Over 40 leaders and experts from across the global maritime industry will lead discussions on the major trends and issues shaping Asia Pacific's maritime, workboat and offshore industries, whilst sharing their insights and forecast to help players forge the way forward. The three-day event kicks off with the inaugural APM Leaders' Forum (14 March 2018) exploring topics that matter in the year ahead. This is followed by spotlighting on the vessel market (15 March 2018), specifically the outlook for the tanker market, shifting trends in maritime finance and an in-depth look at Vietnam's growing maritime industry. Day three (16 March 2018) will see industry leaders examine the maritime industry's priorities in marine fuels, the latest hybrid technologies and offshore prospects.
Thailand: Strategically positioned for growth
With multiple strategically located ports and a sound port infrastructure, Thailand's maritime industry is well positioned to grow. Through major investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand not only hopes to develop into a leading ASEAN economic zone, but also transform its Eastern provinces into a land, sea, and air hub with strong connectivity with its regional neighbours.
In tandem with these developments, APM 2018 will provide valuable perspectives on relevant sectors such as marine and fuels from distinguished industry leaders and shipowners such as KD Adamson, Futurist & CEO, Futurenautics; Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst, BIMCO; and Capt. Vinay Singh, Managing Director, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) and Director, Maritime Association of Ship Owners, Ship Managers & Agents (MASSA).
"Asia Pacific Maritime has established itself as a pivotal business platform connecting the global maritime world to Asia. Not only to do business, but to enable discussions on regional developments and major industry shifts, by bringing together business leaders and experts in their respective fields. With the recent developments in Thailand, we see much potential for the industry to leverage the event to gain knowledge to aid in their business strategies, navigate new frontiers and discover new business opportunities," said Yeow Hui Leng, Senior Project Director, Asia Pacific Maritime.
Staying ahead of the competition
With a myriad of maritime opportunities that lie ahead for Thailand, some priority sectors that have been rapidly developing are its ports, inland waterways, and shipbuilding. In the face of competition from increasingly automated ports in the region, modernising its maritime infrastructure remains key for Thailand. Discussions on the Kra Canal have also resurfaced, and the potential of which would be tremendous for Thailand.
"One very interesting vision and possible massive game changer is the Kra Canal project that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea across southern Thailand. It is envisaged that such a new shipping route will improve and largely slash days of seaborne transport in the region, providing an alternative route to the Straits of Malacca and shorten transit for shipments of oil to Japan and China by 1,200 km," said Capt. Michael Elwert, Group Chief Executive Officer, Elektrans Group, who will be shedding insights on the tanker market on day two of the Singapore 2018 APM Conference.
He adds, "The plan is one of the most ambitious and transformational infrastructure megaprojects in Asia – the construction of an estimated USD$30 billion, 135km shipping canal across Thailand will form part of and support the vision of China's One Belt, One Road initiative."
Networking at the heart of APM
Also forming the backbone of APM is its networking events, which have been revamped with a more targeted approach. New this year is the series of six thematic networking sessions tailored for visitors and exhibitors of similar interests to meet and forge new partnerships.
The six themes are: IMO 2020 vision: Preparing for the new global sulphur cap; Best in class marine equipment and fitting; Powering the way forward – next generation marine power; Competing on a global playing field in terms of shipbuilding; The future of maritime shipping – transforming shipping industry with ICT and digitalisation; and Lubricant, coating and corrosion.
Registration to APM 2018 is now open. Asia Pacific Maritime 2018 will be held from 14 to 16 March 2018 at the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
More information about APM 2018 is available on https://www.apmaritime.com.