Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 1 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)
- Eithne Treanor - Founder & CEO E Treanor Media and MC, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress
- Bader Alkhelaiwi - Congress MC, Aramco
- H.E Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser - Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Chris Morley - Group Director, Seatrade Maritime - Informa Markets
- Eng. Ahmed Alsubaey - CEO, Bahri
A series of exciting MOU and launch announcements.
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the maritime industry is emerging as a cornerstone for economic diversification, regional connectivity, and global trade competitiveness. This session will bring together some of leaders of the pillars of the maritime sector in the KSA and an international staple of the industry, focusing on both near to medium term factors like influence of ongoing geopolitical situation on global trade and longer-term systemic shifts to align with upcoming regulatory requirements. Our esteemed audience will gain insights into challenges related to fuel of the future, impact of limited shipyard/scrapyard global capacity on fleet renewals, decarbonization efforts, and the role of education and workforce development in building a resilient maritime ecosystem, themes which we will develop further in the course of this two-days conference agenda. This session is essential for policymakers, investors, and industry leaders looking to understand and participate in the next wave of growth in Saudi Arabia’s maritime domain.
- Eithne Treanor - Founder & CEO E Treanor Media and MC, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress
- Evangelos Marinakis - Founder and Chairman, Capital Maritime Trading Corp.
- Hisham Alnughaimish - President, Bahri Oil
- Eithne Treanor - Founder & CEO E Treanor Media and MC, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress
Shipping is an industry increasingly under pressure to withstand and adapt to rapidly changing realities. Key chokepoints like the Suez and Panama Canals are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, conflicts and climate change. These disruptions are extending shipping routes, straining supply chains and raising costs, with profound impacts on food security, energy supplies and the global economy, as over 80% of world trade volume is carried by sea.
What we have is the picture of the most dynamic and complex landscape for trade and global shipping industry.
We ask our panel to give their thoughts on five major issues, to set the scene for our two-day agenda:
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Decarbonisation & Regulatory Pressure
Digitalization & Cybersecurity
Safety and Strategic Vulnerabilities
Opportunities in the GCC and in the Kingdom, specifically
- Eithne Treanor - Founder & CEO E Treanor Media and MC, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress
- Yousef Aldossary - General Manager - Maritime, Environment and Safety, Transport General Authority
- Jerry Kalogiratos - Chief Executive Officer, Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:CCEC)
- Mohammed Alsinan - Logistics Vice President, Bahri
- Poul Hestbaek - Chief Executive Officer, Folk Maritime
- Jasmin Fichte - Managing Partner, Fichte & Co.
- Joshua Divin - SVP Global Marine Business Development, ABS
- Abdul Fahl - Director, Through Transport Mutual Services (Gulf) Ltd
- Jack Spyros Pringle - Global Head, Energy Transition Advisory, Lloyd’s Register
In this session we hear from one of the market leaders in the offshore industry key insights into regional development and its impact and alignment with international trade, as well as what is on the horizon and in our blindspot.
- Gary Howard - Middle East Correspondent, Seatrade Maritime News
- Capt. Mohamed Al Ali - Senior Vice President, Offshore Logistics, ADNOC Logistics & Services
Saudi Arabia is advancing its offshore oil infrastructure through strategic projects led by Saudi Aramco. The Marjan field expansion, set for completion in 2025, stands as a flagship development featuring new production platforms and extensive subsea pipeline networks connecting to the Tanajib processing facilities. This expansion has catalyzed significant growth in the regional Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) market, with Saudi operators expanding their fleets to meet rising demand. Aramco is simultaneously enhancing its offshore transportation capabilities with substantial investments in pipeline infrastructure, including multiple large-diameter pipelines extending over 120 kilometers to link offshore production zones with onshore processing facilities.
These offshore oil initiatives align with the Kingdom's broader vision to optimize production capacity and maintain its position as a global oil supply leader. The infrastructure enhancements significantly improve Saudi Arabia's offshore oil production efficiency while strengthening regional energy security. The growing complexity of these offshore operations has transformed the GCC's OSV market, with increasing demand for specialized vessels including platform supply vessels, anchor handlers, and maintenance support craft. These developments represent a substantial upgrade to the Kingdom's offshore oil transportation infrastructure, positioning Saudi Arabia to meet both domestic energy requirements and international market demands through 2030 and beyond.
