Background
Antoine Grisay, best known in the maritime sector as the co‑founder of the freight‑data platform Shipfix, has resurfaced in an unexpected arena: electronic music. Under the nautical alias “Handysize”, Grisay released his debut track “14 Knots”, a project that directly addresses the role of women in the shipping industry.
Music Project “14 Knots”
The single, accompanied by a professionally produced video, is dedicated to the relatively small but growing community of female seafarers – roughly one in fifty of the global crew complement. In the video, Grisay explores the contrast between the professional responsibilities of an officer and the personal identity that lies beneath the uniform.
Purpose and Message
- Celebrate the contributions of women who stand night watches and often remain unseen.
- Highlight how traditional shipping language, routines and culture were historically built around male crews.
- Challenge the perception that traits such as softness or vulnerability are liabilities at sea.
Grisay stresses that the track is not a lament but a celebration, stating, “This is for every woman who has stood a night watch and felt unseen.” All streaming revenues will be redirected to non‑profit organisations that support female seafarers.
Industry Perspective
Beyond the music, Grisay uses the launch to comment on broader market dynamics. He remains bullish on the sector, arguing that today’s environment is shaped by a geopolitical power shift comparable to the post‑World War II era. Trade routes and patterns are being remapped, making forecasting more complex and placing a premium on strong industry relationships.
The Future of Shipping Data
While AI continues to reshape trading, broking and operations desks, Grisay believes reliable reference data will become even more crucial. He envisions a future where AIS may be supplemented—or even superseded—by satellite‑based telemetry such as Starlink and high‑frequency vessel tracking, delivering richer, real‑time insights.
Personal Journey
Grisay began DJing at 16, influenced by scenes in London, Brussels, the US East Coast and Berlin’s minimal techno. He paused his musical pursuits for a decade to work in investment banking and launch two tech ventures, SME Capital and Shipfix. After Shipfix’s acquisition by Veson Nautical, he turned his attention to Aura, a technology platform for artists and fans, while still maintaining a keen interest in shipping’s evolution.
With “14 Knots”, Handysize sails back into the music world, aiming to spark curiosity and, more importantly, give voice to the women who keep the global supply chain moving.