Three from three: Executive Insights from Sea Asia 2025

Sea Asia 2025 saw over 20,000 maritime professionals, from almost 100 nations, gather in Singapore to share knowledge, build partnerships and discuss the big industry issues. So, what were the key talking points? Which developments are making waves? And how can the industry tackle the challenges, and opportunities, looming on the horizon? Here NAVTOR’s top team from Sea Asia - Jennifer Lee, Regional Sales & Operation Director, Frode Klepsvik, Managing Director Singapore, and Børge Hetland, COO – share their unique insights.

What key development defined Sea Asia 2025 for you? 

Jennifer Lee, Regional Sales & Operation Director

Jennifer: The focus on sustainability and decarbonization stood out from the crowd. It’s almost impossible to remove the role of digitalisation within that context, particularly at Sea Asia as it was a major talking point - especially with regards to how AI can be used to optimal effect as we push towards green goals. 

The majority of discussions did not simply revolve around regulations, but rather how data and innovation could be used in smarter ways to achieve commercial advantage which was quite exciting to see. 

Frode: During that week, I split my time between Sea Asia and Singapore Maritime Week

Frode Klepsvik, Managing Director Singapore

which ran in parallel with one another, much of which underlined the importance of decarbonization and digitalisation as the dual pillars driving the future of the maritime industry. From an e-Navigation perspective, the role of the upcoming S-100 data standard was a focal point. 

S-100 represents a paradigm shift in how hydrographic data is managed and utilized, enabling faster, automated delivery of safety-critical information, and enhancing situational awareness. However, transitioning from the legacy S-57 standard to S-100 introduces challenges, particularly during the roll-out phase when vessels may still rely on both formats. Effective adoption requires prioritizing the busiest ports, where S-100’s real-time data integration, including under-keel clearance and surface currents, will deliver the most value. 

I see the development and potential of S-100 as a tangible demonstration of how the industry can evolve to not only meet regulatory demands, but also enhance safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. 

– Frode Klepsvik, Managing Director Singapore, NAVTOR

Børge Hetland, COO

Børge: The growing complexity of the shipping industry was an issue that constantly seemed to be front of mind, both from a vessel operational perspective and in terms of wider fleet management.  

The advent of SIRE 2.0 for example, and the Right Ship inspections, creates a great deal of additional pressure on crew, while the changing regulatory framework and almost constantly shifting risk picture – particularly with regards to geopolitics today – makes both managing fleets and optimising strategies hugely challenging.  

A lot of the stakeholders I spoke to were looking for the best way to navigate this new reality. 

Why is this such an important issue for the industry? 

Jennifer: Shipping may be one of the main drivers of global trade, but it also contributes around 3% to global annual emissions. Given the urgent need to decarbonise, it’s imperative that the industry embraces available solutions to make meaningful progress. Even if individual vessels and fleets can make small changes, the global impact can be really quite significant. 

The good news is that there’s a great deal that can be done today, especially digitally. Each ship has the potential to generate massive amounts of data and unlock huge value.  

So, how can that data be used in the smartest ways for the greatest gains – both environmentally, but also commercially? 

Frode: The adoption of S-100 data standards will significantly improve safety and operational decision-making.  This is particularly the case in the world’s busiest ports, which account for the vast majority of global maritime trade. UKHO’s findings indicate that 90% of the twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) throughput is concentrated in just 80 ports globally, with most being draught or tidally constrained. 

The challenge, however, lies in managing the coexistence of old (S-57) and new (S-100) data formats during the transition. Inconsistent data quality could undermine trust in digital navigation systems. Therefore, coordinated, targeted implementation of S-100 products in high-priority ports is essential for smooth adoption. 

Børge: In one word, pressure. The demands on crew, fleet managers and shipping companies in general to ensure compliance, safety, and profitable, predictable operations are growing all the time.  

We have a saying in Norway, roughly translated to ‘the drop that causes the container to overflow’. If you can’t stay absolutely on top of the very latest developments, then each day feels like it has the potential to deliver that ‘drop’. 

So, shipping companies need help. They need systems, based on the latest digital innovations, to automate tasks, optimise awareness (and performance), and empower better decision making. They need a way to ease the pressure so they can concentrate on the factors that are really core to day-to-day success. 

– With the NavFleet platform for example, we have a seamless monitoring solution connecting ships and shore - one that delivers real-time recommendations to optimise operations and enhance environmental performance. - Jennifer Lee.

How can NAVTOR help shipping companies tackle this issue? 

Jennifer: NAVTOR has smart shipping solutions that are capable of digesting data, both from vessels and other business-critical sources, and actually turning it into powerful, actionable insights.  

So, with the NavFleet platform for example, we have a seamless monitoring solution connecting ships and shore - one that delivers real-time recommendations to optimise operations and enhance environmental performance. The result is not just greener shipping, staying ahead of regulatory demands, but also greater business efficiency. A real win-win. 

Frode: NAVTOR intends to be at the very forefront of the implementation of S-100 products and related services to the global maritime fleet. NAVTOR’s commitment to the S-100 standard ensures our customers are well-prepared for the future of e-Navigation. By integrating real-time data from various sources, such as under-keel clearance and tidal data, our solutions enhance safety and operational decision-making, particularly in high-traffic and draught constrained areas. 

The latest version of NavStation (6.4) will offer S-100 compatibility, with users gaining access to data such as S-102 (bathymetric surface data) now, way ahead of widescale introduction. This will help our global customers get to grips with this new navigational reality - understanding benefits, fine-tuning skills, and easing future adoption. 

Børge: NAVTOR has a mission of making life easier for shipping companies, and everything we do is informed by this ambition. We take the time to understand key challenges facing customers, and the industry in general, and innovate to solve them. 

A tangible demonstration of that is the new Security Risk Data module on NavStation 6.4. This integrates the latest reporting from Risk Intelligence – a global leader in the field – delivering clear, customisable and highly relevant risk notifications seamlessly layered over ENCs when planning and undertaking voyages.  

It takes the uncertainty out of the incredibly complex, super-dynamic and vitally important job of assessing risk, delivering peace of mind on both ship and shore.  

It’s just one example of smart shipping made easy.