Aquametro’s Expanding Impact: Innovation & Competitiveness In the Middle East and Beyond

Aquametro Oil & Marine, a leading provider of advanced measurement and monitoring solutions tailored to the maritime and industrial sectors, is keen to optimize efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Axel Schulz, CEO of Aquametro Oil & Marine, tells Robban Assafina in a special interview during ADIPEC 2024, about the company’s performance and its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in the Middle East and beyond.

Could you provide an overview of Aquametro's overall performance at ADIPEC?  What are the solutions are you showcasing during ADIPEC?

Our participation at ADIPEC has been highly successful, attracting numerous visitors to our booth, including both current clients and potential new clients. Similar to last year, the focus remains on engaging with clients and individuals who genuinely seek our offerings, which is very positive.

Reflecting on the past three years, Aquametro was less recognized by many in the industry; today, however, we can confidently say that Aquametro has become a recognized name in the Middle Eastern market. Some clients actively seek us out at ADIPEC due to their positive experiences with our products and services and our strong performance, leading them to approach us to discuss upcoming projects.

Currently, there is an increasing demand for GHG emissions reporting, as well as KPI reporting in various forms. We provide full-package solutions, including installation, commissioning, and more. Clients come to us because they know we offer comprehensive solutions that meet their needs.

Two years ago, you decided to expand into the UAE and the Middle East. How bold was this move, given the rapid developments in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?

I believe it was the right time for us to make this decision, even though it was done at the last minute. We were exactly at the right moment, and we're pleased with the outcome. It is essential to be here on a full-time basis to remain close to clients and be at the heart of the market.

And here in ADIPEC, we’re not only focusing on marketing; we are also conducting surveys with our partners about the services.

With IMO emissions regulations looming, many shipowners face challenges. How do you view these issues, and what role does Aquametro play in solving them?

In the beginning, many underestimated the requirements and lead time needed. It's not just about supplying hardware for vessels; it also involves technical support, development, and design to determine the best solution for each vessel. This is an area where we excel, and we were well-prepared as these needs started to emerge. We noticed this trend last year, when many clients began making significant investments, and it has continued this year with the advancement of IMO regulations.

It's crucial to stay prepared, as these regulations are ongoing, otherwise, companies’ risk being excluded from the market. For some clients, the need has arisen rather suddenly, while others took longer to adapt. For those who are rushing to implement changes, we can still provide effective solutions.

With the EU ETS now in play, how do you see the maritime industry adapting, and what role can Aquametro play in ensuring compliance?

Yes, the EU ETS is already in place and has been valid since January 1st, and FuelEU is coming soon. This represents a higher level of approach and greater requirements for ship owners and ship managers. In Europe, people were more aware of what was coming and have been better prepared.

However, in the Middle East, it still depends on whether companies are operating in Europe or not. Many are just beginning to engage with and understand the system. However, this ultimately comes at a cost, with fees involved, and those who do nothing will end up losing in the end.

What are the main reasons for the delay in compliance with these regulations?

In the past, many in the maritime industry believed that IMO regulations were not finalized or could be postponed. You can answer based on your perspective, but as you know, throughout IMO’s history, many decisions were delayed, and there was often more time than expected.

However, this has changed in recent years. The timelines for compliance have become much stricter over the last five to seven years. The requirements are now more demanding, and the IMO is enforcing them as promised. And it’s crucial for people to understand that these regulations are now in effect and more enforceable than ever before.

Are we close to achieving green shipping today?

Many shipowners and managers are investing significant amounts of money, recognizing the need to act. However, when exploring alternatives, options can be limited. One key issue today is not the equipment on board, which is largely ready, but the lack of infrastructure for alternative fuels. This is a global challenge, not just in the Middle East or Asia, but even in Europe. Whether it is methanol, ammonia, e-fuels, or others, availability is insufficient to support a full transition.

How do Aquametro's 'Greenblend' techniques help reduce emissions from ships using alternative or conventional fuels?

In some ways, everyone sees it as an emerging market. Each requirement or challenge also presents a valuable opportunity, and that’s one of them. We are among those who are prepared and have strong prospects, as this opens up new markets and attracts new clients. We are ready for that.

For example, when looking at our “Greenblend” solution to blend fuels, whether it’s alternative fuels or biofuels, it could be a significant step for everyone in the shipping industry to meet the CO₂ reduction targets set for 2035 or 2050.

However, focusing on just a one or two percent reduction won’t be sufficient. We need to take more substantial steps to ensure a successful transition to green fuel and green shipping in the future.

Should shipowners take the lead, given that only large players can currently comply with regulations, leaving smaller ones at a disadvantage?

There is often a turning point in the market. Major players, especially in Europe and Japan, are already testing and dedicating departments to focus on green shipping.

If the majority of the shipping industry adopts this approach, then the shift will come, and everyone will be looking for and willing to pay for green shipping. However, if you're the only one in the chain, it can be challenging. Charterers, clients, and logistics partners, all must join in.

The Aquametro team from Singapore recently moved into a new, larger office space. How will this step help strengthen its position as a global service provider?

Yes, we are very successful in Singapore, which is perhaps still the largest maritime hub in the world. We have a substantial client base there, and this move will be well appreciated by our clients.

We are also expanding our staff and establishing competence centers for software and dashboards. In this context, we also decided to establish our Chief Digital Officer in Singapore.

How do you assess the company's performance in 2024?

We have performed very well this year. We increased our performance, particularly in remote services, which has been a key area where we have excelled. We have been able to serve our clients through both large and small steps, and our delivery has consistently improved. Additionally, our focus on offering our sensors in package deals has paid off; with a significant increase in such package sales this year, which makes me very happy.

Aquametro has recently installed the RMS remote monitoring system after over 20 years. How do you see this service evolving with the new technologies that are now available?

I believe it’s essential for every ship owner or manager to implement this, as controlling emissions starts with managing fuel consumption. It’s not just about fuel; you also need to monitor the energy efficiency of a vessel, which can be done using tools like the shaft power meter. All of these factors can be integrated into one system to monitor the vessel's performance. This is the foundation for gaining control over emissions and all the subsequent steps involved.

What are the major challenges you are preparing for in 2025, and what is your vision for the future, particularly in the Middle East?

We are very pleased with the progress we have made in the Middle East, and the feedback from our clients has been exceptionally positive. We are providing the solutions that are needed in this region.

However, there is still a large market that requires us to follow up with many of our products and solutions to stay competitive globally. Worldwide competition is intensifying, not only in the Middle East and Asia but also in Europe.

The Middle East must keep pace with the development of performance systems for the future. This includes offshore oil and gas on one hand, and ship management and operations for global trade on the other.

Over the last year, we have seen a significant increase in ship operations in the Middle East, and to succeed, we must perform at a global level, which is where we can offer valuable solutions. And finally, I am highly optimistic about what the future holds.