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The Maritime Standard thanks everyone who took part in what was widely praised as being a highly successful first Webinar Series, Covid 19- A Leadership Perspective, sponsored by DNV GL. Despite a number of technical problems, a top quality panel of industry experts proved steadfast and resilient in discussing the key issues, ranging from finance and logistics to the plight of seafarers and what the ‘new normal’ might look like. Collectively they offered thought provoking solutions to the problems facing the shipping and ports sector during these unprecedented times.
The panelists also fielded questions raised by a global audience who watched the inaugural Webinar. At the outset of the event over 1000 attendees were signed on, and 90 minutes later there were still more than 600 persons listening intently to the ongoing discussions, highlighting how – despite technical interruptions – the nature of the discussion and the content proved a strong attraction.
One of the highlights of the Webinar was Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Chief Executive of ADNOC Logistics & Services, proposing a 20 second clap in recognition of all seafarers and the contribution and sacrifices they are making at this time of global crisis. The initiative was well received with panelists and attendees joining in to show their appreciation.
Ali Shehab, Acting CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and H.K. Joshi, Chairperson and Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India, presented useful insights into the dilemmas facing seafarers and their employers, while Rajiv Agarwal, CEO and Managing Director, Essar Ports and Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports, gave the ports’ perspective. The importance of digitalisation was stressed by Dheeraj Bhatia, Senior Managing Director, Middle East, ISC and Africa, Hapag Lloyd and Ian Edwards, Area Manager, Middle East & Africa, DNV GL also highlighted some of the ways new technology is enabling classification societies to serve clients safely and efficiently. Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director, JM Baxi, brought various sectors together giving insights as a leading ship agent, port operator and logistics service provider.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, says, “There is no doubt that we are at a time of extreme challenge, and the Webinar had its share of technical challenges as well! But I am deeply appreciative of the way all panelists kept going and stepped up to maintain the flow of the discussions. Some tough questions were asked, and some thoughtful and informative replies were given. The appreciative comments made by many audience members showed how insightful the comments were and how the chance to get into the mindset of leading executives was positively received.”
The Maritime Standard will be staging a second Webinar in the series on Wednesday 20th of May, with a theme to be announced shortly. “We will learn from the experience and will be back with a bigger, better and more robust event to help bring people together at these difficult times,” added Clive Woodbridge, TMS Editor. “This is a watershed moment and there is a sense that nothing will be the same again. The Webinar Series will be a useful way to signpost what the medium and long term future may hold for our industry, from this point on, and bring people together to chart a way forward.”
