This year the Voyager team had the privilege of sponsoring Geneva Dry, the leading event for the dry bulk maritime industry.
We really enjoyed the panel sessions, and the interactions we had in the Voyager Coffee Break with our customers and peers, a great opportunity to learn more about the issues impacting our industry. Here are some the key insights we gained from these two days of high quality discussions:
Insight #1 - Digitalization and Data Privacy
The maritime industry is on the cusp of a digital revolution, and this was evident from the numerous sessions dedicated to the topic. For charterers, the main use case revolves around how digital tools and data analytics can simplify logistical operations, enhance decision-making, and drive efficiency across the board.
One of the standout themes was the balance between data privacy and democratization. As more data becomes available, the challenge lies in managing it responsibly while ensuring it is accessible to those who can leverage it for operational improvements. This is particularly pertinent as the industry is still in the early stages of learning how to capture and utilize data effectively.
Insight #2 - "Shipping is About Pricing Risk"
The fragility of high-volume supply chains means being able to correctly price risk is extremely important. And climate risks, including decarbonisation and weather disruptions, significantly impact this relationship.
“There’s a lot more time at port. So getting it wrong and pricing it wrong is a very, very costly exercise,” said Jason Martinet, head of dry freight at Montfort Trading in one of the panels. However, those who get it right will get a competitive edge and better margins against competitors who are not forecasting effectively.
Insight #3 - The Overlooked Power of SOF Data
We had numerous discussions on the often-overlooked but critical topic of Demurrage, and many were surprised to learn about the potential for automation and cost optimization in this area.
Applying automation to the demurrage processes can not only save substantial time but also capture valuable data around the effectiveness of contract causes, port turnaround and stakeholder performance, which can be a game-changer for charterers that are looking to reduce shipping costs.
One key example is using SoF data to compare historical seasonality by ports, and evaluate third-party operational benchmarks when planning voyages. Charterers and freight traders often need to weigh in down between many options when assigning vessels to tradelanes, and having a clear picture of what to expect from a given location or stakeholder can be extremely valuable when making a decision.
Our Takeaway? Mission Reinforced
It was interesting to notice how Geneva Dry reinforced Voyager’s mission of helping charterers predict and optimize shipping costs, as these themes were heavily discussed throughout the event and present a significant challenge to companies operating today.
Want to see Voyager at Geneva Dry 2025? Let us know in the comments and keep an eye on their official website for more insights and updates from next year’s edition.