Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference

In the face of unprecedented challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the maritime industry is at the forefront of transformative change. This 3-day conference brings together visionaries, thought leaders, innovators, policy makers, researchers, and industry experts to explore the intersection of digitalisation, decarbonisation and how services such as insurance and financing must evolve to support the needs of the sector.

With a sharp focus on the convergence of digitalisation, cybersecurity, AI, big data, green finance and decarbonisation technologies, this conference aims to offer profound insights for navigating the dynamic changes ahead.

25 - 27 March 2025

9:00am to 5:15pm

Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 401-402

Programme

25 March 26 March 27 March

Time	Programme
8:30am - 9:00am	Registration
9:00am - 9:15am	Opening Address by Guest of Honour
9:15am - 10:15am	Session 1: AI and Big Data Era in Maritime Industry This panel explores AI and big data’s transformative potential in maritime, focusing on enhancing safety and operational efficiency and decarbonisation efforts. We’ll examine AI applications in operations, address implementation and integration challenges, and discuss the need for cohesive AI models to support maritime operations. The discussion will also tackle rising concerns around data security, privacy and potential biasness in practical use cases. Keynote Presenter Greg Wilson Worldwide Public Sector Chief Technology Officer (Government) Microsoft
10:15am - 10:45am	Networking Coffee Break/ Opening of EXPO@SMW
10:45am - 11:30Am	Session 2: Maritime Resiliency in Operation Technology and Digital Supply Chain Digital transformation and the integration of digital technologies in maritime operations has boosted efficiency but also increased cyber vulnerabilities. This panel will examine the evolving cyber threat landscape as ship’s operational technology (OT) such as navigation and propulsion controls and digital supply chains become more interconnected. It will discuss the development of holistic cyber resilience strategies, encompassing IT, OT, and human factors, explore the crucial role of information sharing and collaboration across the maritime ecosystem, and tackle the impact of international regulations, such as IMO guidelines, on implementing comprehensive cyber resilience measures for both IT and OT system. Panellists Daryl Pereira Director & Head of ‘Office of the CISO’ Google Cloud Asia Pacific Silver Andre CEO CR14 Tim Conway ICS Curriculum Lead SANS Institute Christopher Fong Chief Information Security Officer Pacific International Lines
11:30am - 1:00pm	Networking Lunch
1:00pm - 1:45pm	Session 3: The Future of Autonomous and Remote Vessel Operations The segment will delve into the latest advancements in Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and discuss the industry's imperative to expand and diversify the maritime ecosystem, fostering a more open and collaborative environment that encourages participation from diverse communities to drive innovation and resilience in the maritime sector and advance the technological developments for autonomous vessels and remote vessel operations. Presentation Carsten Haagensen President of Data Services Ocean Infinity Panellists Sun Feng Chairman and President China Classification Society Carsten Haagensen President of Data Services Ocean Infinity
1:45pm - 2:30pm	Session 4: Growth of MarineTech Startups and Investments This panel will shed light on MarineTech startups that have gained a foothold in the industry through user traction. It will also highlight the opportunities that venture capital firms have seized by funding these startups' growth through strategic investments. Moderator Shaun Hon Founder & CEO Motion Ventures Panellists Ann Carpenter CEO & Founder Braid Theory Niklas Holck CEO Tradeworks.vc Nidhi Gupta CEO Portcast Pte Ltd
2:30pm - 3:00pm	Networking Coffee Break
3:00pm - 4:00pm	Session 5: Maritime Green Energy Transition and NextGen Fuels As the maritime industry accelerates the adoption of greener fuels, a robust framework for certification and emissions accounting must be developed to enhance transparency, accountability, and confidence in the sustainability of maritime operations. This panel discusses existing solutions and challenges, and the role of regulatory frameworks in facilitating these systems. Topic 1: Carbon registry, book-and-claim and chain-of-custody models Presenters Max Eichelbaum Associate Director of Digital Solutions and Book & Claim Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Johnny Tan Managing Director Golden Island Topic 2: Complexities of emissions accounting – IMO Data Collection System (DCS), EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV), Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and fugitive emissions Presenters Ho Hiang Kwee Adjunct Snr Research Fellow Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore Polona Gregorin Head of Unit, Mobility (II): Air, Rail, Water and Intermodal Policy European Union (EU) Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA)
4:00pm	End of Programme

