This week on UnDocked, Nick and Raal examine escalating risks to shipping in the Gulf, the market forces driving record tanker rates, and the tension between profit and seafarer safety. They also pay tribute to industry leader David Dearsley, the first Secretary General of the International Maritime Employers’ Council and his legacy of transforming seafarer rights, welfare and as a key architect of the Maritime Labour Convention. The launch of the Korean Registry’s new software hub sparks a discussion class societies entering the software race. The duo discuss a new maritime venture investment fund with a timely purpose and wind up asking whether anti-acid tablets for the ocean is a geo-engineering step too far.Chapters00:00 – Opening and the week in maritimeConflict around the Gulf intensifies, with merchant ships hit and security risks rising.02:00 – Crew mobility disruptionFlight disruptions and soaring travel costs complicate crew changes across Middle East hubs.04:00 – Seafarers’ perspective in the newsConnectivity at sea is allowing seafarers to share frontline experiences during crises.07:00 – Tanker markets surgeVLCC rates spike dramatically as geopolitical risk and supply constraints collide.12:00 – The economics of tanker deploymentWhy shipping supply is relatively fixed and how positioning vessels affects the market.15:00 – Tribute: David DearsleyRemembering the architect of key global seafarer welfare frameworks and the Maritime Labour Convention.30:00 – Class societies enter the software raceThe Korean Registry launches a new software hub, signalling deeper digital competition.43:00 – Maritime venture capitalMare Liberum’s new fund backs technologies supporting free trade and maritime security.53:00 – Climate experiments at seaGeoengineering ideas, ballast water lessons, and the unintended consequences of regulation.57:30 – Wrap-upThis episode is supported by Fortec.In marine environments, power variability and efficiency are critical. Fortec’s N-Line panel-mount glass monitors are engineered for stability across diverse vessel setups, with 12V DC operation, galvanic isolation, and IEC 60945-compliant EMC filtering.DNV-approved and built for real-world reliability, Fortec helps shipowners deploy robust display systems for both new builds and retrofits.Explore the full range at fortec.uk

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