The maritime vision

Hosted by Paul-louis Holi

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Interviews with professionals. In each episode, we engage with guests working in the shipping, commodity, energy & maritime industry. We explore their career journeys, personal stories, and gain valuable insights and advice from their expertise.

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60 recent

August 27, 202641 min

89. Blast Furnace & Basic Oxygen Furnace EXPLAINED | Course 3 | Michael Alter

I had the chance to interview with Michael Alter, with over 30 years of experience in the steelmaking industry and experience at companies including ArcelorMittal. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the blast furnace, from raw materials all the way to the final steel product: 5:25 – Raw Materials for the Blast Furnace 8:35 – Sintering Explained 9:38 – Pellets vs. Sinter 13:55 – Coking Coal Explained 19:40 – Slag Explained 20:32 – The Role of Flux 26:40 – The Role of Scrap 27:15 – How a Blast Furnace Works 31:10 – Pig Iron Explained 34:48 – BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) Explained 37:30 – Continuous Casting After Refining 39:45 – The Final Step: Making the End Product A great episode for anyone who wants to understand how the blast furnace actually works and how the different raw materials interact inside the steelmaking process. SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

August 9, 20261 hr 23 min

88. Steelmaking Explained - Blast Furnace , Direct reduction, BOF/EAF... | Peter Warren

In this second episode of our steelmaking series, we take a deeper dive into the complete steelmaking process, building on the fundamentals covered in the previous episode. Our guest, Peter Warren, has over 25 years of experience in the steel industry, having worked as a Blast Furnace Technical Manager, Metallurgist, and Ironmaking Consultant for major steel producers, including British Steel. We explore blast furnaces, direct reduction, BOF and EAF steelmaking, secondary refining, raw materials, and the future of steel production. A practical and technical deep dive for anyone looking to better understand how steel is made. I recommend taking notes throughout the episode, as we cover many important concepts and technical details that are essential to understanding modern steelmaking. Chapters : 00:30 - Introduction 04:00 – Raw Materials Needed for Steelmaking 05:50 – Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF): Raw Materials 09:50 – Electric Arc Furnace (EAF): Raw Materials 13:45 – Sintering vs. Iron Ore Pelletizing 20:50 – Blast Furnace (BF) Explained 38:54 – Direct Reduction (DR) Explained: Rotary Kiln, DR Furnace & Gas-Based DR 51:10 – Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) & Secondary Refining Explained 58:40 – Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) & Secondary Refining Explained 1:03:40 – World's Largest Steelmaking Countries 1:07:05 – World's Largest Steelmaking Companies 1:11:00 – The Future of Steelmaking SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

July 27, 20261 hr 29 min

87. Steelmaking 101: How Steel Is Made | Full course - Christian Eslava

In this episode, we cover the complete steelmaking process, from raw materials to finished steel products. Our guest, Christian Eslava, is a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in the steel industry. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading companies including ArcelorMittal, Simec, and other major steel producers. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to strengthen your knowledge, this course provides a solid introduction to how steel is made. I recommend taking notes throughout the episode, as we cover many key concepts. Chapters : 2:48 - What Is Steel? 12:23 - What Is Slag? 16:05 - Raw Materials of Steelmaking: Commodities Explained 30:30 - The Steelmaking Process Explained 34:29 - Blast Furnace Explained 36:50 - Direct Reduction Process Explained 39:45 - Steel Melting: BOF vs EAF Explained 48:20 - Steel Refining: Ladle Furnace & Vacuum Degassing 57:59 - Continuous Casting Explained 1:01:26 - Rolling, Shaping & Coating Steel Products 1:05:50 - Global Steel Industry Leaders 1:10:36 - The Future of Steel: Challenges & Opportunities SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

June 1, 20261 hr 28 min

86. 38 Years as a Shipbroker | S&P, Demolition, Tankers, Dry Bulk Explained | Clive Page

In this episode, We sit down with Clive Page to follow his 38-year journey in the shipping industry. From starting as a Junior S&P Broker in 1980, to becoming a competitive tanker broker (1986–1992), and later working in-house for shipowners (1995–2018), Clive shares the key lessons, challenges, and opportunities he encountered throughout his career. This episode covers: -S&P Broking -Demolition -Tanker Chartering -Dry Bulk Chartering -Working for Shipowners Bonus: The differences between each shipping specialty (S&P, Tanker, Dry Bulk and In-House Chartering) and the skills required for each path. A valuable conversation for anyone interested in shipbroking, shipping markets, and building a long-term career in the maritime industry. SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

