Conference highlights at Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress

Opening on Wednesday 18 September, speeches from international leaders including Bahri’s CEO Eng. Ahmed Alsubaey, and an exclusive video address from IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, will set the scene. This will be immediately followed by a series of strategic industry announcements, as well as the presentation of the Seatrade Maritime Lifetime Achievement Award.

Industry keynote speeches will give leading maritime businesses the opportunity to expand on their future plans, while the new ‘Maritime Think Tank’ will delve into how trade-lane disruptions and changes in infrastructure services might alter operations. The expert panel will also offer insight into critical areas that shipowners and operators should prioritise in the coming years, aiming to demystify the forces shaping the “new normal” for the global maritime industry.

Afternoon sessions on day one will include a presentation on interconnected logistical developments in KSA and how they impact on the cargo owner, plus discussions on regional transshipment evolution and the land-bridge initiative. The day’s final session will focus on shipbuilding and repair and how the sector responds to the demands of decarbonization and opportunities presented by new technologies and alternative fuels.

Highlights for day two include a fascinating panel discussion on the adoption of AI and machine learning for the maritime sector. Expect a deep dive into how future excellence in this field will impact the bottom line. A second panel discussion on offshore safety, moderated by CEO of Synergy Offshore Fazel Fazelbhoy, will further develop the theme of digitalization as his guests explore best practices in cybersecurity and offshore operations.

Thursday’s afternoon sessions will focus on energy transition: how sustainability strategies in the Kingdom are expanding its role as an exporter of refined products; the continued resurgence of the offshore market; and the potential for production of alternative fuels.

Finishing off proceedings will be a panel discussion featuring Capt. Turki Al Shehri, Managing Director of the National Maritime Academy, who will discuss workforce development, the educational infrastructure across the region, recruitment, career development, and retention strategies.

As always, networking will play an important role throughout the conference, giving delegates the opportunity to spend valuable time re-establishing relations and forging new connections.

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This article is part of the Seatrade Maritime Middle East Report 2024