Alongside

About Alongside

NorthStandard‘s podcast features thought-provoking discussions on news and topics in the maritime industry. We talk with experts from the club and special guests in the field from around the world

Publisher

NorthStandard

Category

business · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Sept 2021

Latest episode

7 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Future Thinking S4 E3: Leading at Sea: How Shipowners Support Their Crews

   In this episode of Future Thinking, Captain Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention – Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard, explores how shipowners and operators are responding to improving the evolving well-being needs of today's seafarers and building safer, more supportive working environments. Yves is joined by Jeremy Sutton, CEO of Swire Shipping, and Nick Potter, President & CEO of AET, both NorthStandard Members, to discuss the relationship between crew wellbeing, vessel safety and operational performance. Together, they share industry best practices which attract, develop and retain the next generation of seafarers, from clear career pathways and mentoring programmes to onboard support. The conversation also examines changing expectations around connectivity, community and life at sea, while sharing examples of initiatives, including the All Aboard Alliance which features are explained by guest speaker Susanne Justesen, Director of Human Sustainability at Global Maritime Forum. Highlights: 02:26 Wellbeing Equals Safety 04:35 Cadets and Retention 07:07 Preparing Cadets for Life 08:58 Better Living Onboard 10:55 DEI and Belonging 14:00 All Aboard Alliance Goals 16:19 Practical Fleet Examples 19:30 Roadmaps and Benchmarking Nick Potter – President & CEO at AET Nick Potter was appointed President & CEO of AET and Vice President, Petroleum & Products of MISC Group on 17 March 2025, joining the MISC Executive Leadership Team. Based in Singapore, he brings over 35 years of maritime and energy sector experience, having held key leadership roles in commercial, technical, and operational capacities. His career began at sea as an Engineering Officer, before progressing through various roles at Shell and BG Group, giving him deep expertise in maritime logistics, including the tanker business. Nick plays an active role in shaping the future of the maritime industry, with a focus on energy transition, talent development, and seafarer welfare. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and serves on the board of the Singapore Maritime Foundation. He is Co-Chair, Steering Committee and Chair, Private Sector Advisory Group, Clean Energy Marine Hubs; an alliance between the International Chamber of Shipping and The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). He is also Chairman of the global ambassador programme for the Mission to Seafarers and an ambassador for WISTA Singapore. He co-chaired the Singapore Tripartite Advisory Panel for a Future-Ready Maritime Workforce and was elected as Director to the Members’ Committee of the UK P&I Club, one of the world’s largest maritime mutual liability insurers. Jeremy Sutton – CEO at Swire Shipping Jeremy Sutton is Chief Executive Officer of Swire Shipping. He took on the role in August 2022, having previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer. Jeremy is a New Zealander, and industry veteran, with more than 25 years of experience in diverse roles in the shipping and transportation industry in Asia, New Zealand and the USA. Jeremy joined Tasman Orient Line (a Swire subsidiary) in New Zealand in 2006 before moving to Singapore in 2008 and over the past 20 years has held various management roles with Swire Shipping. Based in Singapore, Jeremy is a Board Member with the NorthStandard P&I Club, Singapore Maritime Foundation and World Shipping Council, and also serves as Trustee and Director of the Mission to Seafarers.

2. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Future Thinking S4 E2: Setting Sail: Recruiting the Future Generation of Cadets

