Digital ROI: Unlocking Competitive Efficiencies

Chaired by Nick Chubb, founder of Thetius, this panel brings together three perspectives on digital return on investment: the shipowner and manager; the insurer; and the connectivity provider.

Sarah McCann, senior solicitor, external affairs at NorthStandard, will examine how digital tools are reshaping underwriting confidence. She will consider how measurable operational and safety outcomes affect risk pricing.

Jeremy Steventon-Barnes, chief technology and Information officer at V.Group, will address the realities of deploying digital capability at scale across one of shipping’s largest ship management organisations.

Gert-Jan Panken, VP and GM, Maritime Energy at Viasat, will explore connectivity’s evolution from a cost line into an investment case. He will also explain why geopolitics, sovereignty and cybersecurity now sit at the centre of the fleet IT conversation.

Expect benchmarking insight into what operators spend per vessel, a five-year outlook for risk-based decision-making and practical guidance on future-proofing a fleet’s digital estate.

Shipping UK takes place on 6 October 2026 at the QEII Centre, Westminster, hosted by the UK Chamber of Shipping in partnership with Riviera Maritime Media. This must-attend event will bring together global industry leaders, key stakeholders, UK and international policymakers and sector experts in the heart of Westminster for a day of insight and debate on the industry’s future. Tickets are available via the following link.