Wärtsilä - DSM2025 Gold Sponsor

Interview with Lars Wallerstedt, GM Marine Sales Sweden, MD Wärtsilä Sweden AB

What makes DSM different from other exhibitions in your opinion?
Every time I step onto Donsö for DSM, I’m reminded why this event is so special. It’s not just another exhibition—it’s a place where the maritime community truly comes together. The scale is modest, but the impact is huge. You meet decision-makers, colleagues, and customers in a setting that encourages real conversations—not just business pitches.

For me, DSM is about connection. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, even when the skies are grey and the rain is falling. There’s something about the island, the people, and the shared purpose that makes every interaction feel meaningful.

I always leave DSM feeling energized and inspired. It’s a few days packed with insights, laughter, and the kind of collaboration that moves our industry forward.

What are your expectations for DSM2025
DSM has always been a special event for me—not just because of its location on Donsö, but because of the atmosphere it creates. For DSM2025, I’m looking forward to a few key things.

I expect to see a strong turnout from the Swedish maritime cluster and beyond. With over 100 shipping companies and 300 exhibitors participating, and around 700 decision-makers on site daily, it’s a rare opportunity to engage with such a concentrated group of industry leaders.

I’m excited about the chance to speak on stage and contribute to the editorial content. Wärtsilä’s theme this year—“Securing the Future”—is more than a slogan. It reflects our commitment to helping customers navigate the energy transition with flexible, future-proof solutions.

Finally, I hope DSM2025 continues to deliver what it always has: a warm, welcoming environment where business and relationships grow side by side—even if the weather turns rainy.

What is your best memory from DSM2023?
One of my favorite memories from DSM2023 wasn’t part of the official agenda—it happened during the banquet dinner. That evening hadn’t been meticulously planned, and we didn’t have a VIP table reserved. But sometimes, the best moments come from the unexpected.

We ended up seated with a wonderfully diverse group: customers, representatives from classification societies, and customers’ customers. What started as casual conversation quickly turned into a deep and engaging dialogue about the future of shipping. We discussed decarbonisation, regulatory challenges, and the practical realities of transitioning to cleaner technologies.

What do you find are the opportunities and challenges in the Shipping Industry today?

Some opportunities:
The push toward net-zero emissions have accelerated innovation in sustainable fuels. Biofuels, LNG, and ammonia are emerging as viable alternatives, with bioethanol already seeing large-scale production.
Voyage optimization technologies are helping operators cut costs, improve compliance, and enhance safety. These tools address rising fuel prices and emissions allowances while supporting smarter decision-making. Here our Voyage Products come in to support.

Challenges:
Many ships struggle meet the latest environmental standards, which means they might have to slow down or spend a lot of money to upgrade.

Wars and political tensions are making key shipping routes like the Suez Canal less reliable. On top of that, Trump’s new tariffs—including 25–50% duties on goods are shaking up global trade. These actions are forcing companies to rethink supply chains and prepare for sudden changes in costs and routes

Fuel is getting more and more expensive, and companies must keep investing in green technology and smart tools to stay competitive—this puts pressure on profits.

How would you describe DSM in one sentence?
“Building relationships”

And finally, do you prefer a sail or a motorboat for recreation, and why so?
Oh, that’s an easy question to answer, I am a sailboat person. I have been sailing in my whole life and tried a motorboat, but I am too restless and need to be active so when sailing I use the old SJ slogan: “ It’s the journey that’s the goal” I love to just head straight out from our harbor go offshore and just head North sailing outside the coast for a day. Then just find a wind shelter and drop the anchor for the night.