1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Episode 118: Driving Strategy and Scaling Maritime Tech with Aleksander Askeland of Manta Marine Technologies Guest: Aleksander Askeland, Chief Financial Officer, Manta Marine Technologies Episode Overview: Aleksander Askeland’s career journey has taken him from the Arctic coal trade to leading strategy and finance at Manta Marine Technologies, one of the most forward-looking players in maritime decarbonization. In this conversation, we dive into the CFO’s role as a strategic driver, the realities of scaling tech in shipping, and why digitalization and emissions compliance must go hand in hand. Key Points: From Svalbard to Shipping: How a coal export operation in the Arctic introduced Aleksander to shipping’s complexity and sparked his passion. The Yara Years: Why Yara’s pivot from scrubbers to a broader tech portfolio laid the groundwork for Manta’s evolution. CFO as Strategist: Moving beyond balance sheets and towards how finance leadership shapes market positioning, acquisitions, and tech bets. Change Management at Sea: Why crew adoption is central to decarbonization technologies and how to avoid disrupting daily workflows. Acquisition by Okapi Supply Trading SA: How independence from Yara is making Manta more agile in responding to market and regulatory pressures. Scaling Beyond Pilots: Overcoming the challenge of moving shipowners from 1–2 trial vessels to fleet-wide adoption. Investor Attention: Where maritime tech is in the “football match” of investment and why maritime-focused VCs are changing the game. Learn More: Listen to my conversation with Scott Bergeron, Head of Fleet Management at Oldendorff Carriers, on scaling maritime operations [Episode 82]. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA' Art Work By: GA Design Head cook and bottle washer: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you’ve found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Your support truly makes a difference! Proudly sponsored by: The Captain’s Table – the premier global pitch competition for maritime and logistics startups SHIPPINGInsight – North America’s premier technology &amp;amp; innovation forum for shipping London International Shipping Week 2025 – where the world’s maritime leaders meet Curious about adverstising with us?&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Get in touch with the team at Digitial Ship&amp;nbsp; The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age http://sites.libsyn.com/404561/site <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/38213485/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/193031415