Creating a future-ready digital business landscape
In a recent episode of the Teqplay vodcast, we sat down with Dirk Robers, Business Transformation and Digital Lead at Cargill, to explore how digital transformation in the maritime industry is not just a buzzword, it’s a fundamental shift that’s reshaping how global trade operates.
From artificial intelligence to data-driven decision-making, Dirk shared his unique perspective on how digital technologies are helping companies become more agile, transparent, and sustainable across the maritime supply chain.
The convergence of technology & commodities trading
One key topic was how digital tools are supporting the highly complex world of commodities trading. In global markets, volatility is the norm. Dirk highlighted how critical it is to have timely, high-quality data across the supply chain.
“Data is the new currency. In the world of commodities, timely and accurate data can mean the difference between profit and loss.”
Dirk Robers
Business Transformation and Digital Lead at Cargill
Machine learning models and predictive analytics are being used to optimize voyage planning, reduce fuel consumption, and anticipate port delays. These innovations help create a competitive edge while also supporting environmental goals.
Using AI to improve maritime decision-making
The maritime industry has historically been slower to adopt tech, but that’s changing rapidly. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve reliability, artificial intelligence is gaining traction for everything from route optimization to Just-In-Time (JIT) port calls.
These systems are also helping identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements, giving operators the tools they need to act quickly.
The challenge of change is human
Beyond the technology itself, the conversation emphasized the importance of organizational culture in any digital transformation journey. Even the best tools can’t succeed in a siloed environment. Building digital maturity means fostering collaboration and encouraging teams to think beyond traditional boundaries.
“People still operate in silos. The challenge is creating a culture where data and insights are shared across functions.”