Navigating Zero - Global Trade’s Powerful Wave of Change

What does it take to lead a technology company through one of the most complex moments in global trade? And what does the agentic future of shipping actually look like in practice? In this final episode of Season 3, host Lora Jakobsen sits down with Søren Andersen, the newly appointed CEO of ZeroNorth. Søren brings nearly 30 years of maritime experience to the conversation - from his early days at...

This week, we’re discussing how pragmatism drives reinvention, and what strategies can help shipping companies navigate change without losing sight of carbon goals. This episode is a fan favourite from Season 2 and it's a brilliant conversation with Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia, one of the world’s leading product tanker companies. With almost 40 years in shipping, including 25 years at TORM before f...

How do we make reaching zero in shipping and other so-called “hard-to-abate” industries a sought-after business opportunity? Could capital and strategy accelerate the journey to zero? In this episode, host Lora Jakobsen speaks with Vinay Shandal, head of BCG’s Sustainable Investing practice and host of the podcast Pitching Progress . Vinay has spent nearly two decades helping investors deploy capi...

The diesel engine has shaped the modern world, powering global fleets, connecting cultures, and enabling the trade of almost everything we rely on. But it has also locked the maritime industry into a system that produces carbon emissions. In this episode, Lora Jakobsen sits down with Mikal Boe, CEO of CorePower, whose bold vision challenges us to rethink the very heart of maritime propulsion.  Mik...

Just days after the IMO’s decision to postpone the net-zero framework, the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) held its annual summit in Antwerp, Belgium. An opportunity to bring industry leaders back in the same room to confront uncertainty and chart a path forward at a decisive time. Johannah Christensen, CEO at GMF, was at the heart of the action. Just a few days after the summit, she sat down with Lor...

When the International Maritime Organization (IMO) postponed adoption of its long-awaited Net Zero Framework this October, the decision shook up power dynamics and strategies across the industry. In this episode, we unpack what happened inside and outside the negotiation room, and what it means for shipping’s path to zero emissions.  Beyond regulatory frameworks, this conversation highlights the p...

In this episode, host Lora Jakobsen sits down with Aoife O’Leary, the CEO and founder of Opportunity Green , about why regulation could be the key to achieving zero.  Drawing on her extensive background in law, and her work bringing together policy and technical experts with economists, and lawyers, Aoife makes a case for ambition in regulation, arguing that the industry’s decarbonisation challeng...

In this episode, host Lora Jakobsen speaks with Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, about what it means to truly future-proof shipping. Alexander Saverys is a leader who isn’t afraid to take risks. With seven generations of family history in maritime, he has transformed the Compagnie Martime Belge from a traditional shipowner into one of the most forward-thinking players in the industry, betting e...

After laying the groundwork in its first two seasons, Navigating Zero returns for Season 3, with a bold new focus: rebuilding the maritime ecosystem from within. We’ve identified the origins of the zero carbon movement, and the engines of change; now it’s time to make new connections, to transform our industry.  In this season opener, host Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth,...

Banks play a pivotal role in advancing the green transition within the shipping industry. But how can these two critical sectors collaborate more effectively and foster greater transparency? In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, engages in a compelling discussion with Michael Parker, Global Head of Shipping at Citigroup, and Paul Taylor, Global Head of Maritime...

The outlook for the global economy remains both mixed and uncertain. Amid this complexity, which long-term trends are poised to shape the future of global trade? In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, is joined by James Pomeroy, a Global Economist at HSBC with expertise in long-term economic trends. James specialises in areas such as demographics, global supply...

Tanker markets are highly influenced by geopolitical upheaval and macro-economic trends. In such a volatile environment, how can companies meet current demands, while staying on track advancing the energy transition?  In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, sits down with Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia, one of the world’s leading product tanker companies. Mikael has...

A pragmatic, collaborative approach to politics – one that fosters cooperation between political parties, committees, and the private sector – can drive meaningful change. In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, sits down with Rasmus Nordqvist, a newly elected member of the European Parliament for the Danish Socialist People’s Party (SF). Rasmus, who was first el...

Green fuels have the potential to move the dial on reaching zero emissions. However, the complex nature of overhauling fuel supply chains and a lack of infrastructure present a barrier for the shipping industry. It's essential that collaboration amongst stakeholders is expanded and made more transparent if we are going to continue to trial and roll out green and biofuels. This week, we’re taking y...

Convincing senior leadership of the importance of sustainability can be challenging. However, it is possible to build a strong business case for its adoption. In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth, sits down with Pia Heidenmark Cook, an ESG and sustainability leader with over 25 years of experience across various global industries, including professional services, hea...

Global trade has not yet reached a consensus on green fuels. However, dual-fuel engines represent a step in the right direction, enabling incremental progress as further research is conducted. In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth sits down with Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head Of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions. Bjarne has worked in shippin...

The intersections of global trade, policy, and ecological limits are discussed by Katherine Richardson, a professor of Biological Oceanography, leader of the Sustainability Science Centre at Copenhagen University and former chairman of the Danish Climate Commission. She delves into the concept of planetary boundaries and planetary commons, highlighting how to focus on biodiversity alongside climat...

The container shipping industry faces unique challenges in transitioning to greener practices. External factors have driven a period of rapid growth and profit since the late 20th century. However, major disruptions such as the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2024 Red Sea Crisis have significantly impacted the industry. Amid these significant upheavals, how can container ship...

To comply with increasingly stringent regulations, the shipping industry must evolve in two ways: by transitioning to greener energy sources and continually optimising for efficiency. Bold change is needed to reach the IMO’s 2030 and 2040 targets - should we be optimistic that the industry is ready to meet them? In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth sits down with Tri...

In this special episode of Navigating Zero, host Lora Jakobsen takes us to Folkemødet on the beautiful island of Bornholm, Denmark. This unique annual political festival aims to bridge the gap between citizens and decision-makers. Lora engages in compelling conversations with top business leaders and industry experts about their strategies and challenges in achieving zero emissions in their respec...

Shipbuilding is subject to the geo-political contexts, trends, and regulations that influence the wider maritime industry. The conflict in Ukraine, competition from Asia, digitalisation, and the maritime talent gap are all affecting how shipbuilders operate. Despite these challenges, ship manufacturers have a practical opportunity to lead the way in the green transition, as they design and build t...

It's hard to underestimate the importance of ports in our world. They are crucial hubs for global trade, with an estimated 90% of all goods transported by sea. Serving as vital links between land and sea, ports offer unique opportunities for spearheading digital and environmental innovations. This pivotal role underscores their potential to lead in the adoption of green technologies and digital tr...

A view that takes the needs of future generations into account is critical if we are to change our world for the better. But how can we push boundaries, and make different decisions today that benefit the lives of our children and grandchildren tomorrow? In this episode, Sophie Howe, former Future Generations Commissioner for the Welsh Government, sits down with Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activi...

Technology plays a critical role in the green transition. In the past, the complexity of the shipping industry – including the diversity of the global fleet, infrastructure constraints, and the economic impact of ‘going green’ – has prevented mass adoption of technological innovation. However, a recent wave of accelerated technological advancements are helping the industry take short term action t...

In an era where our planet’s resources are increasingly stretched thin, finding sustainable methods for the global transportation of goods becomes imperative. This challenge calls for innovative solutions to redefine the global supply chain to be both resilient and in harmony with environmental sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where profit and planet coexist. In thi...