Initial report of key highlights
Last week BIMCO held its Annual Conference, “Perspectives in Shipping” – and presented its first ever awards at a gala dinner at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. For those that missed the event, here are some of the key highlights.
Opening ceremony
BIMCO’s President John Denholm welcomed delegates to Dubai and spoke of its importance to the global maritime community. He also gave special thanks to Captain Jitendra Misra, Managing Director of Emarat Maritime for his The event was then formally opened by His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, who spoke on Dubai’s maritime history, its economic importance and how it has developed to become one of the shipping capitals of the world.
Peter Sand, BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst gave delegates a presentation on the overall market trends and outlook for the global industry – his slides are available todownload.
The tracks
Feedback from delegates on this years’ conference tracks has been overwhelmingly positive – particular on the innovative role-playing session which BIMCO ran for the first time.
Track 1, “Double Jeopardy: trial by media, trial by law” was a simulation of a maritime casualty – delegates saw the reporting of the grounding of a merchant vessel, the initial discussions and conflicts between the shipowner and the charterer, the media pressure building and the eventual implications play out in a mock arbitration. Delegates were able to vote during the session on the outcome of the arbitration – and see if their instincts were right! A more detailed report of the session will be out very shortly.
Track 2, “Upcoming regulatory requirements may erode your ticket to trade” gave delegates expert insight into the latest ballast water treatment systems and their development alongside regulatory obstacles, particularly in the US. It also explored the viability of the various future fuels – from technical experts and shipowners themselves. A more detailed report of the session will be out very shortly, and the presentations are all available to download on the BIMCO website.
Track 3 was a free ISO PAS 28007 workshop, specifically for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) based in, or operating out of, Dubai. The session focused on the importance of a common standard of the highest quality and a “level playing field” that ensures the safety and security of BIMCO members’ crews, vessels and cargo.
The first ever BIMCO awards
Following the conference, BIMCO held its first ever award ceremony during a gala dinner. The awards were created to celebrate and highlight shipping companies and individuals who have excelled in areas reflecting BIMCO’s global activities.
The judging panel was headed by BIMCO’s President John Denholm, who was joined by Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman of DP World, and Captain Jitendra Misra, Managing Director of Emarat Maritime and Director of BIMCO, Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and President Designate of BIMCO and Angus Frew, Secretary General & CEO of BIMCO.
Source: BIMCO
