The Shipbrokers Podcast — A Classic Combination: Talking Dual-Purpose Carriers

Courtesy of E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers ‘The Shipbrokers Podcast’, listen to their recent podcast episode with Engebret Dahm, KCC CEO, interview by podcast host Richard Matthews. Matthews speaks with Dahm about the rise, fall, and resurgence of tanker/dry-bulk “two-in-one” vessels. Once prominent between the 1970s and 1990s, these ships declined due to stricter safety and vetting standards following major incidents, cargo history limitations, higher complexity and capital costs, and poor economics in an era of low fuel prices. The conversation also covers operational complexities such as cargo switching and tank cleaning, early resistance from oil majors, and the broader, more diversified customer base seen today. Dahm highlights the high barriers to entry—from vessel design to crew expertise and systems—as well as the role of efficiency in decarbonization, the limitations of current CII metrics, ongoing retrofit investments, alternative fuel flexibility, and the value of extending asset life through strong, customer-backed contracts.

Hull coatings are no longer just about protection. They have become an important lever for fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and limiting shipping’s impact on the marine environment. In this episode of Future Bound, learn how coating technology has evolved to meet rising demands on performance, sustainability, and asset longevity. Drawing on a long-standing collaboration between Hempel and Klaveness, the conversation explores how silicone-based coatings, such as Hempaguard, move from lab to vessel, and what it takes to scale them in a conservative industry. Together, they explore how owners and suppliers work together to test and validate performance at sea, why total cost of ownership matters more than upfront cost, and how environmental considerations, from fuel efficiency to biodiversity, are reshaping coating design and application. Discussion points include: Why hull coatings matter more than ever for fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and long-term asset performance. How to balance energy efficiency with environmental impact, including biocides, microplastics, and biodiversity considerations. What it takes to introduce new coating technologies in a conservative industry, from shipyards to regulators. How collaboration with KCC goes beyond hull coatings, addressing the unique demands of specialized cargo holds carrying both wet and dry cargoes. How data, AI, and new application technologies are changing the way coatings are developed, tested, and applied. What coating innovation means for KCC’s strategy: long-term ownership, specialized vessels, and operating an efficient fleet over decades.

Courtesy of Njord Solutions podcast 'Seathrough Efficiency' , listen to their recent episode with Martin Wattum, Head of Energy Efficiency Projects a KCC, quizzed by Caroline Evert, Podcast Host and Business Project Manager, on how KCC is turning energy efficiency from a strategic priority into operational reality. Discussion points include: How to assess and prioritize technologies How to handle risks around energy efficiency investments Why crew engagement often defines the success of retrofits Listen now for a practical look at how KCC is aligning daily operations with long-term sustainability strategy.

As climate regulation continues to evolve, the spotlight often falls on shipowners to deliver on emission reductions. But what about the cargo owners? In this episode of Future Bound, KCC’s Head of Decarbonization, Peter Rayers, sits down with Ingrid Kylstad, Managing Director of Klaveness Digital, to unpack the evolving role of cargo owners in the push for greener shipping. Together, they explore whether cargo owners are still in the driver’s seat when it comes to cutting emissions, and how they can influence real outcomes across the supply chain. The conversation covers how business model innovation, data-driven decision-making, and tools like the Sea Cargo Charter and KCC’s carbon-adjusted freight (CAF) setup are re-thinking commercial relationships between owners and charterers. Discussion points include: Why scope 3 emissions still matter — and how cargo owners are acting on them How carbon tracking and reporting are entering commercial decision-making The importance of data quality and transparency for new business models How initiatives like KCC’s carbon-adjusted freight (CAF) setup and the Sea Cargo Charter are shaping owner-charterer collaboration

The IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework, developed at MEPC 83, marked a major step forward in maritime climate regulation. But is it enough to put shipping on track for reaching net-zero, and will it pass the final hurdle at IMO’s extraordinary session in October 2025? In this episode, KCC’s Head of Decarbonization Peter Rayers sits down with Helene Tofte, Executive Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Climate at the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association. Together, they dig into what still needs to happen before the framework is adopted in October, and how its design could impact the way shipping companies plan, invest, and operate in the years ahead. Discussion points: Will the Net Zero Framework be adopted in October? Which parts of the regulation still need to be clarified or developed: such as biofuels treatment, compliance rules, and pricing/rewards? How might the regulation evolve over the 2030s, progressively or regressively, and how should the industry plan around that uncertainty? What does the NZF mean for KCC’s strategy: supporting energy efficiency, future fuels, and the value of our vessel concept? Helene Tofte is the Executive Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Climate. She has the overarching responsibility for the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s international engagement and climate activities, with special focus on monitoring international climate processes and our participation in the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). 

In this episode of Future Bound, we’re turning our focus to the heart of our operations - our seafarers. Our unique vessels transport both dry bulk and liquid cargo, requiring highly skilled crews with deep operational knowledge across both segments. Joining us in the studio to discuss this were Captain Adrian Dima and Captain Lupsor Cornel, two seasoned seafarers with a combined history sailing on nine of our vessels. At the time of recording they were due to take command of MV Bass and MV Barramundi but before setting sail, they sat down with Future Bound for a candid discussion on what it’s like to sail with KCC. Together, they dive into the realities of life at sea aboard combination carriers, the challenges and rewards of managing dual-segment operations, and how technological innovation is reshaping the onboard experience. Central to the discussion is a topic we’re particularly proud of: our 90% seafarer retention rate. In an industry where turnover is common, this number speaks volumes and the episode explores what drives long-term commitment, the impact of career development and company culture, and what truly makes a difference in crew welfare and retention. 

In this episode of Future Bound, Ingeborg Almås, Senior Analyst at Clarksons Norway AS, and Kristian S. Hauff, Market Analyst at Klaveness Dry Bulk, sit down with Engebret Dahm, CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers, to discuss recent developments in the dry bulk market and what lies ahead. With some analysts predicting a downturn, is the outlook truly as bleak as it seems, or could the market defy expectations and surprise on the upside in 2025? Tune in for expert insights on the future of dry bulk trade.

In this episode, Peter Rayers, Head of Decarbonization at KCC, sits down with Andreas Haavik, Head of Newbuilding at KCC, to discuss functionality of the bound4blue suction sails that will be installed on the upcoming KCC newbuildings. They also dive into selecting the optimal wind-assisted propulsion system based on vessel design and trading patterns. 

In this episode, CEO Engebret Dahm and Peter Rayers, Head of Decarbonization at KCC, discuss the latest updates on IMO regulations and the efforts to establish new mid-term measures for decarbonization in the shipping industry. They break down what these measures mean, the challenges involved in reaching an agreement and what it means for the progress towards net zero.

Host: Peter Rayers Head of Decarbonization, Klaveness Combination Carriers Guest: Robert Haqquist Charterer and Decarbonization Lead, South32   Robert Haggquist reveals South32's approach to reducing shipping emissions, and how our Carbon Adjustment Factor (CAF) could be a silver bullet for the shipping industry.