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Today's normal is defined by fragmented decarbonisation regulations, political tensions with few signs of resolution, competition for talent and an ever increasing need to protect both our people and customers’ vessels amid it all.

When IMO delegates gathered in London to finalise their previously approved Net Zero Framework (NZF), “business as usual” was nowhere to be seen. Read BSM CEO Sebastian von Hardenberg’s take on the outcomes of last month’s extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

Satellite navigation has become an integral part of everyday life, supporting everything from mobile mapping to secure banking. While these systems are generally dependable, incidents of signal interference and manipulation are on the rise. If a misplaced navigation dot is an annoyance on land, the same failure at sea can quickly become a frontline operational challenge, testing not only the resilience of a ship’s systems, but also the capabilities of its crew.

Global shipping’s decarbonisation is advancing, with several fuels vying for prominence. A mix of low‑carbon and climate‑neutral options—such as methanol, e‑fuels, hydrogen, and ammonia—is likely. As a fuel‑agnostic company, BSM is preparing for all technologies and shares insights here on ammonia as fuel.

BSM is expanding its fleet portfolio and has for the first time taken on the technical management of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). The vessel is managed by Pronav, BSM’s highly specialised Ship Management Centre which exclusively operates large-scale LNG carriers from its Hamburg-based office.

From complexity to clarity, smartPAL’s journey as a ship-management software represents ongoing evolution. Today, the PAL system is a comprehensive one-stop solution built to reflect the real-world demands of fleet ownership and management rather than simplify them away. It stands out because it has been shaped by the practical insights of both ship managers and owners.

As the maritime industry navigates its course toward lower emissions, a range of alternative fuels is reshaping how ships are powered. But the shift to new fuels is more than a technical change — it is a human one. Ensuring that seafarers are properly trained to handle, operate, and manage alternatively powered vessels is key to securing a smooth transition to the fuels of the future. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement prepares its crew to power tomorrow’s ships through comprehensive training programmes.

Since the steam engine era, society has progressed through the technological and digital revolutions. Today, Industry 4.0 offers near-limitless access to knowledge and a vast network of connected devices. Products or services seem only one click away. But as long as sci-fi ‘beaming’ technology remains fiction, maritime transport will continue to carry most goods, keeping seafarers at the heart of global trade. But is seafaring still attractive?

Sebastian von Hardenberg, the newly appointed CEO of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), reflects on today’s challenges and reaffirms the company’s steadfast commitment to safe, high-quality and efficient ship management.

Global greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations in shipping share a common goal — decarbonisation. But the path is far from simple. Multiple databases, reporting standards and evolving requirements are placing increasing pressure on ship owners. This article addresses the latest regulatory developments, including MEPC 83, the top three challenges for owners and how BSM is supporting clients every step of the way.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our sector’s ambitious target is by 2030 to reduce shipping’s carbon emissions by 40% from 2008 levels. Urgent action must be taken to meet these new goals. Ammonia is the only “carbon-free” marine fuel on the horizon, but there is considerable scepticism across the marine sector about the actual feasibility to use this product as fuel. BSM has considerable experience in handling bulk ammonia cargo, so we took the initiative to arrange a focussed one-day seminar to address and discuss these concerns.

Over the past years, the maritime industry has seen a dramatic shift as software solutions and digital tools revolutionise how shipping operates. What was once a traditional, manual-driven sector is now leveraging cutting-edge technologies, optimising routes, improving fleet management, and ensuring real-time tracking like never before. One of the companies that has been involved in this turn of times is MariApps Marine Solutions.

There is a lot of talk about declining interest in careers at sea and a projected shortfall of trained seafarers. The shipping industry must work to become more inclusive to have access to a wider and more diverse workforce. It is therefore important to expand both the nationalities and the proportion of women onboard.

