Nick and Raal explore two very different maritime realities: the worsening crisis of seafarer abandonment linked to sanctions and opaque ownership, and the surprisingly vital role of standards in global trade. From ISO tea-making rules to container data still travelling on USB sticks, they unpack why harmonisation matters, and share practical advice on the 2026 events calendar.

• 00:00 ITF data: seafarer abandonment reaches record levels
• 20:59 ISO’s hidden role in global trade
• 43:00 Navigating the 2026 maritime events calendar
• 55:26 Closing thoughts on events, serendipity, and planning

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In this episode, Raal Harris and Nick Chubb look back on the dramatic turn of the last two week’s events and ask what rupture in the global rules based order could mean for shipping. They discuss how geopolitical volatility and tariffs are reshaping trade routes and operational risk, why global shipping has become harder to plan and manage. They discuss the need for energy security and the potential role of nuclear power with LR’s announcement of their UK Nuclear Consortium and how a move to nuclear propulsion could transform shipping. They also spotlight the announcement of the biggest ever battery powered vessel set to go into service and the wider impact battery powered ships could make in world trade.

The conversation then turns to Lomar shipping’s strategic pilot with AI start up Signal Fusion designed to aid predictive behavioural intelligence in maritime operations. They discuss how this could be an enabler for a human factors approach and whether AI could play a role in safety and decision-making, and why engaging crews is critical to safer operations.

Chapters

01:39 Global Shipping Landscape and Geopolitical Volatility

09:44 Impact of Tariffs and Uncertainty on Shipping

14:25 The Future of NATO and Global Trade

17:27 Energy Security and Nuclear Shipping Innovations

25:29 Battery-Powered Ships and Their Potential

28:21 Decarbonisation in Australia: A Pioneer Approach

31:49 Navigating Risks in Battery Technology

34:28 Human Factors in Maritime Operations

40:22 AI and Human Performance in Shipping

53:43 Engagement and Feedback in Maritime Safety

Tabitha Logan shares her journey from lawyer to becoming a leading voice in the maritime industry, as Project Director for ship owner-operator Cetus Maritime and as co-founder of The Captain’s Table the global pitch competition and venture platform for maritime startups. Tabitha shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in global shipping, the importance of mergers and acquisitions to build scale and capacity, the significance of digital transformation, and the role of branding in successful mergers. Tabitha also shares her passion for supporting startups, gives tips on what investors are looking for and emphasises the need for innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. Finally she shares her advice to those aspiring to a fulfilling career in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tabitha Logan and Her Journey

04:39 Cetus Maritime: Mergers and Acquisitions Overview

18:02 The Importance of Digital Integration in M&A

30:47 Navigating Diverse Roles in Maritime Operations

36:02 Bridging Silos: The Importance of Collaboration

39:08 Sustainability in Shipping: A Progressive Outlook

41:06 The Captain's Table: Fostering Innovation in Maritime

48:08 Identifying Winning Solutions: Trends and Insights

53:05 Balancing Innovation and Operations in Shipping

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