Bureau Veritas Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

OrbitMI CEO Ali Riaz has been named among the Top 10 Technology Leaders of 2024 in Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s prestigious annual rankings of the 100 most influential people in shipping, underscoring the NYC-based maritime software company’s major role in the digital transformation of the industry. Riaz, who retained his sixth ranking from 2023, represents the only pure software-as-a-service (SaaS) firm on the keenly watched list of pioneering players “driving real digital change across the maritime industries” that is 2024 dominated by equipment manufacturers. Vessel performance platform Responding to the accolade, Riaz says, “It is a great honour to be featured again on the list. This is a recognition of a collective effort by OrbitMI’s talented team, together with our partners, in developing innovative solutions that are driving sustainability through operational efficiencies." “OrbitMI’s vessel performance platform delivers measurable results, including significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. With a commitment to evolving alongside green regulations, the platform continues to meet the dynamic needs of the maritime industry.” Innovative platform built on collaboration Its platform integrates multiple APIs into a single user interface, creating intelligent connected workflows OrbitMI spun out of Stena Bulk in 2019, is dedicated to breaking down software siloes that limit efficiency. Its platform integrates multiple APIs into a single user interface, creating intelligent connected workflows. This approach unlocks hidden data value and delivers actionable insights, empowering more efficient voyage decision-making. Holistic approach The company’s guiding principle of “transformation without disruption” highlights its SaaS solution’s ability to integrate with existing digital systems without requiring additional hardware or software installations. This approach prioritises innovation that is empathetic and tailored to the needs of the end-user. Riaz earlier spearheaded the company’s collaboration with French class society Bureau Veritas' Marine & Offshore division, with the pair focusing on the development of new solutions - for example, geared towards FuelEU Maritime compliance - based on a holistic approach to solving operational challenges and accelerating decarbonisation of the industry. Bolstering leadership in digital transformation The focus of the technology leadership list has shifted from digital transformation two years ago The focus of the technology leadership list has shifted from digital transformation two years ago through hybrid technologies in 2023 to 2024’s emphasis on hardware-based innovations. Consequently, some previously listed software players have dropped out of the top rankings amid increasing competition and consolidation in the market for digital solutions. SaaS model approach Reflecting on this trend, OrbitMI’s Chief Operating Officer Youn Lee says, "The evolving priorities in maritime technology, like cleaner fuels, automation, and greener infrastructure are driving greater competition." "OrbitMI’s repeated inclusion on this list reflects our resilience and leadership in a dynamic market. Our flexible and scalable SaaS model, coupled with a strong focus on partnerships and sustainability, ensures we stay ahead by enabling faster adoption of innovative digital solutions.”

National Maritime, in partnership with the University of Greenwich, will host a two-day conference and exhibition exploring sustainable practices and business opportunities in the maritime realm. The 4th Society & the Sea International Conference 2024 will take place on the 9th and 10th of September 2024 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich. The theme of the conference is ‘To be truly blue, we must also think green: developing a sustainable blue economy needs both environmental protection & economic activities to go hand-in-hand.’ Green and blue agenda A dual-themed ‘green and blue’ agenda will explore the strategies required to develop a sustainable blue economy. The 'Green Waves’ conference stage will focus on energy transition and sustainability in the maritime and coastal arena.  The ‘Blue Invest’ conference stage will explore business opportunities and the societal benefits that can be leveraged through supply chain collaborations. Speaker lineup The conference will bring together industry pioneers and key political stakeholders to give insightful presentations The conference will bring together industry pioneers and key political stakeholders to give insightful presentations across a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration, and conversations that matter. The speaker lineup includes the CEO and managing director of NatPower UK, Stefano Sommadossi, and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. Other key speakers include industry pioneers from the Celtic Freeport and Freeport East, the UK Marine Energy Council, Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs), the Crown Estate, the Port of London Authority, BMT, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, Marine Zero, OceanMind, SeaRegs Training, pH3 Capital, HMM (Europe) Ltd, Solis Marine Engineering and Formula E.  SOCSEA Charter 2024 Conferenced delegates will be invited to contribute to a new SOCSEA Charter 2024 that will help anchor stakeholders and strive towards a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable approach to working in the blue economy. Peter Green, chief executive of National Maritime said, “The importance of the world's coasts and oceans for our collective future is undeniable. They also have a tremendous potential for boosting economic growth, employment, and innovation. However, increased stress on marine resources risks their depletion or even irreversible harm." Economic growth in maritime "Realising the full potential of our coasts and oceans and the growing ocean economy will require a responsible and sustainable approach to its economic development and strong collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders." “We are proud to bring SOCSEAto the maritime industry and hope the conference supports our aims to increase economic growth in the maritime sector through collaborations and also encourages the sustainable clean-up of the sector by championing green initiatives. A prosperous and green shipping industry will contribute to a blue economy and as we say, a greener industry is equal to a blue economy.”  A responsible and sustainable approach Simon Goldsmith, Head of Strategic Sustainability, University of Greenwich, “We’re delighted to be hosting this event at our Greenwich campus and we look forward to welcoming pioneering experts and practitioners from across the globe to discuss the future of sustainability with the maritime industry." "We depend on our seas, oceans, and our maritime industries to meet many of our needs. Ensuring we act sustainability in our actions is essential and this conference will create the dialogue and precipitate actions to help.”  Net-zero Conference delegates will hear from those in leadership positions making progress on net-zero finding ways to effectively address the biodiversity crisis while adapting to the evolving set of global regulations.  Special guests include experts working on alternative marine fuels, vessel decarbonisation, new technology pathways, and energy solutions. The session topics include: New technologies Safety and Regulations FutureEnergy and Fuels (Clean Fuels and Energy Efficiencies) Funding(Early-stage funding and Green Finance) Energy Defence Freight Sustainability Environment Charity ball  On the evening of the 9th of September 2024, the SOCSEA24 Grand Maritime Ball will see 350 guests on board the WoodsFleet, Silver Sturgeon on the River Thames at Greenwich Pier. The charity ball will include an evening of entertainment including a silent auction.  Funds raised on the evening will support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 200th anniversary. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and organisations can also book exhibition stands. 

