The Dubai Maritime City Authority’s (DMCA) second Dubai Maritime Agenda will open its doors in October to explore major opportunities in the global maritime sector and the industry’s future in the modern world in conjunction with intensive regional preparations for a post-oil era.
The event will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council, on October 10 at The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Marc Gijsbrecht, Maersk Line’s CEO for West Central Asia, will be the keynote speaker for the event, considering the significant role that Maersk Line plays as one of the world’s largest and most important maritime and operator companies. Several other international speakers, maritime experts, decision makers, leaders, and key stakeholders will also take part in in-depth discussions on the rapidly evolving local and global maritime industries, and a much-needed examination of the latest developments in maritime technologies and innovation worldwide.
Amer Ali, executive director of DMCA, said: “As a leading international platform, the Dubai Maritime Agenda brings together a number of international dignitaries, leading regional and international experts, decision-makers, and maritime leaders to gain insights into the industry’s major contributions to global economic growth. Gijsbrecht’s participation is another indication of the high profile attendance and confidence placed in Dubai’s marine industry. Additionally, by hosting the event, we aim to put the spotlight on the emirate’s key role in the advancement of the local and global maritime industries based on the pillars of creativity, technological innovation, excellence, training, and human investment.”
The event will specifically focus on Dubai’s consistent initiatives to strengthen the role of the local maritime community according to the government’s economic diversification policy and comprehensive Dubai Plan 2021. Holding this year’s Dubai Maritime Agenda is aligned with the DMCA’s objectives to attract investors from different parts of the world, put Dubai on the global maritime map, increase the economic share of the domestic sector, and catapult the emirate into the ranks of the globe’s most vibrant, safe, and secure maritime capitals, said a statement.
The discussions will be split into five sessions to cover an extensive range of pressing topics and developments. The participants will particularly tackle ‘The Global Outlook for Shipping;’ ‘Safely sailing the high seas – reducing the legal risks;’‘Future of shipping technologies (automated ships, 3D printing, energy);’‘Finance for shipping in the next decade;’ and ‘The role of shipping banks and maritime clustering (collaboration or competition).’
Moderated by international broadcaster and journalist Todd Benjamin, the forum will start with a look at the evolving market environment, with emphasis on the container, energy transport, and offshore marine markets. Leading industry players will discuss the outlook for specific market segments and how market conditions are re-shaping the structure of the industry such as the accelerated move towards greater consolidation.
In session two, the role of arbitration in the resolution of maritime disputes and in reducing legal risks for shipowners will be discussed, with a special look at the contributions of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) as a new player on the global arbitration scene. The participants will tackle the key attributes of a strong arbitration and mediation service, the major arbitration jurisdictions around the world, and the delivery of an informed and trusted arbitration and mediation service.
After a networking break, attention will turn to changes in information and communications technology. The session will examine the future of digital applications for the shipping industry and what they may mean for operational efficiency and economies of scale. The associated challenges of cyber security for shipping lines, ports and other elements in the supply chain will also be looked into.
Finance for shipping in the next decade will be the primary focus of session four and how the current market landscape has affected the number and transaction size of ship finance deals so far in 2017.
The final session of the day will see representatives of some of the world’s leading international maritime hubs reviewing the essential strategies for success and generated benefits. They will offer their views on what lies ahead for competition and cooperation among the world’s leading maritime capitals.
The invited international speakers will be led by Clive Aston from the London Maritime Arbitration Association; Nijoe Joseph, partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East; Dipak Karki, head of financial advisory & capital at Galbraith’s Limited; Sergey Popravko, CEO, SCF Management Services; and Mark Williams, managing partner, Affinity Research LLP.
The distinguished speakers will be joined by a group of high-profile personalities during the panel discussions including Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, executive director, Vancouver International Maritime Centre; Mark Beer OBE, co-chief executive and registrar general, DIFC Courts; Arthur Bowring MH, Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group (HKMAG); Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO, Topaz Energy and Marine; Anwar Siddiqui, president, The Bahri Data, The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri); Jos Standerwick, chief executive officer, Maritime London; Oskar Levander, vice-president innovation, engineering & technology – marine, Rolls-Royce; and Marcus Machin, CEO, Tufton Oceanic (Middle East).
Other panelists are: Panos G. Moraitis, CEO, Aspida; Edward Newitt, executive committee, EMAC; Stephan Piworus, senior vice president, Identec Solutions; DomenikNizet, senior vice president – Shipping Finance Asia Pacific & Middle East, DVB Bank SE; Gwynne Lewis, head of data, digital and software, LR Marine and Offshore; Jacob Berman, managing director, Standard Chartered; and Nawfal Al Jourani, chief officer, Dubai Maritime Cluster Office. – TradeArabia News Service
