Carleen-Lyden-Walker
SHIPPINGInsight begins 20/20 Vision for the Decade –
WESTON, Conn. – October 14, 2020 –SHIPPINGInsight has gathered top solution providers for its “20/20- A Vision for the Decade” SHIPPINGInsight Fleet Optimization and Innovation Conference and Exhibition which began October 7th-8th with “Deep Dive” technical sessions followed by the conference and exhibition held October 12th-14th.
SHIPPINGInsight continued its 9th annual Fleet Optimization and Innovation Conference and Exhibition with the theme 2020 Vision for the Decade on Tuesday, Oct. 13, featuring discussions on digitalization, innovative technologies and decision-making for ship owners and even included a stand-up comedy hour.
As a fun way to wind down after watching presentations and debates and visiting virtual booths, viewers watched comedians such as Ashley Austin Morris perform, as well as Shipowners Claims Bureau (SCB) and NAMEPA’s very own Joe Hughes. SHIPPINGInsight even hosted an “unpresidential” debate with CMA presidents in a spoof-like debate on “important national issues” such as club versus frisbee golf.
Before the fun began, however, speakers presented detailed and engaging panels and workshops that dealt with challenges in decarbonizing fleets, new and innovative software and technology, marketing research and more.
One common theme throughout the discussions was how there was a clear need stop thinking of the maritime industry as one “monolithic entity” and instead take approaches from all sides. Angela Chao, Chair and CEO of Foremost Group, said that ship owners had to “have a seat at the table” when discussing new regulations so that they could make sure they weren’t too unrealistic.
“We need to have a say in our own industry,” said Jan-Willem Van den Dijssel of Cargill.
There was a strong call for collaboration from all companies and organizations in the industry, from ship owners to developers. Collaboration throughout the industry is what many panelists said would lead to concrete solutions to the problems the industry is facing now and how goals would be reached in the years to come, saying members didn’t have to “go it alone.”
An element of the industry panelists emphasized throughout the conference was the human element, both from a humanitarian perspective as well as a business one.
“We keep thinking about digitalization, but we forget about people,” said Sanjam Gupta of Sitar Shipping.
Several ship owners, presidents and organization leaders called for seafarers, both at sea and on land, be thought of as essential workers by nations as the crew changing crisis continues.
“They are essential workers and should be treated as such,” said Chao. “It’s not just members on board vessels who are affected, but also seafarers on shore who have families and don’t have that income coming in.”
Interviews with ship owners, engineers and developers showcased the pros and cons of new technologies that would help with reducing emissions and carbon footprints as well as improving fuel efficiency. Several presenters mentioned how many of the solutions that were discussed could disrupt the industry, including the business model as well as the very foundations for how the industry operates. However, disruption does not necessarily mean “bad.”
“I don’t think we live in an era of change, but a changing era,” said Jones Alexandre Barros Soares, Executive Manager at Transpetro.
Though many representatives of companies and organizations were concerned with making sure goals remained realistic and attainable, panelists expressed a willingness to collaborate with others to reach those goals. Even when discussing solutions that would not work with them specifically, such as big ships relying solely on battery power, panelists in the “Future-Proof Your Fleet” workshop hosted by Sterling PBES said they were “ready for all kinds of developments” and eager to see how they could apply them.
“There is always scope for joint research,” said Brent Perry, CEO of Sterling PBES.
Throughout Tuesday’s conference, panelists discussed alternative fuels, “plug and play” options versus full installations and retrofitting vessels versus building new ones, going into detail about each one’s advantages and disadvantages. The amount of detail panelists went into and their willingness to exchange information and engage with other members of the community signifies a hopeful and upbeat attitude as the industry tackles new and current challenges in the coming years.
Today’s lineup includes Chris Wiernicki of ABS, Peter Hadjipateras of Dorian LPG, Graham Westgarth of V. Ships, Knut Orbeck-Nilssen of DNV GL, Cynthia Hudsonof Hudson Analytix, and others. The day also features SHIPPINGInsight’s signature SHARK TANK and a closing keynote presentation by Shell Maritime’s Karrie Trauth who will share her “Vision for the Decade”.
For information and to register online, visit www.shippinginsight.com.
