Interview -- DNV: Maritime in APAC Undergoes ‘Transformative Change’ towards Growth, Sustainability

(Manifold Times) Newly appointed Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, Antony DSouza shares the firm’s role in shaping the future of maritime of APAC. -- ... MT: The maritime industry is going through a lot of change lately. What’s the most exciting trend or development you are seeing within Asia?

The maritime industry across Asia is indeed undergoing transformative change, driven by decarbonization, digitalization, and evolving trade dynamics.

One of the most exciting trends I see emerging in the region is the accelerating momentum towards green shipping and clean energy transition. Governments, ports, and shipowners across Asia are increasingly committing to net-zero targets, investing in alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and LNG, and exploring electrification and hybrid solutions for short-sea shipping. This is not just a response to global regulatory pressure but a reflection of the region’s proactive stance in shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport.

Recent outcomes from MEPC 83 have further reinforced this direction. The adoption of new measures, including a greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel-intensity standard coupled with a global pricing and reward mechanism, marks a critical step toward regulatory clarity and accelerating innovation and adoption of low-carbon technologies across Asia.

At the same time, digital transformation is gaining pace. From smart port infrastructure to the adoption of advanced analytics, AI, and remote surveys, digitalization is improving efficiency, safety, and transparency across the value chain. Asia is uniquely positioned to lead in this space due to its strong manufacturing base, tech innovation hubs, and rapidly growing digital ecosystems.

What excites me most is how these trends are converging. The shift towards greener operations is being enabled and accelerated by digital tools, while regional collaboration—such as green shipping corridors and harmonized standards—is becoming more prominent. At DNV, we are actively working with stakeholders across the maritime value chain to navigate these changes, build confidence in new technologies, and support the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

MT: Sustainability is a big topic in maritime — what’s one small but impactful step you think Asia can do to contribute?

Sustainability is indeed front and centre in the maritime sector, and while large-scale initiatives often dominate the conversation, I believe small, consistent steps can be just as powerful.

One impactful step Asia can take is to focus on greater regional collaboration around data transparency and emissions reporting. By encouraging ports, operators, and logistics partners to share standardized emissions data and operational efficiency metrics, we can build a stronger foundation for decision-making and accelerate the shift to cleaner practices.

This doesn’t require massive investment, but rather a shared commitment to transparency and collaboration. It empowers stakeholders, especially smaller players who may not have access to advanced decarbonization technologies, to benchmark, learn, and improve incrementally. Over time, this collective effort can create a ripple effect across the region, driving behavioural change, supporting regulatory alignment, and ultimately contributing meaningfully to global sustainability goals.

At DNV, we’re supporting this through our work in digital assurance, data validation, and advisory services, helping clients in Asia take practical, data-driven steps towards a more sustainable future.

DNV plays a pivotal role in supporting Asian shipowners on their decarbonization journey by combining deep technical expertise, independent assurance, and a strong regional presence. We understand that decarbonization is not a one-size-fits-all process—each owner has different starting points, operating profiles, and investment horizons. That’s why we take a tailored, step-by-step approach to help our clients identify the most viable pathways toward compliance and competitiveness.

We established the Centre of Excellence for Maritime Decarbonization & Smart Shipping back in 2021, to strengthen our support for regional stakeholders. With expert teams based in Singapore, Australia, and India, the Centre serves as a regional hub for strategic advisory and technical support. We assist shipowners in navigating complex regulatory frameworks—including the IMO’s carbon intensity targets, the EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime—while assessing fleet readiness and identifying optimal decarbonization pathways. The Centre has led key studies on topics such as ammonia bunkering safety, the future of seafarers, and green coastal shipping. It also provides tailored decarbonization plans and guidance on the adoption of alternative fuels and emerging technologies. Supported by digital tools like DNV’s ‘Pathway to Zero’ and the Veracity platform, we help shipowners model fuel scenarios, evaluate technology options, and make confident, data-driven investment decisions.

DNV is also actively working on joint industry projects and pilots involving alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and LNG, as well as energy efficiency solutions such as wind-assisted propulsion and shore power integration. Our classification and certification services support the safe uptake of these technologies.

Finally, capacity building is key. We actively engage with regional stakeholders, including shipowners, ports, regulators, and academia through training, technical seminars, and knowledge-sharing forums to help build the ecosystem needed for a successful maritime transition to net zero.

By combining local insight with global best practices, DNV is committed to being a trusted partner in helping Asia’s maritime sector navigate the complex but necessary path toward decarbonization.

MT: Looking ahead, what is your one hope/ wish that you have for the APAC region?

My hope for the APAC region is that it continues to lead with ambition and collaboration in shaping a sustainable maritime future. Achieving decarbonization in the maritime industry requires the commitment of all stakeholders—not just shipowners and operators, but also private companies, industry experts, and policymakers. It is crucial for these groups to work together to address specific challenges such as technology development, financing models, and the regulatory framework needed to advance the sector. READ MORE