2025 was a pivotal — and at times frustrating — year for maritime decarbonization.
In this episode of Seathrough Efficiency, Njord’s Managing Director Frederik Pind reflects on the momentum, delays, and lessons that defined the year, and what they mean for shipping as we move into 2026.
The discussion explores why regulatory uncertainty from the IMO continues to challenge the industry, why energy efficiency remains a no-regret pathway regardless of policy timelines, and how wind-assisted propulsion emerged as one of the most commercially impactful technologies in 2025. The episode also highlights a critical but often overlooked barrier to decarbonization: organizational alignment and decision-making within shipping companies.
Looking ahead, the conversation unpacks what shipowners and operators should prepare for in 2026 — from increasing regulatory complexity and regional carbon pricing schemes to the growing importance of acting early rather than waiting for perfect clarity.
This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating shipping’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Driving Decarbonization with Data: Union Maritime’s SeaLabs
In our latest Seathrough Efficiency episode, hosted by Caroline Evert, our Business Development Manager, we spoke with Kishan Mutu, Head of SeaLabs, about how Union Maritime is scaling sustainable tech through structured planning and data-driven decisions. Some of the key points are:
✅ Wind-Assisted Propulsion: 5 vessels equipped, 30 more committed
✅ High-frequency data + ROI modeling = smarter investments
✅ Proactive retrofits: planning starts 12 months before dry dock
Key takeaway: Innovation isn’t just tech, it’s process. SeaLabs is a blueprint for navigating uncertainty and leading the low-carbon transition.
What happens when sustainability stops being a reporting exercise, and becomes a driver of performance, innovation, and growth?
In this new episode of Seathrough Efficiency, we sit down with Lola Caballero, Chief Sustainability & Performance Officer at Cadeler, to explore how one of offshore wind’s leading players is integrating sustainability into every decision, Lola shares how Cadeler is:
⚙️Addressing carbon intensity through smarter fleet upgrades, data-driven efficiency, and crew engagement.
🚢 Designing new-generation vessels ready for future fuels and shore power.
🧭 Turning operational data into actionable insights to measure and scale real impact.
🤝 Building a culture where sustainability is a “team sport”, powered by collaboration across crews, clients, and the wider industry.
In this episode, Steen Sander Jacobsen, Technical Director at Njord, joins us to unpack what MEPC 83 means for the industry, and why waiting for regulation could mean missing the opportunity that’s right in front of us.
While the IMO’s Net Zero framework discussions have been extended into next year, Steen shares a reminder: “Regulation will evolve, but efficiency already makes business sense today.”
In this conversation, we cover:
The significance of MEPC 83’s delayed outcome for shipowners
What actions can be taken under existing frameworks like EU ETS or FuelEU Maritime
The growing collaboration between shipowners, charterers, financiers, and ports
Why planning your next drydocking cycle could define your decarbonization journey
The path to net zero may not yet be fully mapped, but every voyage starts with a first move.
In this episode of Seathrough Efficiency, we speak with Nikos Benetis from Greenheart, part of the Hayfin group, about how retrofit strategies go beyond compliance — and start with values.
Key themes from the conversation:
Greenheart shows how environmental action can be embedded in every decision — from second-hand vessel upgrades to newbuild ESG planning.
In our latest podcast episode, we spoke with Patricia Ayoub from DOF about their decarbonisation strategy and the lessons learned from bringing two fleets together.
Patricia outlined three clear pillars guiding DOF’s approach:
Operational efficiency – optimising how vessels are run day to day
Technology upgrades – deploying smart tools and hybrid solutions
Fleet renewal – investing in next-generation vessels
Key points stood out:
Small, incremental changes add up to significant impact over time
Transparency on vessel performance builds trust across stakeholders
Managing efficiency at scale after a major fleet merger requires discipline and collaboration
In this episode of Seathrough Efficiency, Saurabh breaks down what we learned from installing Wind Assisted Propulsion - not theorising about it.
We will cover our FIVE biggest learnings, so if you're considering wind for your fleet, this one is worth a listen. It's honest, specific, and focused on what matters when you move from plan to practice.
In this episode of Seathrough Efficiency, we speak with Martin Wattum, Head of Energy Efficiency Projects at Klaveness Combination Carriers, about turning energy efficiency from a strategic priority into operational reality.
Topics include:
- How to assess and prioritize technologies
- How to handle risks around energy efficiency investments
- Why crew engagement often defines the success of retrofits
It’s a practical look at how Klaveness is aligning daily operations with long-term sustainability strategy.
In this episode we go back to where it all began, the Maersk Ingrid retrofit. We are joined by Steen Sander Jacobsen, Technical Director at Njord, to explore the very first retrofit project and the lessons it taught us about energy efficiency at sea.
From unexpected performance results to breakthrough insights, Steen shares what made Maersk Ingrid a unique candidate, how technologies were tested and measured, and what this case still teaches us today.
Topics covered:
We sat down with Frederik, Managing Director at Njord, to talk about what boards really want to hear when you pitch a retrofit.
In this episode:
Why ROI alone isn't enough
How to handle risk and uncertainty
Getting alignment across technical and commercial teams
What happens after the board says yes
If you're involved in planning, approving, or pitching retrofit projects - this one's for you-