Episode 98: Charting the Future of Liner Shipping with Roberto Giannetta
Guest: Roberto Giannetta, Chairman, Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association
Episode Overview:
In this episode, we sit down with Roberto Giannetta, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in the liner shipping industry and the chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association. Roberto shares insights into the pivotal role liner shipping plays in global trade, the challenges of decarbonization, and the opportunities brought by digitalization. He discusses how standardization and collaboration across the industry are key to addressing these challenges, alongside the progress being made in adopting green fuels and modern technologies.
This episode was brought to you in association with the Captains Table Challenge!
Key Points:
- Decarbonization in Liner Shipping:
- How the structured nature of liner shipping offers advantages in planning and adapting to decarbonization efforts.
- The challenges of green fuel adoption, including costs and global supply limitations.
- Roberto’s perspective on the future of propulsion systems, including modular nuclear reactors.
- The Role of Digitalization:
- The importance of standardizing systems and terminology across the industry to drive efficiency.
- Progress in digital bills of lading and other technologies aimed at reducing reliance on paper-based systems.
- Global Collaboration and Leadership:
- How organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are shaping the future of shipping regulations.
- The challenges of aligning stakeholders across jurisdictions to create unified standards.
- Asia’s Unique Role in Maritime Innovation:
- Insights into how automation is improving efficiency in Asia’s terminals and its impact on job security.
- The role of China as a leader in green fuel production and its influence on global shipping.
- Roberto’s Career Journey:
- From IT to shipping, Roberto reflects on his fascinating path to becoming a key voice in the maritime industry.
Learn More:
For more on digital bills of lading, check out Episode 81 with Piotr Cichocki of Secro, where we explored the journey toward standardization and the impact of digitalization on global trade.
Tune in Now:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.
Music by: Peg and The Rejected ‘King of SKA’
Artwork By: GA Design
Produced by: Chris Aversano
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Special Mention:
Christopher Aversano’s podcast is proud to be a media sponsor of London International Shipping Week https://lisw.com/coming in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration