Meet the Pioneers - Tommy Mikkelsen

As the Managing Director for Navigation and Piloting Division at Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, I'm spearheading the development of advanced navigation and piloting solutions. Our focus is on addressing two major challenges in the industry: accommodating ever-larger vessels and meeting stringent environmental standards all while enhancing safety. With the rise of mega ships and mounting environmental concerns, I envision a future where vessels navigate bustling ports with unprecedented precision and minimal environmental impact. And this is what we’re working towards at Trelleborg, we're not just adapting to change; we're driving it by transforming how ships interact with ports to make every movement safer, more efficient, and significantly more sustainable.

How does your work address the growing environmental concerns in the maritime industry?

The maritime industry faces a pressing dilemma: how to accommodate increasing shipborne traffic while improving sustainability. Dredging, which is often used to accommodate larger ships, has a significant negative impact on marine life. Our approach at Trelleborg is to develop technologies that enhance maneuvering, docking, and mooring efficiency, thereby reducing the need for dredging. By focusing on precision navigation and mooring technologies, we're helping to reduce environmentally damaging practices while also enhancing safety and fuel efficiency.

What are some of the key innovative solutions you've led at Trelleborg?

One of our key innovations is the SafePilot range of navigation and piloting software. A pilot is responsible for moving a ship into a secure location and maneuvering, docking and mooring it. Pilots used to do this just using their eyes and their knowledge. Now, however, they can use Trelleborg’s portable pilot as well.

More recently, we've focused on equipping the largest ships traversing the Panama Canal with our precision SafePilot P3 technology. This high-accuracy navigation unit communicates with onshore services to ensure centimeter-accurate navigation. We’ve installed over 2000 units of this system, and it’s proven to be a game-changer.

We've also developed advanced solutions that offer precise measurements to determine safe clearances for ships in confined port areas. When pilots are using Trelleborg’s equipment they give fewer commands because they have a prediction of where a ship will be five or 10 minutes ahead. They know that they are on the right track.

 
What is it about your role that inspires you?

Every day presents the chance to pioneer new technologies that make a lasting impact on the industry and, ultimately, the planet. Leading the navigation and piloting division, I get to oversee projects that not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to environmental stewardship. One of my strongest personal interests is environmental sustainability, which aligns directly with my work at Trelleborg. Outside of work, I’m deeply committed to eco-friendly practices, and I bring that same mindset into our operations, whether it's advocating for emission-reducing technologies or collaborating with industry partners. We're constantly working to amplify our positive impact on the environment while meeting the evolving needs of the maritime industry. We’re also doing what we can to support aspiring maritime pilots. Recently, we teamed up with the Maritime Pilots Institute to donate our SafePilot and CAT PRO systems to support their training.

Beyond this, what truly inspires me is working with a talented and innovative team. At Trelleborg, I’m surrounded by brilliant minds—engineers, designers, and forward-thinking people—who share a common goal: to revolutionize maritime operations. This collaborative atmosphere motivates me every day to push boundaries and drive meaningful change for both the industry, the environment, and my team.

How does your background in business innovation contribute to your current role?

My experience in business innovation and leadership, particularly in navigating mergers and acquisitions, provides valuable insights for Trelleborg's strategic positioning. This background, coupled with my passion for sustainable technologies, allows me to drive meaningful change at Trelleborg. It helps us to not only develop innovative solutions but also to position these solutions effectively in the market and align them with broader industry trends.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is the collaborative problem-solving with our customers. Every client faces unique challenges, and it's incredibly fulfilling to tailor our technologies to their specific needs. The partnership aspect is key—together, we’re driving innovation that can transform how the entire maritime sector operates.  

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the maritime industry?

The trend toward mega ships presents both opportunities and challenges. As ships continue to grow and environmental concerns intensify, the industry needs to find ways to accommodate these larger vessels while minimizing environmental impact. This is where I see the biggest opportunity for innovation. At Trelleborg, we're at the forefront of developing solutions that promise a more sustainable future for maritime operations. Our work exemplifies how innovation can bridge the gap between industry growth and environmental stewardship, setting new benchmarks for the maritime sector.

Can you think of any recent project that pushed you and your team to think outside the box, and how did you go about addressing those? Any insights from that experience you'd like to share?

A challenging project involved maneuvering the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier out of a dock, a highly complex task due to the extremely tight space. The operation required four pilots positioned around the ship and eight tugs to assist. To ensure seamless coordination, we had to modify the CAT MAX system to extend the data signal range, allowing real-time communication and data sharing with all involved parties. This project emphasized the importance of adapting our technology to meet unique and complex operational needs, ensuring precision and safety throughout the maneuver.