The world's largest shipmanager is calling on the shipping industry to challenge its own assumptions rather than rely on comfortable consensus, according to Splash247. Bjorn Hojgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern, will take the stage at the inaugural Splash Singapore conference on September 24 at the Fairmont Hotel, where he expects The Big Issues session to focus on three themes: geopolitics, technology, and the energy transition.
Geopolitical Fragmentation and Resilience
Hojgaard pointed to the current mix of geopolitical fragmentation, sanctions, regional conflicts, and shifting trade patterns as forces that force companies to rethink their strategies. "Companies need to become much more resilient than simply efficient," he said. For logistics operators, this implies that traditional cost-focused optimization may no longer suffice in a more volatile world.
AI and Digital Tools: From Question to Deployment
According to Splash247, Hojgaard argued that shipping has moved past the question of whether AI will change the industry. "The question now is how quickly companies can integrate AI and digital technologies into everyday operations to improve safety, decision-making and productivity," he stated. He expects the biggest change to come from the practical deployment of existing technologies, not a single breakthrough. Specific areas include predictive maintenance, vessel performance optimization, and data integration across fleets. Hojgaard emphasized that technology should amplify human judgment, not replace people: "The greatest value comes when technology amplifies human judgement rather than attempting to substitute for it."
| Theme | Hojgaard's Key Points |
|---|---|
| Geopolitical uncertainty | Shift from efficiency to resilience; fragmentation, sanctions, conflicts. |
| Technology | AI integration already underway; focus on deployment, not novelty. |
| Energy transition | Invest in efficiency and optionality despite uncertainty. |
Energy Transition: Honest Ambition
On the third theme, Hojgaard acknowledged ongoing uncertainty about future fuels, regulation, and infrastructure. He cautioned that shipping cannot wait for perfect clarity. "We need to continue investing in efficiency, optionality and practical solutions while remaining honest about what is technically and economically achievable," he said. This blend of pragmatism and ambition is expected to steer the Singapore debate.
Singapore as a Maritime Ecosystem
Hojgaard praised Singapore's evolution "beyond being simply a major port" to become "one of the world's leading maritime ecosystems." The conference location, he argued, is ideal for these conversations.
Implications for Operators
Freight forwarders and logistics managers should monitor the outcomes of Splash Singapore, as the discussions may signal shifts in strategic priorities across the industry. Hojgaard's call to test assumptions encourages operators to evaluate their own exposure to geopolitical risks, readiness for AI adoption, and strategies for the energy transition. The focus on resilience suggests that traditional cost-cutting may give way to investment in flexibility and data integration.
Watch List
The Splash Singapore conference on September 24 will set the tone for industry debate in the coming months. Attendees and observers should watch for practical takeaways on AI deployment and fuel strategy that could influence operational planning and investment decisions.
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