Sea Asia 2021 to catalyse opportunities in maritime transformation

Sea Asia, scheduled from 21st to 23rd September 2021 in Singapore, is the maritime industry’s key event in Asia whose agenda is designed to address the intersection of decarbonisation, technology, innovation and talent. Delivered virtually, it will be a premier marketplace for knowledge, networking and business matching.

Sea Asia 2021 will be opened by Guest of Honour, Mr S Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister for Transport & Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations in a fireside chat with Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation.

“Over the past 18 months, the maritime industry has continued to deliver essential goods across the globe in the midst of a pandemic. Post-Covid, the trends around decarbonisation and increasing use of technology will continue to gather pace, and I am pleased that Sea Asia 2021 will host a series of conversations on how our industry can best position itself,” said Mr Sohmen-Pao.

In the build-up to COP 26 in November 2021, Sea Asia, with over 100 global speakers, is primed to ask the tough questions on decarbonisation, green finance and technology adoption. Focusing on market opportunities arising from an industry investing strongly in technology, Sea Asia 2021 will include startups into the conversation to expand the ecosystem and form new partnerships.

Mr Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, Chief Executive Officer, DNV Maritime, who is chairing the panel on “Transitioning to Zero Emission Fuels” commented:

“Decarbonisation is the challenge of a lifetime. Choosing the right fuel today for operations tomorrow is a daunting task that all shipowners must face up to. The challenge in front of us is huge, but the incentive to transform couldn’t be greater – the very future of our industry and society. The scene is set for a maritime renaissance.”

Sector leaders will also address the pressing issues on talent; how shipping can become more diverse, improve its record of developing women leaders; and how it must proactively respond to the reputational and relationship issues arising from the crewing crisis.

Mr Kishore Rajvanshy, Managing Director, Fleet Management (a Caravel Group Company), who will be speaking on the panel “Proactive and Practical Solutions for the Crewing Crisis”, said:

“Every one of us in the maritime community has a responsibility to assist seafarers who continue to face difficult circumstances brought on by the pandemic. I’m pleased Sea Asia is bringing key stakeholders together to focus on practical solutions that can help ease and hopefully soon bring an end to the crew change crisis.”

The launch of TechX @ Sea Asia also sees the event expand into the dynamic ecosystem of maritime startups, VCs, incubators, accelerators, and technology and digitalisation solution providers. TechX @ Sea Asia will include a pitch fest, VC inputs on raising finance and dedicated discussions on business management. Importantly, emphasis will be placed on the significant role that is being played by Singapore as the world’s leading maritime hub to create an ecosystem of innovation.

Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets (Maritime Group), said:

“Technology partnerships are key to progressing innovation in Maritime. TechX @ Sea Asia, supported by global incubators and accelerators in maritime technology, will provide a platform for industry to further enable collaboration in this rapidly evolving space.”

Sea Asia 2021 is expected to welcome over 2,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, targeting executives in C-suite and senior management roles.
Source: Sea Asia