Time	Programme
8:30am - 9:00am	Registration
9:00am - 9:45am	Keynote Speech by Chief Executive, MPA
9:45am - 10:15am	Session 1: Landscape, trends and key developments for net-zero fuels An expert presentation that will provide an overview of the landscape, trends, and key developments in net-zero fuels as the maritime industry transits towards a multi-fuel future, offering insights into how various factors such as fuel supply availability and cost, technological maturity, safety and standards, regulations, supply chain and infrastructure development, and cross-sector competition for alternative fuels may shape the industry’s energy future.
10:15am - 10:45am	Networking Coffee Break
10:45am - 12:00Pm	Session 2: Policy and Regulation ahead of IMO MEPC 83 As we approach MEPC 83 where crucial decisions on economic and technical measures to meet the ambitions 2023 IMO Strategy on GHG Emissions Reduction from Ships are expected, this panel will explore the critical role of regulations and policies in driving the maritime energy transition. We'll discuss how these frameworks can facilitate the development and adoption of zero and near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources for international shipping. Expert speakers will share global best practices and opportunities for further collaboration in the industry's decarbonisation efforts. Introductory Remarks Katharine Palmer Maritime Lead Climate Champions Team Moderator Sturla Henriksen Special Advisor, Ocean United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Panellists Wei Ruan Director of International Office, Dean of International Education College, Head of Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre in Asia Shanghai Maritime University Sveinung Oftedal Chief Negotiator - Green Shipping Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment Margi Van Gogh Head of Supply Chain & Transport Industries World Economic Forum (WEF) Aparajit Pandey Principal, Climate Aligned Industries / Shipping Decarbonisation Lead Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) A/Prof. Chai Kah Hin Associate Provost (Masters' Programmes and Lifelong Education) National University of Singapore
12:00pm - 12:45pm	Session 3: Pathways to Net-Zero for International Shipping International shipping is transitioning to a multi-fuel future to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This panel unites experts across the fuel supply chain to explore the production, transport, and safe use of alternative fuels like biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. Discussions will focus on advancing storage and bunkering, propulsion systems, regulatory impacts, and strategies to accelerate decarbonisation while addressing risks, costs, and stakeholder collaboration. Panellists Alexander Saverys CEO Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) Dominik Schneiter CEO WinGD Ltd. Maarten Smeets Executive Vice President Global Business Development Vopak Kensuke Kubota General Manager Marine Solution Business Div. Mobility Business Unit II, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
12:45pm - 2:15pm	Networking Lunch
2:15pm - 3:15pm	Session 4: Charging Ahead! Electrification of Maritime Transport With advances in battery technology and charging solutions, electrification is emerging as a viable pathway for the decarbonisation of marine vessels, especially those plying short haul routes. This session will explore the latest developments in (i) battery technologies, implications on the maritime sector, and cascading impact to Singapore, and (ii) industry-academia-regulator efforts to develop and support best-in-class electric harbour craft in Singapore and Singapore’s Charging Infrastructure Masterplan. Presentation – Future Ship and System Design (FSSD) Research & Development Program Presenter Dr. Tay Chuan Beng Acting Cluster Director Singapore Institute of Technology Presentation – Singapore’s Future Coastal Logistics Ecosystem Presenter Albert Tsui General Manager, Special Projects Kuok Maritime Group
3:15pm - 4:00pm	Session 5: Managing Emerging Risks in the Shipping Industry As the green transition accelerates for the maritime industry, shipowners and operators will need to be cognisant of new risks. Panellists will delve into the multi-faceted landscape of emerging risks arising from the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, and how maritime services such as insurance, legal/advisory services and alternative dispute resolution can help mitigate them. Moderator Joey Ng Global Head of Decarbonisation and Fuel Transition Braemar Shipbroking Pte Ltd Panellists Andrew Cutler CEO The Britannia Group International Group Chair and the Britannia Group Lars Lange Secretary General International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) Corina Song Vice Chairperson Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) Nikolaus H. Schües President Baltic International and Maritime Council, BIMCO
4:00pm - 4:30PM	Networking Coffee Break
4:30pm - 5:15pm	Session 6: From Sails to Solutions: Collaborative Pathways in Wind Propulsion for Modern Shipping As the maritime industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, wind propulsion has re-emerged as a promising solution. This panel brings together experts from shipping companies, technology developers, regulatory bodies, and research institutions to discuss the latest wind propulsion technologies, their economic viability, and operational implications. The conversation will cover real-world performance data, regulatory influences, and integration challenges with existing fleets. The panellists will also examine the environmental benefits of wind propulsion and its potential to complement other clean shipping technologies. The discussion will also look ahead to future developments and strategies for wider adoption in the maritime sector. Moderator Gavin Allwright Secretary General International Windship Association (IWSA) Panellists Diane Gilpin Founder and CEO Smart Green Shipping John Cooper CEO BAR Technologies Bhuvnesh Dogra Head of Technical Union Maritime Limited Dr. Su Yi Executive Director Institute of High-Performance Computing (IHPC), ASTAR* Ilias Soultanias Manager of Sustainability American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
5:15pm	End of Programme

