Andreas Kristoffersen, who was recently appointed to oversee business activities in South East Asia (South) and India for DNV Maritime, recently shared with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times on his vision and priorities in his new role, his take on Singapore’s electrification push and cybersecurity:

MT: What is your vision and top priorities in your new role as Area Manager at DNV Maritime?

In stepping into the Area Manager role for Southeast Asia (S) and India, my vision is shaped both by my Norwegian roots where transparency and openness are valued and by the seven years I spent heading DNV’s design approval office in Korea. Working closely with shipyards, manufacturers, and owners in one of the world’s most advanced shipbuilding environments gave me a deep appreciation for the value of partnership, technical excellence, and clear communication. Those experiences guide me in how I want to maintain and build DNV’s presence in this area.

This part of the world is incredibly diverse and fast moving, and my top priority is to strengthen our relationships with our customers by being present, approachable, and solution oriented. I want our customers to feel that DNV understands their ambitions and challenges and provide services that help them be successful. Through such partnerships I wholeheartedly believe that DNV can make a difference.

Another priority is developing our internal teams so we continue delivering consistent quality across borders, especially in digital competencies such as AI and cyber security which will be increasingly important going forward. With so much activity in Singapore, India, Indonesia, and the wider area, ensuring we operate as one integrated DNV team is essential.

Ultimately, my goal is to support the maritime community here with the same reliability and openness that have guided me so far in my career, helping the industry safeguard life, property and the environment while also maintaining a sound and sustainable business for both DNV and our customers. 

MT: How do you perceive the current market outlook in the regions you oversee, and what opportunities or challenges do you foresee for the shipping sector?

The market outlook across the region is exciting yet demanding. Rising costs are putting pressure on local yards. Singapore is positioning itself by concentrating on high-value projects such as conversions and upgrades of existing assets. This approach reflects a preference for strategic, lower-risk opportunities rather than speculative newbuild ventures. In the near term, the market outlook appears to be driven by projects rather than volume.

India is navigating challenges related to supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, and the need for greater efficiency and automation. At the same time, significant investments in shipbuilding and port infrastructure signal a clear ambition to position the country as a competitive player in the global shipbuilding market. These efforts present considerable opportunities for growth, but success will depend on addressing structural barriers and operational challenges. In the short to medium term, India is well positioned to build smaller tonnage vessels such as general cargo carriers, offshore support vessels, and feeder containerships.

The shipping sector in the area faces real challenges. Decarbonization requirements, new fuel technologies, and digitalization are moving quickly with a changing regulatory landscape. That’s where I believe DNV plays a key role by helping customers interpret requirements, make sound technical choices, and execute with confidence.

MT: Singapore is making a significant push towards electrification. How do you see this trend impacting the maritime industry in the region?

Singapore’s strong push toward electrification is reshaping near-shore operations, accelerating the transition toward cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced solutions. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has begun piloting multiple electric harbour craft charging concepts, with trials running from 2024 to 2026 to develop a national charging infrastructure masterplan. These pilots aim to standardize charging systems and enable large-scale adoption of electric harbour craft across the port.

Electric vessel deployment is moving rapidly from concept to reality. Singapore commissioned its first fully electric tug, designed for zero-emission harbour operations and aligned with the requirement that all new harbour craft be fully electric or operate on net-zero fuels by 2030.

Across Southeast Asia, similar initiatives are emerging. Indonesia is exploring electrification for short-sea shipping and port operations, supported by government-led decarbonization targets. Malaysia is advancing pilot projects for electric ferries and harbour craft, particularly in key port hubs, as part of its broader sustainability roadmap. These efforts reflect a regional trend toward electrification as a practical pathway to decarbonization, especially for short-haul and port operations where battery technology offers the greatest viability.

Challenges remain around charging infrastructure, grid capacity, and standardization, but collaborative efforts between regulators, technology providers, and operators are accelerating solutions. The region’s progress will depend on strong policy frameworks, investment in infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing across markets.

MT: With the growing importance of cybersecurity in maritime operations, what steps are DNV Maritime taking to address these challenges?

As digitalization accelerates across the maritime industry, DNV is taking a holistic approach to strengthening cyber‑resilience on ships, offshore units, and across the global maritime value chain. We recently established DNV Cyber comprising more than 500 cybersecurity experts, including 70 maritime-focused specialists across five global hubs. This group provides cyber-resilience services spanning design, construction, and operational phases, ensuring vessels are protected from the moment they enter the planning stage.

In addition, the acquisition of Cyber Owl enhances our ability to help asset operators gain visibility of systems on remote assets, actively manage cyber risks, and ensure compliance.

As OT and IT systems become increasingly interlinked, cyber-attacks can have critical consequences for safety. To address this, DNV works directly with shipowners, yards, suppliers, and regulators to embed cybersecurity into technical design reviews, risk assessments, and compliance processes. 

Complementing these capabilities, DNV offers a cyber maturity self-assessment tool and integrated OT/IT cybersecurity services, including vulnerability assessments, compliance audits, crew training, and incident response planning. Our approach follows the structured “Identify–Protect–Detect–Respond–Recover” model aligned with international best practice.

Overall, DNV’s expanding cybersecurity offering demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding an increasingly digital maritime sector. Our proactive investments, integrated services, and dedicated expertise position us to help the industry navigate evolving cyber risks with confidence.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 1 February, 2026