The shipping industry is becoming increasingly digital and connected. What does this development mean for shipowners, managers and the crew? HANSA and Inmarsat will be discussing these issues on 2 September at the SMM in Hamburg.
The shipping industry is changing faster than ever before, not least due to the pervasive digitalisation. The days when a ship’s crew was cut off from the outside world for months on end are long gone. The modern fleet is connected; never before has so much data been available as it is today. This brings with it numerous new opportunities, such as precise fleet management, predictive maintenance and route optimisation. Digital solutions help to lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions. And, last but not least, the internet enables crews to speak to their families more often – a factor that should not be underestimated when it comes to well-being on board.
However, these technologies have also brought new responsibilities into sharp focus. Due to increasing connectivity and automation, cybersecurity plays a greater role in the industry than ever before. How do shipowners protect themselves against digital threats, and how secure are the communication channels on board?
All of this will be the focus of a joint event organised by HANSA and Inmarsat. Under the title ‘Connected to Perform: Enabling a Digital, Secure and Human-Centric Fleet’, experts from the maritime world will discuss key aspects of maritime connectivity.
Speakers from Hapag-Lloyd, Anglo-Eastern Germany, Fairplay Towage and Inmarsat will share their experiences and best practices, providing fresh impetus for a digital and secure fleet of the future. The event combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and offers an ideal opportunity to find out about new developments in maritime digitalisation – and to make new contacts during the networking session afterwards.
Agenda:
11:00 – Doors open
- Welcome address by Gert-Jan Panken, GM and Vice President, Inmarsat Maritime
11:30 – Keynote
- Patrick Briest, Senior Director of Operations IT Products, Hapag-Lloyd
12:00 – Panel discussion
- Patrick Briest, Senior Director of Operations IT Products, Hapag-Lloyd
- Matthias Becker, Managing Director, Anglo-Eastern Germany
- Konstantin Pohsin, Fleet Captain, Fairplay Towage
- Audra Drablos, Strategy Director, Inmarsat Maritime
13:00 – Interactive Q&A
13:30 – Networking lunch
14:00 – Additional interviews
All the details at a glance:
- When: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
- Time: 11:00 – 15:00 (Reception from 11:00 with business finger food)
- Where: Kosmos Karoline, Karolinenstrasse 4, 20357 Hamburg (right by the SMM main entrance)
- Attendance: Free (registration required, limited number of places)
- Format: Reception & networking lunch, opening keynote, panel discussion