Time	Programme
8:30am - 9:00am	Registration
9:00am - 9:45am	Session 1: Update on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs) This session explores the role of GDSCs in accelerating maritime decarbonisation by scaling up the development and uptake of clean marine fuels as well as supporting the development of solutions and global standards to facilitate efficient port calls and flow of goods. Each GDSC serves as collaborative platform for likeminded partners to conduct zero and near-zero emission fuel pilots, develop standards, and share best practices. Expert speakers will showcase projects from various corridors, sharing invaluable lessons learnt and also discuss implementation challenges and the crucial role public-private partnerships in overcoming them. Speakers Fiona Scholes Program Manager, Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technologies (ASLET) Initiative Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
9:45am - 10:30am	Session 2: Financing Green Transition of Shipping As the maritime industry faces mounting pressures to reduce its carbon footprint, ensuring that suitable financing frameworks are in place to facilitate capital investment for the research and development of future fuels, development of infrastructure and bunkering capabilities will be critical in helping the shipping sector navigate its energy transition.  This panel will discuss how financing can support the transition to sustainable practices, including the opportunities and challenges. Panellists will also share insights on current trends, investment opportunities, and the path forward for a resilient and greener maritime industry. Panellists Jason Anderson Senior Program Director ClimateWorks Foundation Abhishek Pandey Global Head of Transportation Finance Standard Chartered Bank Martijn Hoogerwerf Managing Director Head of Sustainable Finance APAC ING BANK Jeong Yoon Mee Managing Director, Head of Sustainability Office, Global Wholesale Banking OCBC Bank
10:30am - 11:00Am	Networking Coffee Break
11:00Am - 12:00pm	Session 3: Gearing up the Maritime Workforce for alternative fuels This session will delve into the critical skills needed by maritime personnel to support a decarbonised shipping industry – adapt to new technologies and operational requirements. Experts from maritime academies, HR leaders, and training specialists will explore innovative educational approaches, including micro-credentials and hands-on learning, to equip seafarers with the necessary competencies. Moderator James Forsdyke Managing Director Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub Panellists Capt. Chatur Wahyu Director Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) Cheah Aun Aun Director (Shipping) / Director of Marine Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Nicolas Brabeck Managing Director MAN Energy Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd Teo Keong Kok Managing Director Wavelink Maritime Institute Takahiro Rokuroda General Manager, Next Generation Fuel Business Group NYK Group
12:00pm	End of Programme