Get some insights into the construction progress of Schulte Group's first LCO2 tanker. This pioneering vessel, designed for the Northern Lights CCS project, marks a significant step in carbon capture and storage, offering new opportunities for the shipping industry.

India is a key player in the global seafarer market, meeting the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals. To support this development, BSM is investing in high-quality certified training opportunities. At the beginning of the year, the new BSM Training Foundation, located in Kochi, has been launched. It is a Directorate General (DG) approved STCW training centre complying with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

Enhanced data-sharing driving regulatory compliance and maritime decarbonisation.

Shipping is navigating rough seas amid a new reality: wars, protectionism and threats to freedom of navigation. Jeroen Deelen, BSM’s Chief Operating Officer, shares his thoughts on the challenges of the new normal.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a safe and efficient way to handle emissions and meet climate targets. And it offers beneficial opportunities for the shipping industry in gaining new business and reducing its own carbon footprint, Johan Lillieskold, Gas Solutions Specialist at Schulte Group, is convinced.

On 1 January 2024, shipping officially joined the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS). With it emerged a comprehensive set of responsibilities, accompanied by significant financial implications for shipping companies who, for the first time, are included in a market-based measure such as EU ETS. The increased level of interaction between the European Commission and the shipping industry means a novelty for both parties - and an ongoing learning process.

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) introduces a new educational programme for future seafarers. BSM Smart Academy is a collaboration with selected maritime universities worldwide with the goal of closing the gap between academic knowledge and practical training.

The superyacht industry has been developing significantly over the recent years, especially since 2020. Today, the total fleet worldwide is at 12,500 yachts over 24m seeing explorer yachts and multihulls growing in popularity and the attractiveness of very large yachts unbroken, despite other predictions. BSM Yachting has entered this market with an innovative approach.

Driven by the ever-evolving landscape of the shipping industry, BSM continuously updates the training programmes offered by its Maritime Training Centres (MTC), ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards. One example for this dynamic is the MTC’s response to the challenges of the global pandemic resulting in the development of not only highly specialised but also flexible and DNV-approved SIRE 2.0-related courses.

Founded in 2017 as a joint venture, GP General Procurement Company Limited (GenPro) is an independent procurement company. GenPro's objective is to negotiate framework supply agreements with international ship suppliers, ensuring BSM’s customers benefit from optimal prices for maritime products and services worldwide. In addition, the company actively advocates for the establishment of more sustainable supply chains.

The role of food onboard commercial vessels has always been an essential aspect of seafarers' lives. Throughout the years, there have been significant changes in the requirements and standards related to food onboard commercial vessels, particularly in terms of hygiene, food quality and the importance placed on these aspects for seafarers. For 30 years, Seachef Hospitality Services has been providing catering and hospitality services in the maritime world. Time to look back.

In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the shipping sector focuses primarily on minimising fuel consumption and adopting clean fuels. However, the global warming potential of some of the refrigerants used on board is often neglected, Martin Mac Mahon, BSM’s Environmental Compliance Manager, points out.

Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, shares his thoughts on the challenges posed by the new decarbonisation regulations. In his view, the key lies in finding solutions to the inherent complexity.

The countdown for FuelEU Maritime is on. It will come into force from 2025. BSM has already reached important milestones to serve its customers with effective and reliable compliance and emission management services.

BSM invests a lot to sensitise and train its employees on FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, CII and other relevant regulations. Because only those who understand these complex requirements will be able to implement them correctly and contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping.

What could bring more women on board? More women! BSM successfully participated in the Diversity@Sea pilot project, where four female seafarers from different nations were part of the crew on container vessel “Charlotte Schulte”. A further step towards more gender and cultural diversity.

Bjoern Sprotte is BSM’s new Chief People and Sustainability Officer. He oversees all HR activities for both shore-based and marine operations. In this newly created role, he also leads the sustainability strategy including environmental, social and governance matters for BSM and the broader Schulte Group. In this interview, he shares his insights on the ongoing transformation of the maritime industry, the crucial role of talent in driving decarbonisation efforts and how BSM attracts and nurtures this talent.

