A step towards a more innovative and greener maritime industry
Last week the 14th annual Green Ship Technology Europe Conference, co-located with the launch of Shipping2030, took place in Copenhagen. These combined events formed an unprecedented platform for over 450 industry professionals to meet and discuss the new trends and disruptive technologies on the horizon for green shipping and a more innovative maritime industry.
'(GST is) the best conference to update the shipping operators on green ship technologies' Alberto Portolano, Naval Architect, Grimaldi Group
With two days full of content, the event provided insightful presentations and inspiring debate: 'it gives the industry an opportunity for people to connect' said Matt Duke, Vice President, Digital Platform Maritime at Kongsberg Digital. K D Adamson, Futurist and CEO of Futurenautics commented that 'it really denotes a proper change in the attitudes of the industry. It's just fantastic to feel the atmosphere in the room of people really grasping the future with both hands.'
'Shipping2030 is one of the few conferences that I have attended in the last few years with the great combination of knowledge sharing/ amazing speakers and panel discussions. I was very much impressed with the facilitator for the event and would very much look forward to participating in the coming year.' Tamojit Dey, Category Manager, DFDS
Key topics discussed include data management & analytics, digital visions for the future, air emissions, organisational change & leadership, smart ports, ballast water & waste management, green ship design, autonomous ships, new emerging technologies, cyber security, sustainability, blockchain, alternative fuels, hull coatings, biofouling and the list goes on - watch this space for videos, articles, guest blogs & interviews coming up over spring.
It wasn't just panels and presentations - the events were packed full with hours of innovative networking and interactive features. Key highlights included the Welcome Drinks Reception, hosted by DuPont on the 25th floor of Radisson Blu hotel, where panoramic views of Copenhagen welcomed all attendees and set the stage for the conferences.
In addition, the GST & Shipping 2030 Gala Dinner & Awards welcomed the industry for a glamorous evening of dinner, celebrations of the industry’s movers & shakers, relaxed discussions, and networking.
Langh Tech were celebrated as the Green Ship Technology of the Year Winner. Judges commented that Langh Tech has certainly been innovative in the design of the system and shown a dynamic focus on customer requirements. It is a good and workable solution with a clear market potential. Of key importance is that the company collaborates with customers, and makes a point of ensuring interoperability with manufacturer's systems. It should be highly commended for that approach.
Eagle Bulk Shipping were the winners of the Green Shipowner of the Year Award. They were commended for a structured and smart approach, demonstrating a very positive innovative mindset. Judges felt it shifted the focus from cost cutting to creating value across the enterprise.
Eagle Bulk is highly commended for demonstrating that sustainability can be a by-product of wider value creation, and it is great to see the application of a methodical approach to voyage management.
And finally KNL Networks won the Shipping2030 Innovation Award. KNL Networks were commended for having taken an extremely simple communications model, well understood by the maritime industry and supercharging it.
An interesting concept and looks like a differentiated product serving a market space that is already provided for by traditional means.
Check Twitter for more on what was discussed, said and celebrated: #Shipping2030 #GSTEurope and join our community on Facebook and LinekdIn. The American edition will be coming to New York in November with the events also returning to Copenhagen in 2018. Save the date today!
Shipping2030 Asia: 5-6 September 2017
Shipping2030 & GST North America: 15-17 November
Shipping2030 & GST Europe: 21-22 March 2018