Conference Programme 2017

Shipping remains fundamental in moving trade, driving growth and prosperity globally.

With developments in automation and other disruptive technologies signalling unprecedented change, the maritime world is facing a period of monumental transformation. The next 25 years will see changes for trade, changes for people and changes for business models.

With shifting trade patterns , new technologies and disruption to business models, where does the maritime industry need to be positioning itself within this changing world?

This session will examine the effects on trade. With changing demand and supply demographics can we really still assume that global trade will continue to grow? What is certain is that global trade is facing a sea change, with some parts of the world moving towards protectionism whereas formerly protectionist states appear to be championing free trade. How will these changes shape tomorrow’s maritime world?

The changing business environment and what this means for skills and people.

This session will examine how changing trade patterns and disruptive technologies will affect people and skills. Will automation mean no crews on ships? Will the rise of artificial intelligence mean the end of the lawyer? Where will the burden of responsibility lie? What will people do instead and where will the jobs be?

How an efficient and innovative maritime business sector will solve tomorrow’s known and unknown challenges. 

This session will examine the effects on business models. What do seamless supply chains and automated ports mean for technology, for shipping and ports and for marine industry?