1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Connecting Ships with Local Experts Guest: Manos Koukouvios, COO,&amp;nbsp; Vsltec Episode Overview: Former seafarer and now COO of Vsltec, Manos Koukouvios shares how a real off-hire HVAC failure in West Africa sparked the idea for a vetted, location-based network of technical service providers. We talk about building a two-sided marketplace in shipping, managing expectations in a “WhatsApp world,” and what founders should really focus on when starting in maritime tech. ⭐ Sponsor: Accelleron – LOREKA360° Emissions Desk You Should Be Operating Ships, Not Filing Paperwork Accelleron’s LOREKA360° Emissions Desk is a complete compliance service that handles data checks, documentation, forecasting, and verification – powered by intelligent software and experts who’ve actually worked at sea. 👉 Learn more at accelleron.com/emissions-desk Want to advertise with the podcast?&amp;nbsp; Contact my friends at DigitalShip Key Points From sea to startup: Manos’ journey from LNG and cruise ships to Flagship Founders and into VesselTech. The HVAC case that sparked Vsltec: How one bad technical job turned into months of off-hire and a clear problem to solve. Vetted, local networks: Why Vsltec insists on truly local service providers and how that de-clutters the “we do everything, everywhere” noise. Change management &amp;amp; expectations: Selling into overloaded technical/purchasing teams whose expectations are shaped by free, consumer-grade apps. Advice for founders: Obsess over the problem first, talk to people, and only build when you know it’s real, big, and worth paying for. Learn More: For another deep-dive on maritime innovation, check out Episode 78: Navigating Maritime Innovation with Fabian Feldhaus Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Support the Podcast: Please rate 5 stars, follow, share, or support via Buy Me a Coffee. Stay curious, stay salty. 🦕🌊 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/39135310/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/195724110