Ferry Business - Summer/Spring 2020

1 1 6 FRS uses IT solutions from FlexIT to make its operations more efficient Sustainable technology Simon Johnson asks four executives how new technologies will help ferry operators to reduce their environmental impact ROUNDTABLE S ustainability now is a key priority for every ferry operator. That became patently clear during the roundtable I hosted with four industry executives at the farewell dinner of the 2019 Interferry Conference, which was held In the Painted Hall at London’s Old Royal Naval College, a building of historic naval significance where Lord Nelson lay in state in 1806. As we reflected on the conference theme of innovation, we exchanged our views on the industry’s significant investment in R&D and innovation. Here, we discuss the varying degrees of success and how we believe technology will play a significant role in improving sustainability. I wonder what Lord Nelson would have thought? How does your business decide whether to implement new technology straightaway and hope the return outweighs the risk, or whether to wait for it to be proven and potentially miss out on the benefits? Nicholas Belle, managing director of FlexIT : Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of our business strategy, processes and culture. If NICHOL AS BELLE Managing director of FlexIT, which manages IT for FRS CHRI STOPHE MATHIEU CEO of Brittany Ferries WILCO VAN DER LINDEN Business development director at Wärtsilä PER WESTLING Managing director of Stena RoRo The panel: The host: S IMON JOHNSON Director of Shipshape Consulting