OrbitMI just added a heavyweight to its board, and it’s a move that could reshape how maritime SaaS tackles the industry’s biggest challenges. Egil Husby, the strategist who helped Western Bulk pivot to algorithmic trading, is now steering OrbitMI’s direction. This isn’t just a board appointment—it’s a strategic bet on blending freight trading savvy with maritime tech.
Husby’s track record speaks for itself. At Western Bulk, he didn’t just manage risk—he rewired the company’s approach to trading, fleet optimization, and digital transformation. Now, he’s bringing that playbook to OrbitMI, where the focus is on turning raw data into fuel savings, compliance wins, and sharper decision-making. His addition signals a shift: maritime SaaS isn’t just about building tools anymore—it’s about embedding them into the core of shipping operations.
Husby’s background in freight trading is a game-changer. Most maritime tech companies focus on the vessel side of the equation. But Husby’s experience in freight markets, algorithmic trading, and corporate strategy bridges the gap between commercial decisions and operational execution. This could be the missing piece for OrbitMI’s product roadmap—helping shipowners and operators align commercial strategy with real-time performance data.
OrbitMI’s CEO, Ali Riaz, put it bluntly: “Egil brings deep expertise in freight trading along with valuable insights into the industry’s complexities and opportunities.” That’s not just boardroom fluff. It’s a nod to the fact that maritime SaaS needs more than just data—it needs context. Husby’s role will be to ensure OrbitMI’s tools don’t just spit out numbers but deliver actionable insights that align with commercial realities.
Husby’s vision for OrbitMI is clear: “I find their approach to be very customer-centric, aiming to integrate with and simplify the user’s day-to-day workflow rather than adding another stand-alone system to a system stack that is already too large.” This is where OrbitMI’s edge lies. In an industry drowning in siloed software, Husby’s push for seamless integration could be the differentiator. If he can help OrbitMI’s tools slot into existing workflows—rather than forcing users to adapt—adoption rates could skyrocket.
The timing is critical. Shipping is under pressure to cut emissions, slash costs, and stay ahead of regulatory curves. OrbitMI’s Orbit Reporter solution already tackles these challenges with daily reporting, emissions tracking, and voyage optimization. With Husby on board, the company is positioning itself to go further—turning compliance and efficiency from checkboxes into competitive advantages.
Husby’s appointment also reflects a broader trend: maritime tech is no longer just about startups and venture capital. It’s about seasoned industry players stepping in to guide innovation. His experience navigating market cycles, digital transformation, and risk management is exactly what OrbitMI needs as it scales.
The real test will be whether Husby can help OrbitMI turn its tech into a must-have for shipowners and operators. If he can, this appointment won’t just be a board refresh—it’ll be a turning point for maritime SaaS.