Meet our experts: David Old

Hello, I’m David Old, Fleet Standards Lead. To me, shipping isn’t just a career - it’s a tradition. My grandfather was a Captain for the British India Steam Navigation Company, and his stories inspired my own journey at sea. Following his path, I earned a BSc (Hons) in Merchant Ship Operations from Southampton Solent University and completed a cadetship with P&O Nedlloyd, traveling the world on container vessels. When A.P. Moller-Maersk acquired P&O Nedlloyd in 2005, I moved ashore to Southampton.

June 2005, I joined Wallenius Wilhelmsen, starting in the Import and Forwarding team, moving to Port Agent for group and UECC in Southampton Port, and now I proudly serve as a Fleet Standards Lead within the Asset Management Team, ensuring our fleet operates with the utmost safety and compliance.

Being part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Fleet Management, I am supported by a strong team who are dedicated to safety and efficiency, we connect to our fleet not only in the actual visit, but also electronically through systems that monitor engine efficiency, weather routing and machinery lube oil analysis.

Alongside my colleague Byeong-il Jang in Pyeongtaek, my focus is on implementing and maintaining a new set of standards across all vessels. Recently, I led an initiative to enhance ship condition surveys by conducting detailed inspections across entire assets. This long-term project is now being digitized, enabling seamless data sharing between teams and allowing ship managers to proactively address maintenance needs and resolve problems. My goal is to ensure that our vessels not only meet but exceed safety and performance expectations—delivering the most reliable and efficient shipping services to our customers.

One of the biggest challenges I face is ensuring seamless communication between onboard crews and shore-based teams. Each time I board a vessel, I start by asking, “How can I help?” This approach ensures that immediate concerns are heard and acted upon. By summarizing key findings on the spot and following up with office teams, I help prevent potential disruptions and reinforce safety protocols. For our customers, this means enhanced cargo reliability, fewer delays, and greater confidence in Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s operations.

As the shipping industry evolves, we are committed to tackling challenges such as stricter environmental regulations, rapid technological advancements, and shifting customer expectations. At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, we are leading the way by investing in sustainability initiatives and innovative fleet management solutions. The digital transformation of ship inspection data is streamlining our operations, enabling faster decision-making, and increasing transparency.

By staying ahead of regulatory changes and industry trends, we are strengthening our position as a trusted partner. Challenges such as adapting to diverse international standards remain, but through innovation and collaboration, we are shaping a fleet that is safer, more efficient, and ready for the future—delivering excellence while staying true to our core values.

Ensuring fleet standards is more than just a job for me—it’s a commitment to operational excellence, making sure our customers’ cargo moves safely and efficiently across the globe.