TT-Line’s Hanns Heinrich Conzen talks shipping, digitalization and more

The Baltic Ports Conference is just a week away and we’re working hard to present you with the best possible experience. Our speakers are an essential part of this experience and we’re very happy to share with you yet another interview. Hannes Heinrich Conzen, the Managing Director at TT-Line, found a moment to give us his view on the current state of the industry.

BPO: How would you assess the business and development potential of the ferry industry in the Baltic Sea region right now and what are the prospects for the future?

Hanns Heinrich Conzen: Considering the dynamic around the Baltic Sea we are confident that in general our industry has good times in front of it. However, trades are developing at different speed and it is difficult to predict it for the different areas and segments of shipping. 

BPO: What impact may the digitalization of the maritime industry have on passenger and ro-ro handling in the near future? What are the possible risks and opportunities this new era presents? 

HHC: Digitalization will make passenger travel even more easier than today. Booking/Check In procedures will be simpler, faster and even more customer orientated than today. Freight handling will become faster, more transparent , flexible and easier. Paperdocs will disappear. 

BPO: Year 2015 saw the entry into force of the 0,1% maximum Sulphur level limit for ships’ fuel for vessels sailing the Baltic SECA. How did the compliance efforts affect the operational and investment costs of ferry line operators and by extension, their development? 

HHC: Our industry was and is forced to heavily invest in existing ships by installing Exhaust Cleaning Systems. For potential new builds alternate fuels like LNG are an existing but expensive option. If the oil price remains at the existing level, we think that our Industry will be able to keep the pace.

Mr Conzen will sit in on one of the discussion panels taking place during the Baltic Ports Conference 2017. There is still time to register for the event, so don’t hesitate – the BPC 2017 is waiting for you!