SHIPPINGInsight is proud to announce that Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping, will deliver the Opening Keynote at SHIPPINGInsight 2025: Revitalizing the American Maritime Industry – Next Steps, being held October 15–16, 2025, at the Houston Marriott South, TX.
Pickering’s keynote, “Making Moves in Maritime,” will set the tone for two days of powerful discussion, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions designed to revitalize the American maritime industry. Drawing on her leadership of one of the world’s largest and most respected shipping organizations, Pickering will explore how strategic innovation and a commitment to safety and environmental responsibility can drive meaningful progress for both the industry and the nation.
“Barbara Pickering’s leadership experience and forward-looking vision make her the perfect voice to open this year’s conference,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight. “Her keynote will challenge our delegates to think bigger, act faster, and seize the opportunities ahead as we shape the future of the American maritime industry together.”
The 2025 program will bring together leaders from across the maritime industry—policy makers, port executives, technology innovators, investors, and shipowners—to address the critical issues facing the sector. Prior to Pickering’s address, Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (invited), will discuss maritime’s role in strengthening national, economic, and energy security.
Roger Rees, Port Director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, will later present a case study on how a port can drive industry revitalization over two centuries of service. Texas’s
leadership in maritime will also be examined through the perspectives of Vincent Decosimo of Targa Resources, Charlie Jenkins of the Port of Houston, Randy Giveans of Navigator Gas, and Rick Marriner of Parkland Corporation.
The agenda continues with RADM James Watson, USCG (Ret.), Managing Partner at Maritime Accelerator for Resilience and co-author of ZERO POINT FOUR, who will outline the necessity for change in America’s maritime strategy. Industry innovators will showcase solutions in cyber safety, weather intelligence, vessel design, and efficiency tools, with contributions from ABS, ShipSafe, WNI, and SeaTrain Technology.
In the afternoon, attendees will hear from industry trailblazers on fostering innovation, attracting investment, and navigating the evolving financial landscape in the highly anticipated SHIPPINGInsight “Shark Tank” session led by Marina Hadjipateras of Trail Mix Ventures.
Now in its 13th year, SHIPPINGInsight is North America’s premier maritime innovation and technology forum, dedicated to connecting industry stakeholders and fostering actionable collaboration. By combining strategic insights, technological breakthroughs, and investment perspectives, the event provides a platform for building the resilient, competitive maritime industry of tomorrow.
