2024 Annual Conference on Maritime Safety and Sustainability

The Nautical Institute (Singapore Branch) is excited to announce the final speaker line-up and agenda for its 2024 Annual Conference, a key event at the Singapore Safety at Sea Week. This year’s conference, themed “Charting a Greener World – Dealing with Sustainability, Emergency Preparedness, and Seafarer Well-being,” addresses crucial challenges in the maritime industry. Recent high-profile maritime incidents have highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions and proactive discussions.

Opening Remarks and Keynote Address

The conference will begin with opening remarks from Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). His speech will emphasize the importance of maritime safety and innovation in the rapidly changing landscape. Following this, Jeremy Sutton, CEO of Swire Shipping, will deliver the keynote address, offering valuable insights into the industry’s path toward a more sustainable future.

Managing the Green Wave

The morning session will feature a dynamic panel discussion on Managing the Green Wave, moderated by Mark Cameron, Managing Director (Asia) at Ardmore Shipping. Panelists from Swire Shipping, Intertanko, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), the Singapore Maritime Academy, and Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore will explore the industry’s transition to greener technologies and the associated crew risks and challenges.

Emergency Preparedness and Seafarer Well-being

In the afternoon, the focus will shift to emergency preparedness and seafarer well-being. Panel 2, titled Emergency Preparedness – Are We Ready for Green Emergencies?, will feature experts such as Toby Stephens, Head of Shipping at HFW, who will moderate the session. Participants from UK P&I Club, Solis Marine, Executive Ship Management, and SMIT will discuss the industry’s readiness for environmental emergencies and the complexities of alternative fuels and hazardous cargoes.

The day will conclude with Panel 3, The Changing World – Current Issues Affecting Seafarers, moderated by Capt. Yves Vandenborn of NorthStandard. This panel will address the human element of maritime operations, focusing on seafarer rights, mental wellness, and the future of a diverse and skilled workforce. Yves will be joined by panelists from ASP Ships Group, Hafnia, OneCare Group, and Asia Legal LLC.

Additional Presentations and Sustainability Initiatives

Throughout the day, there will be short presentations by senior representatives from organizations such as ITOPF, The Nautical Institute, Marine Stewards, T&T Salvage Asia, Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration, Navozyme, and Mission to Seafarers. Reflecting its commitment to sustainability, the Nautical Institute is not only discussing green initiatives but also implementing them. The conference will feature sustainably sourced food and no single-use plastics. Additionally, traditional speaker mementos have been replaced with sponsorship of coral nubbins to be planted in local waters, ensuring a lasting positive impact on our oceans.