LNG is reemerging as a preferred, cost-effective alternative fuel to support the shipping industry's decarbonisation efforts. Its adoption is further supported by expanding infrastructure, including the growing number of LNG bunkering vessels worldwide - a sector where each new insight contributes to shaping the industry's future and where BSM has been actively engaged for nearly a decade.

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry served approximately 31.7 million travellers in 2023. To handle such a large number of guests effectively, it is essential to further enhance efficiencies, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and profitability. Developed in collaboration between MariApps Marine Solutions, Rescompany Systems and OnboarD Software, cruisePAL is a suite of software designed to meet the evolving needs of both operators and passengers.

There are an estimated 1.9 million seafarers across the world, most of whom are Filipino nationals, followed by passport holders of the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China and India. However, with the seafarer labour shortages at an all-time high, shipping companies are opening up to new markets and cultures, especially the African continent. Meet three of the 600 seafarers from the African region already employed by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement today.

The goal is clear: shipping aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. An ambitious endeavour, considering that we are talking about an estimated 60,000 ships worldwide. The use of alternative fuels and new propulsion concepts will be of major importance. Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, takes a look at the multi-fuel future.

In the past months, the upcoming inclusion of the maritime sector in the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has caused a lot of debate and open questions regarding who will pay for EU ETS certificates. Now there seems to be more clarity according to Sebastian von Hardenberg, BSM’s Chief Financial Officer.

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) has been in force since January 2023. The rating system had been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to gradually reduce CO2 emissions from commercial ships. While the CII is due for review in 2025, we believe that shipowners should aim for top ratings right away, as the CII may not only influence the vessel sale and purchase market, but also develop into a key criterion for cargo owners when they select a vessel as a means of transport.

For almost a year and a half, the BSM managed container vessel “Joseph Schulte” had been detained in the port of Odesa. The ship was finally able to leave Odesa as the first ship through the new humanitarian corridor established by the Ukrainian government.

The maritime sector faces growing labour shortages, in particular at sea. BSM’s strategy to attract and retain qualified seafarers is diversification combined with a strong focus on adapting career options, as well as growing in-house training programmes. One of BSM’s key initiatives is the Cadet Programme, aimed at developing deck, engine and electrical officers. Shipowners play a fundamental role in the long-term success of this programme, as BSM board member and Director of HR Marine, Eva Rodriguez, explains in this interview.

The decarbonisation of shipping entails a lot of technological and economic challenges. The question of safety in the operation of the new climate-friendly technology solutions is rarely discussed in this context but must not be neglected under any circumstances. An opinion piece by David Furnival, BSM Chairman and experienced maritime safety expert.

The supply of qualified seafarers is growing increasingly tight, with several factors contributing to the growing shortage, such as the effects of Covid-19 and geopolitical tensions. The shortfall has important implications for recruitment and retention as well as manning costs for shipping companies. Developing new source markets to address the shortage of qualified seafarers is key.

How to achieve the big “0” in decarbonising shipping is currently the main focus topic. Unfortunately, the small solutions are sometimes lost from focus. But they are often quite simple to implement and can quickly lead to a positive impact. The IMPA SAVE Pledge is one such initiative that aims to reduce and, if possible, stop the supply of plastic bottled water to our ships, and for which BSM wants to attract more owners as supporters.

The next-level bridge: how artificial intelligence can support nautical officers in the future by temporarily taking over their watch.

The new IMO and EU emissions requirements will be the headline regulatory issues for 2023. Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, addresses the challenges and measures that lie ahead for shipping.

Following a lengthy legislative process, the inclusion of the maritime sector into the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is now done and dusted. The time has come for charterers, shipowners and ship managers to come to grips with the regulation in practical terms. Sebastian von Hardenberg, BSM’s Chief Financial Officer, provides an overview.