   In this series of Future Thinking, our host Captain Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention - Asia-Pacific, explores those at the heart of the shipping world; the seafarers - why they choose a career at sea, what makes it special and what the challenges are. In this episode, we discuss the future of the maritime workforce through the experiences of cadets entering the industry today. Joined by Lisa Oliver, Curriculum Manager at South Shields Marine School, and Johan Smit, Head of Wellness at Sailors’ Society, Yves discusses the challenges of attracting and retaining the next generation of seafarers amid an ongoing officer shortfall. The conversation explores why young people choose a career at sea, common misconceptions about maritime life, and the factors influencing both recruitment and retention, including wellbeing, connectivity, changing expectations and career development. Lisa and Johan also examine the support available to cadets throughout their training, from structured education pathways and mentoring programmes to peer support networks and wellbeing resources. Together, their expertise in this episode highlights how the industry can better prepare and support cadets, equipping them to navigate both the technical and personal challenges of life at sea and build successful maritime careers. Highlights: 03:16 Officer Shortage Explained 05:42 Why Cadets Choose Sea 07:10 Misconceptions About Seafaring 09:12 Preparing For First Voyage 11:26 Reality Check Onboard 13:54 Sea Time Placement Gap 17:15 Connectivity And Wellbeing 20:16 Mentoring And Support Johan Smith – Head of Wellness at Sailors’ Society Johan joined the international maritime welfare charity, Sailors’ Society in 2014 to develop and lead its Wellness at Sea programme, a pioneering initiative which empowers seafarers to prepare and keep physically and mentally fit for life at sea. The Wellness at Sea programme has since grown to become one of the leading wellness interventions for the shipping industry, benefiting thousands of seafarers every year and winning a Safety at Sea award for Best Crew Welfare Programme and a Seatrade Award for Investment in People. Johan has worked with seafarers for many years, previously serving as a Port Chaplain for six years in Cape Town, South Africa. It was during this time that he became aware of the challenges many seafarers face and in 2011 he started developing his work on a wellness programme to meet seafarers’ needs. Johan also studied Theology and is also a qualified Social Worker. Lisa Oliver – Curriculum Manager at South Shields Marine School Lisa joined South Shields Marine School in 2012 as Curriculum Manager, with responsibility for developing and delivering the school’s responsive and bespoke short course provision. Since 2023, she has also led programmes supporting cadets in achieving their Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, alongside teaching electrical and electronic subjects across cadet and management-level courses. Prior to this role, Lisa worked as a lecturer in both further and higher education and served in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer, bringing valuable industry experience to her teaching and leadership. South Shields Marine School, based in the North East of England, was founded in 1861 and is the longest continuously operating marine training college in the world. It offers a wide range of commercial maritime courses, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career at sea.

3. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Future Thinking S4 E1: The Human Safety Net – Welfare on the Frontline

   In this episode of Future Thinking, our host Captain Yves Vandenborn, Head of Loss Prevention - Asia-Pacific, is joined by Steve Willows of Stella Maris and Ruth Campbell of The Mission to Seafarers to explore the people at the heart of the maritime industry: seafarers. Drawing on their experience supporting crews around the world, Steve and Ruth discuss why people choose a career at sea, the realities of life onboard and key welfare challenges facing today's seafarers. The conversation highlights the importance of raising awareness of seafarers' vital contribution to global trade, sharing positive stories, and inspiring the next generation through education and outreach. Together they further explain how maritime charities provide trusted support to crews and discuss the practical steps shipowners can take to create healthier, more supportive environments at sea. Offering valuable insights from those working directly with seafarers every day, this episode shines a light on the people who keep global trade moving and the collective responsibility to support their wellbeing. Highlights: 01:34 Making Seafarers Visible 03:43 Schools And Awareness 05:38 Life Onboard Challenges 07:54 Why They Go To Sea 10:09 Mental Health And Safety 13:21 Charity Support In Port 15:40 Shore Leave And Fatigue 17:04 What Owners Can Do Steven Willows – Regional Port Chaplain at Stella Maris Steve Willows is a Port Chaplain with Stella Maris, supporting seafarers and fishers from around the world for over 12 years. Having previously worked in the ports of Immingham and Grimsby, he now works across Northumberland and Tyneside. His role takes him onboard vessels in port, where he offers both practical assistance and pastoral care. His work has included responding to cases of crew abandonment, medical emergencies, and supporting survivors of modern slavery. Through his ministry, Steve provides a vital link to welfare, advocacy, and human connection for those often working in isolation at sea. Ruth Campbell – Development Manager – Europe Region at The Mission to Seafarers Ruth Campbell works for the Mission to Seafarers serving as Chaplaincy Development Manager for Europe, where she oversees the growth and support of chaplaincy services across the region. With a background in Social Work, she began her work on the frontline in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a crisis that left nearly 3,000 crew members stranded aboard five cruise ships in the Port of Tilbury. This experience ignited her passion for supporting seafarers and strengthening welfare provision. In addition, Ruth serves as Programme Lead for female seafarers with the Mission to Seafarers, where she advocates for their rights and works to promote their wellbeing and inclusion within the maritime sector.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60