Singapore  : The maritime industry has gone through challenging times in recent years but analysts are optimistic that things are stabilising.

According to BIMCO Chief Shipping Analyst Mr Peter Sand, the maritime industry is looking set to move in the right direction in 2014. “We are definitely seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. The recent glimpse of sun in Capesize and VLCC segments, the slowing demolition activity and NewBuilding ordering gaining traction are all bullish signals,” said Mr Sand.

He also added that: “With the global economy recovering, the optimistic outlook of the shipping market has never been clearer than now.” Mr Peter Sand will be speaking at the 13th edition of the bi-annual Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2014, which will be held in Singapore between 19 and 21 March 2014.

He will be joined by a distinguished list of top maritime leaders from all over the world including Mr Roberto Cazzulo, Chairman, VP Corporate Quality and Chairman, RINA Services S.p.A., RINA Group and International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Council, Italy, Mr Chris Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer, Breitling Oil and Gas and Mr Thomas Kriwat, Chief Executive Officer, Mercantile Shipping Company.

Strong Line-Up of International Speakers

Themed “Repositioning for Growth in the Asia Pacific Region”, the conference will see a dynamic line-up of international maritime leaders who will provide delegates with insights, address challenges and share trends.

The focus will be on hot topics such as dry bulk demand, maritime finance, green shipping, and the use of maritime technology to cut cost and improve efficiency.

Apart from Mr Sand, Mr Cazzulo, Mr Faulkner and Mr Kriwat, the line-up of heavy-weight speakers includes:

— Mahesh Iyer, Vice Chairman, Transworld Group Singapore

— George Horsington, President – Business Development, Jaya Holdings

— Capt. Jitesh Jaipuriyar, Chief Operating Officer, Emerald Maritime LLC

— Neal de Rouche, Vice President Asia Pacific, Wilhelmsen Ship Services

— Jeremy Nixon, Chief Executive Officer, NYK Line

— Dr Joe Thomas, Director, Ballast Water Management Systems, Wartsila Environmental Solutions

— Yang ChangKun, Managing Director – Shipping, ICBI Bank, China PRC

Source : ACN Newswire