In this key discussion we ask our panellists to share their thoughts on:
- Update on Infrastructure and Transportation Modalities, including the evolving role of OSVs in supporting Saudi and wider GCC offshore operations
- Safety, Reliability & Environmental Considerations in offshore vessel operations across the region
- Regional Collaboration & Technology Integration, with focus on OSV fleet modernization and specialized vessel requirements
- Regulatory and Investment Landscape shaping the Saudi and GCC OSV market growth and operational standards
- Fazel Fazelbhoy - Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Offshore
- Emad Alzahrani - Vessel Agency Manager, Bahri
- Torgeir Sterri - SVP, Global Director Offshore Classification, DNV
- Mohammed Al Zayer - CEO, Zaki Al Zayer Marine Services
- Babak Jabbari - General Manager, Zamil
- Yasser K. Towairgi - Manager, Marine Projects and Engineering Division, Aramco
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its port infrastructure as a core pillar of Vision 2030, aiming to become a global logistics hub. Major projects like the expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port, upgrades at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and the development of Oxagon Port in NEOM highlight the Kingdom’s focus on increasing capacity, efficiency, and technological integration. These initiatives support broader goals of economic diversification, supply chain resilience, and enhanced global trade connectivity.
Across the GCC, countries are making parallel investments to modernize ports and strengthen their positions in global maritime logistics. From the UAE’s Jebel Ali Port to Qatar’s Hamad Port and Oman’s Duqm, the region is building a highly connected and competitive port ecosystem. This session will examine how Saudi Arabia, and its neighbours are leveraging infrastructure, innovation, and strategic partnerships to lead the next wave of port development in the global South.
- Dr. Johannes Distler - Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
- Maksim Mihic - Global Executive Vice President - Operations & Engineering, DP World
- Jay New - CEO, King Abdullah Port
- Hanqiang Tan - Deputy Director (International)/ Vice Chair IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, MPA/ IMO
- Kris Brusselmans - EVP - Maritime & Logistics, Milaha
- Lars Greiner - CEO, RSGT MPT
- Majed Almalik - VP Shared Services and Digital Transformation, Saudi Port Authority
This session will explore Saudi Arabia’s strategic leadership in driving the marine fuel transition across the GCC, highlighting its integration of clean energy goals under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, as reflected by key initiatives like the development of LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen bunkering infrastructure at major ports like Jeddah, Jubail, and NEOM’s Oxagon; Aramco’s role in scaling low-carbon fuel production; and pilot projects in fleet decarbonization by carriers. We will also examine regulatory progress, cross-GCC collaboration, and international partnerships aimed at aligning the Kingdom’s maritime sector with IMO emissions targets and the broader global push toward a low-carbon shipping future.
We consider:
• Fuel readiness: LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels – what’s viable today vs future
• Port infrastructure transformation and bunkering readiness
• Investment and public-private partnerships
• Policy alignment with IMO 2050 and regional frameworks
• Innovation and digitalization to support decarbonization
• Cross-border collaboration among GCC countries
- James Reynolds - Associate Director, Middle East Expert Member – Marine Shipping, Ports & Logistics Practice, Boston Consulting Group
- Jack Spyros Pringle - Global Head, Energy Transition Advisory, Lloyd’s Register
- Hanqiang Tan - Deputy Director (International)/ Vice Chair IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, MPA/ IMO
- Mohamed Badawy - CCO, Folk Maritime
- Patrick Frigge - Design Director, Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company – MAKEEN
- Nora Nezamuddin - Senior Fellow in the Transportation and Infrastructure Program, KAPSARC
- Eithne Treanor - Founder & CEO E Treanor Media and MC, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress
- Emma Howell - Group Content Director, Seatrade Maritime
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping shipping, maritime, and logistics by enabling smarter decisions across every layer of operations. This session explores how stakeholders can leverage advanced analytics for three strategic priorities: resilience (detecting disruptions early and planning contingencies), sustainability (optimizing fuel use and ensuring emissions compliance), and growth (aligning infrastructure and investment with trade opportunities). The result is not just efficiency, but confidence in navigating uncertainty. By embedding AI into daily decision-making, ports, shipping, and supply chain ecosystems worldwide can become more resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive in an era of rapid transformation.
This will all point to how AI drives resilience, sustainability, and growth—positioning Saudi Arabia’s supply chain ecosystem to achieve Vision 2030 goals.
- Dr. Payman Eslami,PhD,P.Eng - Founder & CEO, Soshianest
AI-driven fleet optimisation is transforming maritime logistics by enhancing efficiency, reducing delays, and improving decision-making under uncertainty. From predictive maintenance that prevents breakdowns to real-time adjustments for unpredictable conditions, AI is reshaping how fleets operate. But integration challenges—legacy systems, connectivity issues, and regulatory concerns—must be addressed to unlock its full potential. How can businesses scale AI solutions without disrupting existing workflows?
