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October 2013 www.sname.org/sname/mt (opinion) quantities of goods shipped, along with the lethal and steady in ux of new ships ordered in the last boom and delivered just in time to hit the low markets. What can we do to change this deadly trend? We can start the change by comparing with others. I strongly believe that we must plan the all-important transportation of goods in a much better way than we have done so far. To begin with, over capacity is quite normal in many other trades. ere are too many cars, too many airplanes, and too much steel. ere also is a surplus of food in the western world. And often, there are too many ships, which is a global problem as ships move all around the world. To gear up into good leadership, it may be a good idea to investigate how we may improve shipping by observing how other industries develop. A key part of this is becoming more sustainable and environ- mentally responsible, as this is our future. In fact, I have no doubt that environmen- tal responsibility is the key to the future. Compare our sector with the auto- motive industry, where new cars are sold in spite of the fact that there are a lot of secondhand cars for sale cheaply. Why? Because the new cars are much more e -cient than the old ones. ere are plenty of excellent new cars with plug-in electricity, hybrid systems, and new engines. A car as plain and common as the Ford Focus has reduced its fuel consumption by approxi- mately 40% in the last few years, and thus its carbon footprint. All of this with a diesel engine that was quite efficient already. How? By a thousand small improvements, and not least by reducing the weight and the horsepower of the car. New airplanes are similarly sold by their competitive fuel efficiency in spite of an abundance of old airplanes. Do we see any similar positive improve- ments in ships? Sadly, we do not. e ships delivered today are very similar to those delivered yesterday. is is because ship- yards see economical e ciencies in building long series of ships and not changing any- thing in the design. Owners, who typically order their ships in a high market with strong demand, have practically no option but to accept the standard shipyard design because that is all the shipyard wants to sell Leadership and Risk in Shipping continued Invest in Yourself Increase Your Knowledge Base United States Merchant Marine Academy Master of Science ? Marine Engineering Online Based, Distance-Learning Engineering EducationA blend of application and theory at the graduate level focused on advanced concepts in Marine Engineering. This 36-credit program is designed for working professionals and can be completed without the need to take a leave of absence from a job or relocate. It consists of seven required courses and five electives. A suitable thesis or design project may be substituted for one or two electives. For additional information visit our website:www.usmma.edu/after-graduation/graduate-program HANDLE THECOMPLEXITYOF RISKMANAGING RISKWeb: www.dnv.com Email: NAMaritime@dnv.com