InterManager takes part in Maritime Cyprus

InterManager’s President and several of our members joined shipping industry professionals from around the world at the biennial Maritime Cyprus 2023 Conference in Limassol (Oct 8 to 11). Themed “Shipping in Action: An Agenda for Change,” more than 900 delegates took part from some 35 countries.

Panel discussions and keynote presentations saw industry experts unpacking issues concerning the energy transition, the transformation of the industry as it continues its path towards decarbonisation, and the role that shipbuilding plays in the shifting context of the shipping industry.

The second panel discussion, “The Role of Shipbuilding in an Evolving Shipping Industry,” was moderated by Nick Brown, IACS Chairman, CEO, Lloyd’s Register. Panellists included Mark O’Neil, President of InterManager, alongside Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & MD, ERMA FIRST; Polys V. Hajioannou, CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers, Inc; Chris-Alexander Korfiatis, Vice President, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean; M Kenneth Tveter, Head of Green Transition, Clarksons; and Stephanos E. Angelakos, CEO, Angelakos (Hellas) S.A.

The discussion focused on how shipbuilding is transforming to align with new expectations from customers, which are resulting from existing and incoming regulations. This is complicated by issues relating to undefined climate goals, lack of alternative fuel availability, and the need for additional investment in new technologies.

Mr O’Neil pointed to the global social, governmental, and political factors currently influencing the decarbonisation of all industries, and urged a more realistic and pragmatic approach to the decarbonisation challenges faced by shipping.

“Shipyards are facing a level of uncertainty when it comes to the rationale behind building the carbon neutral vessels of the future,” he said, suggesting that focus and funding is shifted more towards company shareholders and voters – who he believes will be the true drivers of global change.

Adding to conversation around seafarers, Mark O’Neil warned that the crewing market will be further segmented as the industry trains different groups to handle and operate various vessel types using different alternative fuels. “We’ll need to pay higher salaries to keep these trained personnel on the same vessel types, to decrease ongoing recruitment costs” he said.

For more information about Maritime Cyprus 2023 click here