- Maritime Sector’s Future in Focus: Innovation and Sustainability Take Center Stage.
- Nawal Al-Maghafi Highlights Global Trade Shifts Amid New U.S. Policies.
- ASYAD CEO Calls for Sustainable Financial Models to Navigate Industry Disruptions.
The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference 2025 brought together global leaders, financial specialists, and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for maritime trade, finance, and sustainability. Major issues focused on financial innovation, sustainability-oriented solutions, and the challenges in the maritime industry, reports The Maritime Standard.
Welcome Address by Nawal Al-Maghafi
The conference began with a welcome address by Nawal Al-Maghafi, BBC Senior Broadcast Journalist. She considered the implications of the recent U.S. elections on international trade policies, pointing to possible changes towards more robust domestic priorities that could redefine supply chain dynamics, tariff structures, and environmental policies. Al-Maghafi warned that these changes may decelerate sustainability efforts and present challenges for maritime decarbonization. Reiterating the need for sustainability above aspiration, she urged innovative solutions, policy frameworks, and collective actions to make the industry resilient in the long term.
Keynote by Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi
Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of ASYAD Shipping, followed with a keynote titled “Driving Growth and Innovation in Maritime Logistics: A Vision for the Future.” He emphasized the changing nature of the maritime industry in international trade, which has been influenced by significant disruptions like the pandemic, Suez Canal crisis, and the prevailing geopolitical uncertainties. Emphasizing the need for embracing sustainable financial models and innovation-based strategies, Dr. Al Nadhairi said that the coming decade would be determined by how the industry funds, innovates, and connects in maritime logistics. He highlighted the importance of flexibility and proactive strategies to ensure long-term prosperity.
Sustainability and Green Shipping Finance
Sustainability talks were resumed with Capt. Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group Maritime & Shipping Cluster. During his keynote speech, he underlined the strategic priority of funding green shipping solutions as he asserted that cooperation is required to enhance resilience and propel sustainable maritime solutions. Capt. Al Shaiba called on private sector players, governments, and financial institutions to finance decarbonization initiatives and named sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and PPPs as key financial products for driving cleaner, more efficient shipping operations.
Session 1: Sustainable Shipping and Maritime Networks
The conference’s first session, titled “Supporting the Development of Sustainable Shipping, Ports, and Maritime Networks – Strategies for Success,” was moderated by Nawal Al-Maghafi. Senior Economist at Emirates NBD, Daniel Richards, set the scene by introducing macroeconomic visions of maritime development with a sustainability flavor. Martin Aarup, Group CFO for AD Ports Group, covered finance structures supporting green shipping plans, while Managing Director at TMC Shipping Tony Dagher delved into the function of private investments in seafaring sustainability. Ali Shehab, DNV’s Global Director of Special Projects and Services, spoke about regulatory developments for cleaner shipping practices, and Ambrish Bansal, Lloyd’s Register’s Senior Vice President – Business Advisory & Consulting, talked about risk assessment in funding sustainable projects.
The session went on with presentations from Adam Shaikh, Tomini Shipping’s Head of Sales & Purchase, on fleet modernization and green ship investments. Ali Abouda, Group CFO of Gulf Navigation Holding, discussed sustainable financial models for shipping. Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research at FertiStream, examined the economic effects of sustainability on supply chains worldwide. Tien Tai, Partner at HFW, discussed legal complexities in enforcing sustainability regulations, and Aneel Sabir, Director of MENA at Enigio, highlighted the use of digitalization in promoting sustainable shipping solutions.
Session 2: Financial Innovation and Change
The second session, “Developing Financial Solutions – The Need for Innovation and Change,” was chaired by Ali Shehab. Niall Nolan, CFO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, discussed capital investment strategies for sustainable shipping. Tim Coffin, CEO of Tristar Eships, examined innovative financial structures for green maritime initiatives, and Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur, Vice President, Middle East and Regional Director at International Registries (U.K.) Limited – Dubai Branch, addressed financial compliance and regulatory requirements.
Chris Peters, Montfort Capital Ltd Senior Executive Officer, examined private equity investments within the shipping industry, while Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy’s Dr. Mohamed Alhosani discussed sustainable energy solutions for the shipping industry. Shailesh Bhala, COO of Best Oasis Limite SPM Shipping, discussed the financial sustainability of ship recycling and sustainability. Michael Savva, a Watson Farley & Williams Partner, discussed legal and financial risk management in maritime finance. Knut Mathiassen, Managing Director of Oceans 8 Consulting FZ LLP, spoke on ESG-compliant financial structures, and Souren Gharnagharian, Investment Manager at Australis Maritime, wrapped up with perspectives on innovative capital-raising strategies for green shipping.
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Source: The Maritime Standard
