Weathering change together: A Q&A interview with Jacob Iversen, Head of Partnerships EMEA at Weathernews
At Weathernews, we're convinced that collaboration is key to shaping a more connected, data-driven and sustainable maritime future. With that in mind, we sat down with our Head of Partnerships for the EMEA region, Jacob Iversen, to learn more about his return to the company, his vision and why strategic partnerships are central to our long-term success.
The interview offers a deeper look at how Weathernews is evolving to meet the complex challenges facing our industry – through cooperation, innovation and a shared commitment to driving value for our partners and customers.
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of maritime operations, data and technology – and having first joined Weathernews over a decade ago – Jacob brings both historical context and fresh energy to the team. From optimising vessel performance to empowering ESG and risk teams with weather intelligence, his focus is firmly on building strong, impactful relationships across the industry.
Read on to hear Jacob’s thoughts on the future of maritime partnerships, why simplification and integration matter more than ever, and what keeps him motivated in one of the world’s most dynamic business sectors.
Q: Jacob, welcome back to Weathernews. What inspired you to return and take on this new role?
I’ve spent my commercial career at the intersection of technology, data and maritime optimisation – working with stakeholders across the value chain to develop go-to-market solutions that improve efficiency and decision-making. That journey started at Weathernews 12 years ago, and now I have the opportunity to build on that foundation from a more strategic position.
What really inspired me to return is the transformation underway at Weathernews under the leadership of our CEO, Craig West. There’s now a sharp focus on strategic alignment across our regional divisions, especially in EMEA, which makes it a very exciting time to be part of the company. We’re not just expanding – we’re redefining how weather and climate intelligence is integrated into operational strategy. That means reaching beyond traditional maritime roles to engage with ESG teams, insurers and commodity traders who increasingly rely on high-quality, actionable data.
Q: Why are partnerships so crucial for the maritime industry today?
The industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation. Regulatory requirements, decarbonisation mandates, digital disruption – it’s a lot for any single company to tackle alone. This is where strategic partnerships are no longer optional; they’re essential.
By joining forces with tech providers, industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies, we’re able to bring together data, tools and operational expertise into solutions that work. It’s not just about delivering weather forecasts. It’s about delivering the right insights, to the right people, at the right time – whether they’re onboard a vessel, in an operations room or handling long-term emissions tracking across an entire fleet.
What we aim for is full integration. Many of our partners don’t have the capacity to toggle between multiple platforms. So we simplify the process, embedding our weather intelligence directly into operational systems, whether that’s for voyage planning, emissions management or commercial optimisation.
Q: Can you give us an example of this integration in action?
Definitely. Our partnership with Marcura on PortLog is a great example. We combined our weather routing and vessel performance data with their port call insights to offer a seamless, end-to-end voyage optimisation tool. Customers now benefit from more accurate port call scheduling and commercial decision-making, reducing inefficiencies and saving time and fuel.
We’ve also collaborated with platforms like Sedna, Dataloy and Wärtsilä – each integration built to meet specific industry needs. The feedback has been incredibly positive, particularly around how these solutions reduce complexity and support better day-to-day operations.
Q: What principles guide Weathernews’ partnership approach?
Our partnership approach is built on three pillars: data-driven decision-making, long-term collaboration and continuous innovation. We don't just aim to deliver a product; we strive to solve real-world problems for our customers and partners.
We want to ensure that weather intelligence isn't siloed; that it’s embedded in how companies run their operations. A great example is Lauritzen Bulkers, who’ve seen meaningful improvements through our integrated solutions. These are the kinds of results that show how partnerships can be more than just commercial – they’re transformative.
Another key factor is adaptability. We continuously evolve based on partner feedback and industry trends. We’re not afraid to challenge legacy thinking and are always looking for new ways to add value.
Q: What’s the long-term vision for partnerships at Weathernews?
Looking ahead, we see partnerships as a major driver of innovation across sustainability, AI and compliance. For instance, AI-powered weather insights will play a central role in helping operators manage emissions more proactively, while new regulations will demand greater transparency and data reliability – areas where collaboration will be critical.
Our focus is also shifting toward climate adaptation and resilience. Weather intelligence isn’t just about today’s forecast; it’s about helping companies build long-term strategies for a changing climate. By aligning with regulators and ESG priorities, we aim to support the entire maritime value chain in becoming smarter and more sustainable.
Ultimately, our vision is to make weather intelligence an indispensable part of digital maritime infrastructure – and that’s only possible through strong, forward-thinking partnerships.
Q: On a more personal note – what do you enjoy most about working in shipping?
Shipping moves 80% of the world’s goods and impacts everyone – from what we wear to what we eat. It’s incredibly global, fast-paced and interconnected. But what really sets it apart is the people. Whether it’s crews at sea or stakeholders ashore, I find people in this industry to be some of the most down-to-earth, generous and collaborative individuals you’ll meet anywhere.
There’s always a story to share and a genuine sense of community that makes every day both challenging and rewarding.
Q: What do you do to unwind when you're not in the office or travelling?
I’m passionate about wine – there’s something deeply interesting about how regional techniques, climate and culture come together in each bottle. If I’m celebrating something – a new partnership for example! – I’ll usually reach for Champagne. Without food, I’d go for a Blanc de Blancs with some barrique ageing. With food or snacks, a Blanc de Noirs adds richness. But for me, the most important part is sharing the wine with good company.
Cooking is another passion. It’s a way to slow down, get creative and enjoy good times with family and friends. Like partnerships, it’s all about bringing people together and sharing something meaningful.
Building an ecosystem
As Jacob steps into this new chapter with Weathernews, his deep understanding of the maritime sector, combined with a passion for innovation and collaboration, will be instrumental in strengthening our partner ecosystem across EMEA and beyond.
His focus on aligning weather intelligence with broader operational, commercial and sustainability goals reflects Weathernews’ continued commitment to delivering value through meaningful partnerships. Whether it’s through smarter integrations, AI-driven insights or long-term strategic campaigns, Jacob’s work will help ensure that we remain a trusted partner in an industry that never stands still.
We’re excited to have him back – and even more excited about the impact he’ll make in the months and years ahead.
If you’d like to connect with Jacob or explore partnership opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to him at iverse@wni.com.
