Bureau Veritas - DSM2025 Gold Sponsor

Interview with Gijsbert de Jong, Marine Chief Executive Nordics, Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas supports DSM2025 as Gold Sponsor. What contributed to make this decision?
We have a long history of sponsoring DSM, which has been an outstanding event for many years setting a benchmark for engaging the maritime industry. Our relationship with DSM has been developed simultaneously with our growing Donsö related client base.

What makes DSM different from other exhibitions in your opinion?
The local shipping community really drives DSM, bringing in a lot of expertise and energy, while making itself available and approachable for all. The approach is thus very different from a “commercial exhibition”, which results in much higher engagement and quality.

What are your expectations for DSM2025
Catch up and exchange views on the developments in shipping (we live in turbulent times) with friends and partners, and make some new friends along the way.

What is your best memory from DSM2023?
The good and pleasant discussions we had on and off the exhibition, with some good business news coming out.

What do you find are the opportunities and challenges in the Shipping Industry today?
The list of challenges is long, especially in the current geopolitical context. If we take a step back from the upheaval and fluctuations, the fundamental challenge remains the maritime decarbonization (or energy transition) while finding ways to boost safety, (energy) efficiency and productivity by embracing the accelerating digital transformation. These challenges provide for ample opportunity to innovate and invest in both new vessels and upgrading the existing fleet. The Donsö shipping community is leading the way here with extensive newbuilding programs focusing on highly innovative and energy efficient vessels, embracing alternative clean and low-carbon fuels, electrification and advanced automation and system integration. As there are various options to choose from in terms of fuels, energy saving technology and automation technology, there are different pathways towards a net-zero future. This is again both a challenge and an opportunity. In an ever-evolving regulatory framework, we are there to accompany and support the maritime industry on the decarbonization journey with our independent technical and regulatory expertise.

How would you describe DSM in one sentence?
A standout shipping event by the Donsö shipping community for all: right people, good content, engaging, inclusive, fantastic setting.

And finally, do you prefer a sail or a motorboat for recreation, and why so?
A sailboat. This is partly because of my own Frisian-Dutch family heritage, but also because wind (assisted) propulsion is part of the solution of the maritime energy transition and thus both actual and innovative.