2024 SAFETY4SEA London Forum: Exploring opportunities for a greener and safer industry

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having SQE MARINE as lead sponsor. More sponsors of the event included the following organizations: Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd (BPS), Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. , Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), EURONAV, Green-Jakobsen A/S, Latsco Marine Management Inc, NAPA, RISK4SEA, and SEAFiT.

Supporters of the event included: European Community of Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), InterManager, INTERCARGO, International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), International WindShip Association (IWSA), Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS), Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), and The Nautical Institute.

Opening the event, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, welcomed the delegates and speakers, while expressing gratitude to all the sponsors and supporters. He also emphasized the significance of signing the SAFETY4SEA Petition for improved connectivity, underscoring the vital role internet access plays in enhancing crew welfare. Additionally, he announced that the results of the 2024 SEAFiT Crew Survey will be released soon. This is by far the largest survey of its kind with a participation target of more than 100K seafarers.

Session #1: Effective strategies for experience transfer  

Capt. John Lloyd, CEO of The Nautical Institute, gave an insightful presentation focused on mentoring and its crucial role in maritime training. He emphasized the importance of task-based learning, where learners observe their environment and actively engage with real-world situations to gain knowledge. Capt. Lloyd also highlighted the need for recognizing circumstances, a skill developed through experience, allowing individuals to make informed decisions in dynamic situations.

Erik Green, CEO of Green Jakobsen, delivered a compelling presentation focused on enhancing human performance through the integration of both quantitative data and qualitative insights. He emphasized that in order to improve decision-making and safety performance, it’s crucial to understand which data and insights are most valuable and how they relate to factors influencing human performance. Drawing inspiration from sports performance and science, Green demonstrated how the continuous use of both data types can significantly enhance safety and human performance.

Furthermore, during the panel discussion, Sandra Welch, CEO of Seafarers Hospital Society, emphasized the importance of experience transfer and best practices beyond mere regulatory compliance. She highlighted that while meeting regulatory standards is crucial, organizations should also focus on sharing knowledge and practical experiences to improve the safety and the performance of seafarers.

Session #2: Innovations in shipping decarbonization

Edmund Hughes, IBIA Representative to the IMO, IBIA, delivered a presentation on the future of ship bunkering, focusing on the twin forces of decarbonization and digitalization. He discussed how the increasing complexity of the bunker value chain introduces greater risks, necessitating a deeper understanding of emerging alternative fuels. Edmund Hughes also emphasized the importance of identifying both the threats and opportunities that come with these developments, urging the industry to proactively address the risks while capitalizing on advancements in technology and sustainable practices.

Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA), highlighted the growing momentum of wind propulsion as a viable solution in his presentation. He discussed the significant progress being made in this area, including relevant policy changes and their impacts. Additionally, he stressed the importance of viewing the energy transition from a broader perspective, rather than focusing solely on alternative fuels, to achieve meaningful progress towards a sustainable maritime future.

During the panel discussion, Fanny Lossy, Director for Climate, Environment, and Safety at ECSA, emphasized the need for increased industry collaboration to advance decarbonization efforts. Meanwhile, Martin Olverson, Development Director Marine, NatPower Marine, highlighted the importance of adopting energy efficiency measures, such as shore power, to effectively reduce emissions.

Session #3: Decarbonization strategies in the shipping industry      

Roy De Haan, Sales Manager, NAPA, explained how technological advancements are crucial for advancing decarbonization efforts in the maritime industry. He covered various strategies including the role of weather routing in optimizing wind propulsion, the effectiveness of pilot projects in demonstrating real-world results, and the importance of analyzing energy-saving devices for confident investments. Additionally, he discussed how digital twin technology is being used to improve ship design and operations.

Ricardo Centeno, Project Officer for the Decarbonisation of Shipping, Department Sustainability and Technical Assistance, EMSA, discussed the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 legislative packages. He focused on specific regulations impacting the maritime transport sector, such as the FUEL EU Maritime Regulation and the expansion of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to include maritime transport. Richard Centeno also highlighted EMSA’s role in implementing and enforcing these regulations, emphasizing their support for the European Commission, national administrations, and the industry in advancing the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

During the panel discussion, Dimitris Monioudis, Managing Director at Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd, emphasized the significant costs of the energy transition and the need for careful consideration of each step. In a related point, Robert Haggquist, South32’s member representative & Trustee, Sustainable Shipping Initiative, argued that regulations must be regularly updated to stay current with evolving trends.

Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA, followed the panel discussion with a focus presentation about how automation can enhance port state control performance and reduce operational costs. He also explained that by using a POCRA system, ships can anticipate when inspections are likely to occur, enabling more efficient preparation. According to Dimitris Psarros, automated tools can create ship-specific, and PSC focus checklists ensuring comprehensive readiness for inspections.

Nelson Mojarro, Head of Innovation and Partnerships, ICS, also delivered a focus presentation on the key role hydrogen will play in decarbonizing multiple sectors, including shipping. He emphasized that industrial demand, rather than transport, will dominate hydrogen usage, with shipping playing an enabling role in the hydrogen economy. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of proximity to hydrogen sources, as it reduces infrastructure needs, and called for the development of hubs to ensure the energy-maritime value chain is fit for purpose in transporting and utilizing low-carbon fuels.

Session #4 Human factors

In the final panel discussion, Heidi Heseltine, Founder, Diversity Study Group & CEO, Halcyon Recruitment, and Adam Parnell, Director Maritime, CHIRP, centred on the critical role that integrating human factors plays in achieving net zero carbon emissions and enhancing safety standards. By considering these human factors, organizations can design more efficient systems, foster safer work environments, and ensure that their net zero initiatives are not only technically feasible but also practically sustainable in everyday operations. The panellists explored various strategies for incorporating human factors into planning and implementation phases, highlighting real-world examples where such integration led to tangible improvements in both environmental outcomes and safety performance.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE 2024 SAFETY4SEA LONDON FORUM HERE