Thordon Bearings has secured an order from French shipbuilding giant Chantiers de l'Atlantique to supply its award-winning COMPAC seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearings for installation to a pair of wind-assisted passenger ships operated by luxury travel operator Accor. When the first 220m (722 ft) long, 22,300 gt vessel is delivered in 2026, Orient Express Corinthian will be the world’s largest contemporary sailship. The contract marks Thordon’s first reference aboard a Chantiers de l'Atlantique-built cruise ship and its first bearing installation aboard a wind-powered ship. LNG-fueled prime mover Accor plans to run the ship on green hydrogen once the fuel is backed for ocean-going passenger ships While three 100 m (329 ft) tall, 1500 m2 SolidSail rigs, a wind sail system developed by the French shipbuilder, will contribute significantly to propulsion, primary propulsive power will be through a conventional seawater-lubricated propeller shaft driven by an LNG-fueled prime mover. Accor also plans to run the ship on green hydrogen once the fuel is approved for ocean-going passenger ships. Thordon’s scope of supply to the twin screw vessel includes COMPAC seawater-lubricated bearings machined to fit 370 mm (14.5in) diameter propeller shafts. COMPAC seawater-lubricated bearing system Commenting on the significance of winning the tender, Neil McDonald, Thordon’s Regional Manager, Northern Europe & Africa, said: “For these environmentally focused vessels, an oil-lubricated propeller shaft bearing system was out of the question, and although Chantiers de l’Atlantique has experience with our COMPAC seawater-lubricated bearing system across its naval vessel new buildings, we still had to go through a lengthy and complex tendering process. I believe we won over competing water-lubricated bearing suppliers due to our patience, reputation and, ultimately, a much better performing product. Thordon’s COMPAC will contribute significantly to reducing the vessels’ environmental impact and maintenance costs.” By taking the legendary Orient Express to sea, Orient Express Corinthian – Accor’s entry into the luxury cruise market – is firmly rooted in the famous train’s history, but it also invokes the golden age of cruise travel, of which there can be no finer example than the famous Chantiers de l’Atlantique-built liner SS Normandie. Benefit from lower fuel consumption Thordon’s open seawater-lubricated COMPAC polymer bearing is designed to promote the early formation Benoît d'Alançon, Directeur General, Wenex Equipment, Thordon Bearings’ authorised distributor in France, said: “The Orient Express Corinthian firmly nods to both the legendary liner of the 1930s and that cosmopolitan icon of train travel, but modern, more environmentally sustainable technology is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship. COMPAC strengthens Accor’s vision of what a zero-pollution passenger ship looks like.” Built to the Bureau Veritas class and adopting its MON-SHAFT notation, Thordon’s open seawater-lubricated COMPAC polymer bearing is designed to promote the early formation of a hydrodynamic film between the shaft and bearing. As the viscous friction acting on the rotating shaft is lower with seawater than with oil, research has shown that in addition to reduced OPEX, operators also benefit from lower fuel consumption and subsequent emissions. Another benefit is that COMPAC negates the need for a damage-prone aft seal. Reducing carbon emissions Commenting on Accor’s decision to adopt wind-assisted propulsion technology, Gavin Allwright, Secretary of the International Wind Ship Association (IWSA), said: “There can be no clearer sign that the passenger ship sector has accepted wind propulsion as the best way of reducing carbon emissions than Orient Express Corinthian, which is set to be the world’s largest primary wind passenger ship. We are delighted that Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Thordon Bearings – both of which are IWSA members – have been instrumental in ensuring Accor’s first luxury passenger ships operate environmentally above and below the waterline.” There are now more than 40 commercial vessels with wind-assisted propulsion systems, with an additional 16 on order. Orient Express Corinthian, the first in a series of two 130 passenger/170 crew capacity ships, is scheduled for delivery in March 2026, followed by her yet-to-be-named sister in September 2027. Accor has options on a further two ships. Wenex is set to deliver the Thordon scope for the first ship in March 2025.