Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 1 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)
- Chris Morley - Group Director, Seatrade Maritime - Informa Markets
- Eng. Ahmed Alsubaey - CEO, Bahri
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 explore the future of the maritime sector in the KSA, focusing on the integration of cutting-edge technologies, sustainable port infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and investment opportunities shaping the industry.
Key experts and stakeholders from government and private sector will discuss how initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, NEOM, and the development of smart ports are positioning the Kingdom as a global maritime hub. Attendees will gain insights into strategic partnerships, digital transformation in logistics, 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 - Managing Director, E. Treanor Media
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 - Managing Director, E. Treanor Media
- Eng. Essam M. Alammari - Deputy for Maritime Transport, Transport General Authority
- Shakir Sabir - Commercial Director, 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
- James Frew - Business Advisory Director, Lloyd’s Register
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. 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. 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
- Safety, Reliability & Environmental Considerations
- Regional Collaboration & Technology Integration
- Regulatory and Investment Landscape
- Fazel Fazelbhoy - Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Offshore
- Emad Alzahrani - Vessel Agency Manager, Bahri
- Torgeir Sterri - Director Offshore Classification, DNV
- Mohamed Awad - Managing Director - Middle East and India, Tidewater
- Ahmed Alqadeeb - Managing Director, Rawabi Energy
- Mohammed Al Zayer - CEO, Zaki Al Zayer Marine Services
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
- Jay New - CEO, King Abdullah Port
- Martyn Cowie - Managing Partner, Tyde Digital
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 national carriers like Bahri. 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, The Boston Consulting Group
- Hanqiang Tan - Deputy Director (International)/Vice Chair, MPA and Marine Environment Protection Committee, IMO
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director, E. Treanor Media
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
- Jaideep Vohra - Director Fleet Performance, Bahri Ship Management
- Muhammad Jawad Ali - General Manager, Sealand Maritime Group
This session explores how digital warehousing, real-time visibility tools, and automated infrastructure can reduce port pressure, support re-export, and enhance national supply chain resilience. From customs integration to fulfilment technology, this panel will examine what’s working- and where automation and IoT still creates operational pressure. Hear how Dammam’s logistics ecosystem can scale with smarter storage, faster throughput, and connected inland hubs.
- The role of smart warehousing in relieving port congestion and enabling cargo movement
- What digital customs, bonded zones, and warehouse automation accelerate throughput
- IoT, blockchain, WMS, tracking viability; operational challenges
- Best practices in managing temperature-sensitive, regulated and high-value cargo
- How can we make warehousing a competitive edge, not a cost centre?
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.
Innovation is not just about adopting new technologies—it is about making the right strategic choices while managing real-world constraints. This session offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on how industry leaders navigate complex decisions, bringing customers, technology partners, and industry insiders into the conversation.
Through fireside chats, participants will gain insights into:
- Why certain technologies were chosen over others – Examining the trade-offs in cost, scalability, and operational feasibility.
- Lessons from past challenges – What did not work, key learnings, and changes needed for future success.
- Collaboration strategies – How technology providers and their clients align priorities, mitigate risks, and drive innovation together.
- The future of maritime innovation – Emerging trends and how businesses should prepare for transformation.
Expect a blend of stage discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and thought-provoking exchanges, uncovering the real stories behind technological advancement and collaboration.
- Vanessa Welch - Managing Director, V3