The global shipping industry has been undergoing both cyclical and structural changes in recent years. While the industry still faces challenges from geopolitical uncertainties, industry consolidation, regulatory pressures and disruptive technologies, there have also been promising signs of recovery.

2. Against this backdrop, Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2018 will centre on the theme, “Positioning for Future Growth – Driving Connectivity, Innovation and Talent”. This vision for Singapore to be the Global Maritime Hub for Connectivity, Innovation and Talent is outlined in the International Maritime Centre (IMC) 2030 Strategy Review and the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map. 

3. Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW is a key platform for the industry to gather and discuss the pressing and emerging issues driving the regional and international maritime landscape. The 13th edition of SMW, which runs from 21 to 29 April 2018, brings the international maritime community together for 19 forums and conferences, 11 networking receptions and four public outreach activities. 

4. “This is an exciting time for the maritime industry. With the advent of Industry 4.0, rise of e-commerce and changes to global logistics supply chains, the industry has to transform itself. SMW 2018 will not only bring together the who’s who from the global maritime industry but also business leaders and leading experts from non-maritime and adjacent sectors to delve deep into the dynamic maritime environment. Through events such as the flagship Singapore Maritime Lecture, the inaugural Global Perspectives Forum and the 3rd Singapore Maritime Technology Conference, panellists and participants will not only debate emerging trends but also new strategies as the maritime industry readies itself for the future,” said Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA.

5. The keynote speaker for this year’s Singapore Maritime Lecture, the pre-eminent event at SMW, is Mr Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Møller – Maersk. Mr Skou will share insights into the crucial factors impacting the maritime sector, the threats and opportunities he foresees, and how industry players can harness emerging trends, technologies and market forces to remain competitive.  

6. A new event at SMW 2018, Global Perspectives: The Future of Shipping, gathers a diverse panel consisting of maritime veterans Dr Martin Stopford, President of Clarkson Research and Mr Carl Schou, President of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, as well as leaders of disruptive and emerging businesses namely Mr Lim Kell Jay, Singapore’s Country Head for Grab, Mr James Chang, Group Chief Crossborder Officer from Lazada Group and Mr Tal Drory, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert from IBM. Bringing deep insights and fresh perspectives, they will discuss the transformation taking place in the maritime industry and possible disruption of current business models by players outside the industry.

7. The Singapore Maritime Technology Conference and Exhibition 2018 returns for the third time with the theme, “Shaping the Future Maritime Industry through Digital Innovation”. Focusing on digital innovation in the maritime industry, the conference will evaluate how the industry has progressed, and identify opportunities and gaps in digital innovation and technology adoption.  Innovation & technology will be a key cross-cutting theme for SMW 2018.

8. “As innovation and technological advances transform maritime and many other industries, they will be a major cross-cutting theme for SMW 2018. To strengthen Singapore’s connectivity, deepen maritime R&D capabilities and to create a vibrant innovation culture, MPA will be inking several Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with various parties during the week. These MOUs seek to enhance our physical and non-physical connectivity, build up future capabilities for efficient port operations and safe, secure navigation, bolster Singapore’s innovation eco-system and develop a future-ready talent pool,” added Mr Tan.

9. With the increasing adoption of digitalisation in the maritime and related sectors, there is a need to boost virtual security; from pre-empting to managing cyber threats. Maritime Cyber Security Seminar 2018, themed “Shaping the Future of a Cyber-smart Maritime Industry”, is a full-day conference with key focus on the cyber threat landscape, cyber risk management and shipboard security.    

10. Delegates from the maritime insurance sector will meet at the inaugural General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) - International Union of Marine Insurance Asia (IUMI) Forum 2018 to discuss Singapore’s marine insurance market and the impact of emerging technology on shipping and marine insurance, while participants of the Capital Link Singapore Maritime Forum will discuss developments and trends in the shipping, finance and capital markets.

11. To give greater push on sustainable practices, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference – Green Shipping. Blue Business. Moving Forward Together, organised by MPA and the Governments of Norway, Germany and The Philippines, provides an opportunity for authorities, businesses and organisations from ASEM countries to exchange practical experience, solutions, ideas and suggestions in this field. 

12. Similarly, dialogues among maritime administrators and port authorities on how the industry can move towards a more sustainable future will take centre stage at the 2nd Maritime Administrators’ Forum.

13. With the expected changes in the industry, the maritime workforce must be equipped with new skills or be reskilled to take on new and redesigned roles. To help the industry strengthen its talent pool, the new human resource (HR) forum on Maritime Industry Transformation Series: Enabling Industry Transformation Through Human Capital Development will discuss new skills required, the types of training involved and how HR practitioners can play a strategic role to build a future-ready workforce. 

14. The popular and fun-filled Amazing Maritime Challenge returns for its fifth run. Participants will race against time as they complete tasks in different parts of Singapore that will enable them to learn more about the maritime industry. 

15. Themed “Maritime Singapore. Future Ready”, the SMW 2018 Exhibition will showcase the inter-linkages and global networks between diverse communities, building on capabilities and innovations to create a future-ready ecosystem. Through interactive exhibits, visitors will discover various career opportunities as well as gain insights into the future of Maritime Singapore. 

16. SMW 2018 promises to provide a holistic line-up of events that will address a broad range of challenges faced by today’s leaders and professionals and provide them with the network, knowledge and insights to better position themselves for future growth.