Page 48: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 2021)

TECH FILES DIGITALIZATION

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Sean Fernback Thomas Pedersen reducing operational costs in terms of crew reduction. ments within that group in terms of managing the portfolio:

So it’s de? nitely a step process, and I had some experience automation, navigation and autonomy. So all the autonomy in the automotive industry and I think it’s a good example investments and the programs that we have in place, as well to follow. They created ? ve levels of autonomy, and I think as the programs we will develop in the future will sit within we’re at three now, level three is all proven. These things are Thomas’ group.

complex and costly to develop, they take time, and they need to be delivered with very high standard of quality and safety, Can you put perspective the amount invested in R&D, with of course, which is number one. So it is a step journey. insights on what to expect from Wärtsilä Voyage in the coming 12 to 24 months?

Looking at the issue, bigger picture again, can you put in Fernback: I think the one word I would use Greg is “sub- stantial.” Voyage is the path? nder for Wärtsilä in terms of perspective the importance of this whole smart autonomy taking it through this digitalization process. We’re very well to Wärtsilä as a company?

Fernback: It’s very important and it’s de? nitely the way supported by the board of management and the board of direc- the industry will move. The question is how quickly and how tors. We’re not a mature business, and our numbers re? ect it much of a part can we play in the speed of that paradigm shift? because we are a composite of many acquisitions that have

I think the smart move program as Thomas described was typ- been made over the last six years that are now really coming ically what we call proof of concept. It’s something we did together. So they’ve invested north of half a billion (dollars) very speci? cally for one customer to prove out the learnings on acquisitions because they see this as the future. (Our job is) of the technology and the operations, and also hear what the to put all of that to good use, creating a portfolio of products customer has to say. and services and solutions of the future. Then we start to drive

The autonomy program is really important. Thomas heads not only the industry, but also ourselves, to drive some pro? t- our ‘On Vessel Product Group’ and he has three big depart- ability into the business.

48 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • April 2021

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