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Wärtsilä ties up with start-up accelerator theDOCK

Wärtsilä is the latest big shipping name to tie up with a start-up, announcing an official partnership with theDOCK Innovation Hub, an Israel-based maritime-focused start-up accelerator.

Vincent Wee, Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

September 3, 2018

2 Min Read
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In a move the technology giant hopes will connect it with the hottest local talent and emerging technologies within the marine sector, TheDOCK brings maritime stalwarts and aspiring creative start-ups together to deliver practical innovations for port, shipping and logistics operations.

In recent months, CMA CGM has announced a collaboration with San Francisco-based artificial intelligence start-up Shone, while satellite communications provider Marlink has signed an agreement with Transmetrics on predictive logistics optimization.

Read More: CMA CGM working with start-up to bring AI on board ships

Improving inefficiencies within the marine sector forms the founding principle of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Vision. Digitalisation is being embraced to truly transform the entire shipping industry into a supremely efficient, ecologically sound and digitally connected ecosystem. Combined with Wärtsilä’s recently completed acquisitions of Transas, Eniram and Guidance Marine, this move further signals an ambition to lead the industry into a new era.

“Digitalisation is disrupting the marine industry as it moves towards even greater efficiency and strong environmental performance. New technologies and business models can bring substantial benefits in terms of cost efficiency, improved performance, transparency and safety. Wärtsilä is committed to leading this transformation and we are constantly on the lookout for innovative potential. We look forward to working with theDOCK in seeking startups that can help us to create a successful and profitable future for the industry,” said Mauro Sacchi, Strategy and Business Development director, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

“Corporate venturing and working with accelerators like theDOCK are vital forms of collaboration in seeking new growth paths in industries that are profoundly impacted by digitalisation,” said Steffen Knodt, director Digital Ventures at Wärtsilä. “Agile exploration of new technologies and business models with startups are crucial and we are glad to be working with theDOCK.”

Learn more about smart shipping at Seatrade Maritime Middle East in October 2018

"We are delighted to be working with Wärtsilä to seek relevant innovation for the maritime sector,” says Hannan Carmeli, Founder and CEO of theDOCK. “Wärtsilä has been leading the way in constantly exploring new boundaries. Areas such as the automation of vessel functions, advanced maintenance, cyber security, and others will play an important role in our collaboration."

Wärtsilä is at the forefront of harnessing the changes taking place in the shipping industry to deliver value and optimisation for its customers. By orchestrating these developments through the use of high levels of connectivity and digitalisation, the company intends to lead the industry’s transformation towards a Smart Marine Ecosystem.

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About the Author

Vincent Wee

Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

Vincent Wee is Seatrade's Hong Kong correspondent covering Hong Kong and South China while also making use of his Malay language skills to cover the Malaysia and Indonesia markets. He has gained a keen insight and extensive knowledge of the offshore oil and gas markets gleaned while covering major rig builders and offshore supply vessel providers.

Vincent has been a journalist for over 15 years, spending the bulk of his career with Singapore's biggest business daily the Business Times, and covering shipping and logistics since 2007. Prior to that he spent several years working for Brunei's main English language daily as well as various other trade publications.

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