Meet David Kristensson, CEO of Northern Offshore Group, a leading operator of crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry. As a Master Mariner, he has worked several years on board vessels, before he co-founded Northern Offshore Services (now under Nothern Offshore Group).

Considering Europe’s goal to meet climate neutrality by 2050, which are the main challenges for shipping? What innovative technologies or alternative fuels do you see as solutions to reduce emissions and achieve the climate targets?

Europe’s goal to reach climate neutrality by 2050 brings both challenges and exciting opportunities for the shipping industry. We are faced with the task of reducing CO2 emissions, shifting away from fossil fuels, and modernising our fleets—especially given the long lifespan of vessels.

One of the main challenges is the stricter regulatory landscape in the EU. While these regulations are meant to promote sustainability, they can sometimes slow down growth, especially when other regions might not face the same constraints.  In addition, the rise of protectionism and the balancing act between supporting local industries and encouraging free trade, make clear the hurdles we need to overcome.

These challenges however, create an opportunity for collaboration and innovation. Alternative fuels, like bio-LNG and green methanol, have huge potential to cut emissions, and hybrid or fully electric vessels can make a real difference, particularly in short-haul operations. Europe is in a strong position to lead the way in developing these innovative technologies, while also ensuring we create a global framework that encourages sustainable growth and innovation for the shipping sector as a whole.

The European shipping fleet is one of the largest in the world, enabling the EU to play a leading role in the global supply chains. How do you perceive the strategic role of shipping for European security?

I see European shipping as a cornerstone for both our economy and security. In today’s world, where geopolitical tensions and protectionism are on the rise, the EU’s shipping fleet is essential for keeping supply chains strong and reliable. Vital trade routes like the Suez Canal are critical, and any disruptions can have far-reaching effects across the globe.

The EU needs to make sure its fleets stay secure and flexible. By working together to support global regulations, we can help foster cooperation and stability. A united approach, with collaboration between EU countries and international partners, is key to ensuring the flow of goods and services continues smoothly, even as protectionism grows. This not only supports Europe’s economic interests but also strengthens its global security role, ensuring maritime trade remains efficient and accessible, no matter the challenges.

Increasing diversity is vital for the growth and future of our sector. In Sweden, we have made great progress over the past couple of years, but there is still a lot more to be done. Attracting young talent, as well as women and other underrepresented groups, is important for the industry to thrive. By working together across the sector and creating joint initiatives, we can bridge the diversity gap and open doors for everyone.

It is also crucial to focus on social sustainability in our ESG strategies. Doing so will not only boost innovation but also create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. Retaining talent is key to building a stronger, more resilient industry. The new ESG regulations could help speed up this change, leading to a more inclusive and sustainable maritime sector. It’ll be interesting to see how these new regulations take shape and what impact they have!