’s largest marine battery system on the Aurora Botnia.
Cyber Leaders Strengthen Maritime Defence Against Rising Threats
Daniel Ng from CyberOwl, Annika Nevaste from DNV Cyber, and Nir Ayalon from Cydome are stepping up to bolster maritime defence against growing threats. Ng’s campaign, highlighting the “Seven Deadly Sins of cyber insecure behaviour,” is one of the initiatives aimed at guiding shipowners and crews towards safer digital practices as cyber risks continue to rise.
Wind Power Innovators Revive Emission-Free Propulsion
Meanwhile, innovators in wind power, including Heikki Pöntynen from Norsepower, Clare Urmston from Anemoi Marine, and John Cooper from BAR Technologies, are reviving emission-free propulsion methods. The adoption of rotor sails and WindWings retrofits is on the rise, promising up to 20% fuel savings, which is especially beneficial for bulk carriers operating far from alternative fuel sources.
Marlon Grech Transforms RightShip Into a Predictive Intelligence Platform
He’s revamped the system to provide high-transparency insights into vessel operations. Now, it can predict vessel behaviour based on historical data, equipping shipowners and charterers with better tools for making safety and environmental decisions.
Søren Meyer Leads ZeroNorth Through Breakout Growth Year
Søren Meyer is steering ZeroNorth through an impressive growth phase, having reported its first operating profit in 2025 and clinched a significant adoption deal with Trafigura. Building on earlier achievements, such as the successful deployment of Vitol’s e-BDN in Rotterdam, Meyer’s leadership showcases ZeroNorth’s ability to transform digital concepts into tangible improvements in the industry.
Noah Silberschmidt Expands Silverstream’s Global Impact
Noah Silberschmidt is broadening Silverstream’s global reach with its innovative air lubrication technology, which now offers annual fuel savings of 5–10%, amounting to around $5 billion in total savings for the fleet. In 2025, the company hit a milestone with over 200 orders, rolled out its comprehensive Silverstream Service, and received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. As the future of fuel funding remains uncertain, technologies like Silverstream are proving to be increasingly vital.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