As part of its smart maintenance strategy, BSM is moving forward with remote support capabilities for its managed fleet – an important digital development to make shipping safer and more efficient.

The continuing shortage of qualified seafarers is putting the maritime industry under pressure. Companies need to venture into new areas to face this challenge, a challenge which has worsened as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is addressing the issue positively by now developing a Maritime Training Centre on the African continent, further cementing its position in the region.

The successful delivery of the LNG dual-fuel ro-pax “Peter Pan” to German client TT-Line took place at the end of 2022 by the CSC Jinling Shipyard in China. This was the second of two sister ships for which Schulte Marine Concept (S.M.C.) had provided the technical consultancy, plan approval and construction supervision. The delivery successfully concluded S.M.C.’s first LNG-fuelled passenger vessel newbuilding project, underlining S.M.C.’s comprehensive capabilities, capacity and specialised know-how in the demanding segment of passenger vessels and LNG fuelled vessels.

Seafaring is commonly considered to be a stressful occupation, both physically and mentally, due to its unique working and social environment. In recent years, seafarers worldwide have been faced with further uncertainties due to the Covid-19 outbreak and rising geopolitical tensions. Yet the mental health of seafarers is a topic which has often not been sufficiently addressed in the past. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is exploring new ways to improve the wellbeing of its crew.

On 4 February 2023, BSM-managed Service Operation Vessel (SOV) “Windea Leibniz” left Ulstein Shipyard in Norway after completing an extensive upgrade. With an increase of cabins from 60 to over 80, the vessel has transitioned from an SOV to a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV). Additionally, the ship received one extra pedestal on the stern for Baltic Sea operations to complement the existing pedestal for North Sea use.

Schulte Group, in partnership with naval architect company Technolog, has brought to market a new next-generation design for an LNG bunker vessel.

The war in Ukraine is the dominant topic. A statement from Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, about the extensive implications for the shipping industry.

BSM celebrates 50 years of innovation this year since it was founded as the world’s first third-party ship manager on Cyprus in 1972. And the extraordinary success story goes on.

With new IMO regulations on Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) taking effect in 2023, BSM’s Fleet Performance Centre is supporting ship owners’ efforts in reducing their vessels’ carbon impact.

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement and Norwegian pioneer Amon Maritime team up to drive the future of green shipping.

Schulte Group’s newbuilding arm, Schulte Marine Concept (S.M.C.), wins new contract to conduct plan approval and construction supervision for first service operation vessels (SOVs) designed for the Chinese market.

BSM has four Maritime Training Centres (MTC) worldwide; the move of its training facility in India from Mumbai to a new state-of-the-art location in Kochi is a sign of BSM’s commitment to continuous investment to ensure the highest standard of training for our seafarers.

Smart and proactive vessel maintenance reduces the risk of issues with onboard systems causing downtime. BSM introduces Condition Monitoring and successfully completes the pilot phase.

BSM plans to initialise an electronic logbook for all of its more than 450 fully managed vessels. Like the implementation of eRBooks, a digital environmental record book, this marks another huge digitalisation effort for the fleet.

BSM teamed up with clean-tech company Signol to study for the first time how individual behavioural change can lead to a reduction in ships’ energy demand and carbon emissions.

Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group, is convinced that the struggle for well-trained seafarers will be one of the greatest challenges facing the maritime industry in the coming years.

The pressure within the shipping industry is growing. Well-trained seafarers are in short supply. BSM is taking new innovative approaches to counteract the shortage of skilled manpower.

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is working to implement digital Environmental Record Books on all of its over 400 fully managed vessels by mid-2022. It’s a huge digitalisation project that will make the fleet even more efficient and transparent.

BSM further builds on its LNG ship management capabilities to capitalise on the continued upward momentum in the natural gas market.

Amy Liu
Senior Technical Officer, BSM China

How BSM engaged with its employees during the COVID-19 outbreak