Signals from the Deep: Data Bunkers, UN & the Future of Shipping with guest Øistein Jensen Chief Sustainability Officer Odfjell
About this episode
The episode discusses the future of shipping and sustainability with Øistein Jensen from Odfjell, exploring key signals and strategies in a changing world.
Episode Overview Graeme Codrington (Johannesburg) and Dean Van Leeuwen (South of London) explore fresh “grey elephant” signals—from subterranean data centres and living with a >2°C world, to UN reform rumblings—then sit down with Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oddfjell, to unpack how a 110-year-old global chemical shipping company is tackling decarbonisation, supply-chain due diligence, and industry-wide collaboration. Key Topics Discussed Grey Elephants Radar Converging, high-impact forces post-COVID; a once-in-a-century transformation. Strategy lens: identify weak signals early; turn risk into opportunity. Subterranean Data Centres Old mines/bunkers reimagined as “underground data fortresses.” Strategic logic: protect critical data; manage cooling, power, and resilience. Side bet: cooling technology becomes a shovel-in-the-gold-rush play. Living with >2°C Move beyond “prevention only” to adaptation + resilience at scale. Practical mindset shift (as with COVID): learn to operate in new conditions. UN & Multipolarity Weak Signals Calls for African representation; scrutiny of Security Council veto power. Diplomatic flashpoints as indicators of a shifting…
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