March 9, 202639 min

85. Agricultural freight Trading Explained | Richard Klein

I had the opportunity to interview Richard Klein, Freight Trader with few decades of experience. Richard worked as freight trader at Glencore, Viterra... In this episode Richard broke down the basics of freight trading and grains chartering. What you'll learn: 1️⃣ Freight vs commodity trading 2️⃣ Cargo booking explained 3️⃣ Grain houses vs Operators explained 4️⃣ Importance of FFA & Hedging 5️⃣ Grains trade A big thanks to Richard for sharing his time and expertise! SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

January 14, 20261 hr 10 min

84. Freight Derivatives & FFA Explained | Mads Frank Markussen

In this in-depth masterclass on freight derivatives and Forward Freight Agreements (FFAs), we sit down with Mads Frank Markussen, Head of Freight Research & FFA at Navi Merchants A/S - CM Navigator and former freight trader at Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC). Episode Topics : 1)FFAs and the Role of Freight Derivatives 2)Baltic Indices and the Panamax Market 3)Hedging vs Speculation in FFA market 4)Long vs Short and Basis Risk Explained 5)FFA contract how it looks like 6)FFA Contracts, Futures, and Options 7)Hedging Panamax Voyages and Period Exposure : real case scenario CM Navigator : https://cmnavigator.com SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

November 23, 20251 hr 0 min

83. Metal Trading Explained | Samuel Basi | Ex-Trafigura metal trader

In this interview, Samuel Basi, former metal trader, breaks down all the key fundamentals of metals trading. Chapters : -Different Types of Metals -Introduction to Metals Trading -Biggest Exporters and Importers of Metals -Where Metals Are Traded (Major Hubs) -How We Trade Metals -Futures Contracts, Hedging, and the Options Market Explained Whether you work in shipping, commodities, mining, or you're simply curious, this episode is for you. If you’re looking for resources to deepen your understanding, check out Samuel’s book Perfectly Hedged: A Practical Guide to Base Metals. Samuel’s Book: https://www.perfectlyhedged.com SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

October 13, 202555 min

82. Iron Ore Explained | Cicero Prado Machado | Ex- BHP geologist

I had the opportunity to interview Cicero Prado Machado, a seasoned expert with over 18 years of experience in the iron ore sector, former geologist, and ex-BHP professional. In this exclusive interview, we cover everything you need to know about iron ore—from geology to global trade, quality, steelmaking processes, and market outlook. Chapters 1️⃣ Iron ore fundamentals 2️⃣ Ore quality, grades & specifications 3️⃣ Country overview: Australia, Brazil & Canada 4️⃣ Top global players, exporters & importers 5️⃣ Steelmaking methods: BF-BOF & EAF 6️⃣ Market outlook & future trends SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

September 22, 202556 min

81. Capesize Vessel | Dry Bulk Masterclass | Marc Pauchet

In this episode I interview Marc Pauchet, Global Market Leader - Dry Bulk at Bureau Veritas. In this episode, Marc takes us deep into the world of capesize vessel and Dry bulk. In this episode : Capesize Vessel Definition Owners & Operators of Capesize Vessels Commodities Transported 19:58 Shipping Routes in the Capesize Market Valemax / Chinamax Explained Future Fuels Capesize Chartering Explained SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

August 28, 202550 min

80. Chemical Tanker Chartering EXPLAINED | Chartering at Odfjell | Kjell Hagenes Christensen

I had the opportunity to interview Kjell Hagenes Christensen, Senior Charterer at Odfjell SE, one of the leading players in chemical products chartering, operating a fleet of over 80 chemical tankers. In this episode, Kjell takes us deep into the complex and highly specialized world of chemical tanker chartering. Topics covered : 1️⃣ Chemical tanker specifications 2️⃣ Stainless steel & coating explained 3️⃣ Key chemical products explained: Caustic soda, sulphuric acid and more 4️⃣ Parceling explained 5️⃣ Heating & cooling systems explained 6️⃣ Contract of Affreightment (COA) 7️⃣ Global trading routes & major hubs 8️⃣ Tank cleaning procedures 9️⃣ Largest exporters/importers of chemicals Whether you're in shipping, commodities, energy, or simply curious about this sector, this interview is a real masterclass, offering a clear and structured overview of the chemical tanker market.