Wärtsilä announces an official partnership with theDOCK Innovation Hub, an Israel-based maritime-focused startup accelerator, in a move it hopes will see the Technology giant connecting with the hottest local talent and emerging technologies within the marine sector. TheDOCK brings together maritime stalwarts and aspiring creative startups to deliver practical innovations for port, shipping and logistics operations.

Improving inefficiencies within the marine sector forms the founding principle of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Vision. Digitalisation is being embraced to truly transform the entire shipping industry into a supremely efficient, ecologically sound and digitally connected ecosystem. Combined with Wärtsilä’s recently completed acquisitions of Transas, Eniram and Guidance Marine, this move further signals an ambition to lead the industry into a new era.

“Digitalisation is disrupting the marine industry as it moves towards even greater efficiency and strong environmental performance. New technologies and business models can bring substantial benefits in terms of cost efficiency, improved performance, transparency and safety. Wärtsilä is committed to leading this transformation and we are constantly on the lookout for innovative potential. We look forward to working with theDOCK in seeking startups that can help us to create a successful and profitable future for the industry,” says Mauro Sacchi, Strategy and Business Development Director, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

“Corporate venturing and working with accelerators like theDOCK are vital forms of collaboration in seeking new growth paths in industries that are profoundly impacted by digitalisation,” states Steffen Knodt, Director Digital Ventures at Wärtsilä. “Agile exploration of new technologies and business models with startups are crucial and we are glad to be working with theDOCK.”

"We are delighted to be working with Wärtsilä to seek relevant innovation for the maritime sector,” says Hannan Carmeli, Founder and CEO of theDOCK. “Wärtsilä has been leading the way in constantly exploring new boundaries. Areas such as the automation of vessel functions, advanced maintenance, cyber security, and others will play an important role in our collaboration."

Wärtsilä is at the forefront of harnessing the changes taking place in the shipping industry to deliver value and optimisation for its customers. By orchestrating these developments through the use of high levels of connectivity and digitalisation, the company intends to lead the industry’s transformation towards a Smart Marine Ecosystem.

Caption: theDOCK Innovation Hub participates in numerous events in seeking promising startup companies that can support Wärtsilä’s leadership of the marine sector’s digital transformation. Image copyright: theDOCK

Media contacts:

Mr Mauro Sacchi
Director, Strategy & Business Development, Marine Solutions
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 40 0504116
mauro.sacchi@wartsila.com

Mr Steffen Knodt
Director, Digital Ventures
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +49 171 3365 186
steffen.knodt@wartsila.com

Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager Marketing, Communications, Marine Solutions
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com

Ms Noa Schuman
Head of Marketing & Community
theDOCK Innovation Hub
Tel: +972 54 6722467
noa@thedockinnovation.com

Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com