- How predictive maintenance cuts delays before they happen
- AI-powered adjustments for unpredictable maritime conditions
- What works—and what’s failing—in real-time fleet tracking
- AI for smarter decision-making under uncertainty
- AI strategies that drive sustainability without sacrificing efficiency
- Jamil Al Ali - Head of Regional Commercial & Business Development, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
- Jaideep Vohra - Director Fleet Performance, Bahri
- Muhammad Jawad Ali - General Manager, Sealand Maritime Group
- Capt. Pradeep Chawla - CEO, Maritime Knowledge Limited, MarinePALS
- Dr. Lina Eyouni - Senior Manager - Environmental Quality and Monitoring, Red Sea Global
- Abdulaziz A. Alsomali - Manager, Facility and Logistics Operations Division, Aramco
In his talk, Daniel will share insights from HPC’s applied AI work in terminals and how generative AI is already making a practical difference in day-to-day maritime operations — not as a future vision, but as a tool in current implementation. Real-world examples from smart ports will illustrate how AI is being applied to streamline repetitive tasks: from automating order intake to understanding free-text emails and assigning voyage numbers.
Looking ahead, Daniel introduces the next stage: agent-based systems that coordinate workflows across TOS, ERP, and other applications via a shared interface. This is powered by HPC’s Data Intelligence Suite — a platform built in close collaboration with operators, designed to turn digital architecture into real operational value.
His talk is intentionally accessible for a mixed-level audience. It avoids buzzwords and focuses instead on practical insights, illustrating how incremental, user-centric automation can support the Vision 2030 goals of a digitally enabled logistics ecosystem.
- Dr. Daniel Beck - Manager Data Intelligence, HPC Hamburg Port Consulting
This session explores how cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, quantum computing, big data, AI, and interoperable digital platforms are reshaping how ports operate, communicate, and plan. Industry leaders will examine the shift toward intelligence-driven infrastructure, where data visibility, predictive analytics, and collaborative governance create new levels of agility and efficiency across maritime logistics. Participants will engage in forward-looking discussion to explore the opportunities, barriers, and implementation strategies that can accelerate Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a regional leader in digital trade, in line with Vision 2030.
This session will tackle:
- Smart planning through digital twins
- Data platforms and predictive analytics
- Governance and large-scale systems design
- Vanessa Welch - Managing Director, V3
- Frederic Gomer - Managing Partner, B2G Consulting
- Mohanad Alhamide AlMutiri - General Manager of Ports and Maritime Services, ELM
- Dr. Ahmed Aljizani - Founding Partner, Advisory Channels
- Dr. Daniel Beck - Manager Data Intelligence, HPC Hamburg Port Consulting
Cybersecurity has become a critical operational priority as maritime and logistics industries accelerate digital transformation, from smart ports to autonomous vessels. Recent ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and supply chain breaches have exposed vulnerabilities across the ecosystem, threatening port operations, fleet movements, and global trade continuity. This session will feature expert insights into how digital threats are evolving, what’s working in cyber defence, and what leading experts are doing to mitigate risk, protect assets, and build long-term cyber resilience.
- Chris Bhatt - Head of Transportation & Logistics & Chief Commercial Officer - MENA Specialty, Aon Reinsurance Solutions
- Khalaf Hamed Al-Khaldi - Manager, Information Security, IMI
- Alaa Alsadi - VP Commercial – Energy, IEC Telecom Group
- John A. Gwilliams - Cyber Security Researcher, Penetration Tester & Cyber Security Trainer, Saudi Aramco
This fireside chat will explore innovation in maritime as a system, from digital surveys and new fuel approvals to the regulatory frameworks that allow safe adoption. It will also address the re-emergence of nuclear power, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs). The conversation will unpack what these shifts mean in practical terms: for OPEX, CAPEX, and bankability in ports and at sea.
- Vanessa Welch - Managing Director, V3
- Dheeraj Sharma - Vice President, Middle East and Africa – Head of Commercial and Business Development, ABS, Marine & Offshore
- Steven Jones - Founder, Seafarers Happiness Index
This session will examine how digital transformation, materials science advancements, and automation are revolutionizing offshore operations while addressing critical environmental considerations and regulatory requirements.
- Technological Innovations Transforming the Industry
- Environmental Considerations and Sustainability
- Future Outlook
- Danial Kaabi - CEO, Sea Horizon Offshore Marine Services
- Ahmed Alqadeeb - Independent Strategic Leader, Maritime & Offshore (Saudi Vision 2030)
- Samer Qiblawi - President & CEO, Marcap
- Alaa Nagi - Section Head (Marine Oil Spill), Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
- Francesco Calanca - Senior Director Marine Operation – Middle East Offshore, McDermott
- Jamil Al Ali - Head of Regional Commercial & Business Development, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
- Emma Howell - Group Content Director, Seatrade Maritime