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Maritime Leadership at a Crossroads

Updated:
Oct 14, 2025
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Published:
Oct 14, 2025
Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, quoted on maritime leadership and decarbonisation.

Podcast: Lloyd’s List – Maritime leadership’s direction and influence come under review

Guest: Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, Synergy Marine Group

Host: Paul Gunton, Lloyd’s List

Date: October 2025

Overview

As the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) convenes its second extraordinary session, Lloyd’s List speaks with Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, about the direction of maritime leadership at a moment of accelerating change.

In this episode, Jesper reflects on how leadership priorities are evolving amid regulatory uncertainty, digital transformation, and the energy transition. Drawing on extensive experience in both ship operations and management, he considers how today’s leaders can shape—not merely respond to—the pace of transformation.

Key Themes

  • Redefining value in ship management: shifting the focus from management fees to total operating cost, enabling greater efficiency, resilience, and lifecycle value.
  • Technology as a leadership tool: applying AI and data analytics to strengthen decision-making and operational foresight across ship and shore.
  • Purpose-driven leadership: why adaptability, clarity of vision, and the courage to challenge convention are becoming essential qualities for maritime leaders.

Context

The conversation takes place as the IMO’s MEPC deliberates on a unified net-zero pathway for global shipping. Against this backdrop, Jesper discusses how maritime leadership can define direction with intent, inclusivity, and long-term vision.

Listen

Listen to the full episode on Lloyd’s List:

Synergy Logo

Getting to Zero

Synergy Marine Group is a member of The Getting to Zero Coalition, dedicated to launching zero-emission deep-sea vessels by 2030 and achieving full decarbonisation by 2050. The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, founded and manages the Coalition.

MACN

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global initiative striving for a corruption-free maritime industry, promoting fair trade for the greater societal good.

INTERCARGO

Synergy Marine Group is a part of INTERCARGO, an association championing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly shipping. INTERCARGO collaborates with the International Maritime Organization and other global entities to shape maritime legislation.

IMEC

Synergy Marine Group is part of IMEC, a top maritime employers’ group championing fair and sustainable labor practices. Representing global employers, IMEC negotiates seafarers’ wages and conditions, and invests in workforce development.

IMPA

Synergy Marine Group is involved in IMPA Save’s initiative to reduce single-use water bottles at sea. The IMPA SAVE council comprises top global shipowners and suppliers, representing over 8000 vessels with significant combined purchasing influence.

All Aboard

Synergy Marine Group is a key participant in The All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea initiative. As one of eleven prominent maritime companies, we aim to foster inclusivity at sea and directly address challenges faced by women seafarers.

CSSF

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF), a global B2B network dedicated to enhancing safety and management standards in the container shipping sector.

Danish Shipping

Synergy Marine Group is affiliated with Danske Rederier, the primary industry and employers’ association for Danish shipping—Denmark’s top export sector. Danske Rederier actively engages with authorities and policymakers both domestically and globally.