Industry insiders with their thoughts for 2025

Three main topics for 2025
Secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez, International Maritime Organization (IMO)

“We start 2025 focusing on three main topics, as we were last year. The first one, seafarers, the second one, security around the globe, and the third one, decarbonisation.

When it comes to seafarers, we need to enhance the safety and security of the key personnel on board ships. We also need to focus on increasing the support that we provide to them, not just on decarbonisation, but also when it comes to reducing the criminalization of seafarers; then diversity.

“We have made progress, particularly when it comes to gender in the maritime sector, but the reality is that there is more to come. I will continue to be firm on my commitment and my policy of not participating and engaging in panels where there is no female representation.

“This is a big year for IMO, and I remain positive that member states and stakeholders will find common ground and adopt the technical and economic measures that will allow the sector to meet the objectives set up in the 2023 GHG strategy, and decarbonising the sector by or around 2050 this year.

“We are also focusing on the sustainability of the oceans. For IMO, the theme [for World Maritime Day 2025] is: Our ocean, Our obligation, Our opportunity.

“Join me in shaping a successful and memorable year for IMO.”

Prepare for action – though maybe not this year
Workboat Association CEO Kerrie Forster

“2024 has been an interesting year for many members. In general, fleet utilisation has been very high, but we have seen an early end to many seasonal contracts in recent months and from what I understand this period of winter downtime may last further into 2025 than we have seen in previous years. That said, it isn’t all doom and gloom – 2025 looks to be another promising year, with high commercial demand and (I hope) competitive contract pricing to suit.

“At the recent AGM, I said that the top three topics of interest from within the 2024 membership have been 1) Unmanned vessels, 2) Workboat Code 3, 3) Foreign Operations. This was slightly unexpected for me, as I would have guessed decarbonisation to be up there in the mix – but it is my belief that the industry has ‘done its bit’. Many members have either developed equipment, designed, built or operated vessels with emissions reduction technology on board. We have investors ready, senior teams poised to commit and an overall eagerness for the ‘starting gun’ to sound – but there is a lack of like-minded clients (it would seem).

“Last month a consultation went out to expand the Emissions Trading Scheme to Maritime in the UK (The IMO and EU having both already shown their cards on this matter), so I am sure it is only a matter of time before the pressures of regulation start affecting charter negotiations. Be ready for action, but my advice is to also be ready for a long wait, with a very sudden rush at the last moment. I am not certain we will see too much change on this stalemate within the year ahead.

“What is to be expected? Lots of new boats entering the market! In general, second-hand vessel numbers appear to be regular, but not uncontrollable. Build slots are booked up and those yards building vessels on speculation don’t seem to have a lack of interest.

“It has been a pleasure to work with you all again for another year, and I look forward to a prosperous and flourishing industry in 2025. On behalf of all the team at the Workboat Association, we wish a happy new year to all.”

A disappointing 2024 needs to improve
Giles Dickson, CEO, WindEurope

Europe is not building enough wind farms, says a report by WindEurope, which has released some preliminary figures from 2024 that show just 2.3GW was installed offshore in Europe last year.

Onshore wind installations totalled 11.4GW, and in light of the annual target of 30GW, the total of on and offshore wind is less than half of the target.

“Europe is not building enough new wind farms,” says WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson. “For three main reasons – a) most governments are not applying the good EU permitting rules – they’ve got to follow Germany’s example here; b) new grid connections are delayed; and c) Europe is not electrifying its economy quickly enough. The EU must urgently tackle all three problems. More wind means cheaper power which means increased competitiveness.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has ordered an ‘Electrification Action Plan’ for 2025 to address it, which WindEurope says ‘cannot happen fast enough’.

The €31 billion of investments announced in 2024 was down on 2023, significantly so in offshore wind, the figures show.

“It remains very challenging to take final investment decisions for offshore wind farms,” WindEurope says.

 Bringing down barriers through partnership
Adria Jover, president, International Electric Marine Association

“The IEMA is thrilled to announce its new partnership with UKi Media & Events, the owner and organiser of the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo. This global partnership, officially launching at the expo from June 24-26, 2025 at the RAI Exhibition Venue in Amsterdam, aims to drive positive change and innovation in the electrification of the maritime industry.

“The trade association partnership between IEMA and the Expo will create a collaborative environment for professionals across the maritime electrification space. Through IEMA’s established work and connections, at the Expo they will provide the perfect interface between the private sector and their innovative technologies and government offices and municipalities as well as worldwide ports and infrastructure.

“Our collaboration will bring together the key players and continue to break down barriers to maritime electrification. We do this through collaborative learning, innovation, and access to the latest technology.”

Propelling change
Jan Willem Vissers, vice-president Marine Commercial Sales, Volvo Penta

In 2025, we’re propelling transformative change with the full commercialisation of the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform – a revolutionary helm-to-propeller solution built for heavy-duty applications. Its ground-breaking dual power input concept brings unprecedented flexibility, adapting to diverse energy sources and emerging technologies. This is only the beginning. With the market introduction of hybrid-electric solutions this year and new additions to our marine variable speed gensets, we’re pushing boundaries to provide reliable, future-ready propulsion systems. Guided by our “Power of Plenty” philosophy, these advancements are designed to maximise power use and operational performance, unlocking new levels of marine efficiency.

Advancing AI capability
Jonas Røstad, chief commercial officer, Miros

“With a reputation for reliable real-time wave measurements, Miros redefines the approach to ocean insights for the offshore industry. Looking forward to 2025, the company is advancing AI-powered capabilities and defining wave and vessel motion prediction technologies.

“Further we’re launching our cloud-based OSD Monitoring solution, setting the standard for real-time oil spill detection, tamper-free monitoring and cyber security. The key to innovation is never standing still. Guided by this vision, we are ready to embrace new challenges and shape the future of ocean measurement and prediction.”

New premises, diesel outboard launch
Sarah Simpson, CEO, Caudwell Marine

“We’re excited to announce that January 2025 will see Caudwell Marine move into new, larger premises, combining our operational HQ with our production facilities. This bold move clearly demonstrates our commitment to the global outboard marketplace and cements our investment in developing world-leading marine engineering.

“Whether you already know all about our diesel outboard launch plans for 2025 or are at the early stages of your interest in this hotly anticipated product, we value your interest and appreciate your continued support.

Thank you for joining us on our journey so far and we look forward to sharing the excitement of our launch and engaging with you further into 2025.”