Conference Programme

Welcome Speech

SECTION ONE: STATE OF PLAY
Increased competition for resources has led to a more multipolar world that is changing global supply chain logistics and international trade patterns. At the same time, regional conflicts, more extreme weather events and the threat of trade wars may slow global GDP growth in the years ahead. These rapid changes are likely to have far reaching impacts on industry and society at large, creating fresh challenges for the maritime sector. Yet as the world’s “essential industry”, shipping has not only shown the ability to adapt quickly to structural changes but has played an important role in linking nation states through trade. In today’s evolving market reality, where are the risks and opportunities for shipping, and how can the industry become part of the solution?

SECTION 2: SHIPPING, TECHNOLOGY AND DECARBONISATION
So far, the industry’s efforts to decarbonise has produced more headlines than results. While owners have taken steps to modernise their fleets, the industry’s embrace of new technologies (especially connectivity and digitalisation) lags behind other industries. How should shipping respond to these challenges? What technologies must the industry adopt to contribute to profitable solutions that lower carbon emissions? And how can the industry work with the IMO, the EU and other state and regional actors to implement regulations that encourage the development of new technologies?

SECTION 3: FINANCING THE FUTURE OF SHIPPING
While the industry has ready access to capital, where and how to invest is not clear. At the same time, slowing global GDP growth, rising protectionism and the threat of trade wars has led to some investor caution going forward. Where should shipowners invest not only to protect profitability but seize new market opportunities? How should lenders assess financial risks and how will their loan criteria evolve going forward? And will the industry be able to bridge the gap between the expectations of society and regulators with the commercial challenges they face?