Event programme
Shaping the Future of Shipping–Weathering the Storms Global Trade–Risk and Resilience in an Age of Disruption
Thursday 13th June, 2024
Grand Quay, Montreal
08:00–09:00 Registration and Networking
09:00-09:05 Land Acknowledgement
09:05–09:15 Welcome Addresses and Opening Keynote
Welcome on behalf of the International Maritime Community
Welcome on behalf of the Canadian Maritime Community
Keynote Address
09:15–10:00 Plenary Session–Trade in an Age of Disruption
Global trade is facing unprecedented challenges due to increased geopolitical turbulence, trade barriers, technological advances, climate emergency and long-term uncertainty. Addressing these issues requires collaboration among stakeholders to develop policies and solutions that promote efficiency, sustainability and resilience in global trade and shipping. Hear from our panel of global leaders how global trade is faring in today’s age of disruption.
10:00-11:00 Roundtable 1: Setting the Global Context–Risk and Resilience in an Age of Disruption
Resilience is essential for economic stability and prosperity and is critical in the response to global shocks and pressures including geopolitical events, cyber threats and climate-change-mediated events. Against this backdrop, what is the outlook for global trade in 2025? Hear our distinguished panel of public and private sector leaders examine the status and outlook for global trade and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Questions for Consideration
- What is the impact of the current age of disruption on global supply chains?
- What effect is the global election super year having on trade?
- How can resilience to current and future shocks be built in?
- What are the key cybersecurity concerns and what is their impact on global trade?
- What lessons can be learnt from other sectors?
11:00-11:30 Networking Break
11:30-11:45 Results from the 2024 ICS Maritime Barometer Survey
11:30-12:45 Roundtable 2: Future of Trade Flows-Responding to the Threats
Despite the prevalence of deglobalisation and anti-trade positioning and the stresses imposed on supply chains from trade wars, geopolitical unrest, and the long tail of the pandemic, trade continues to flow. In this session, discover what keeps shipping leaders awake at night and develop strategies for building resilience into the maritime supply chains and delivering long-term growth.
Questions for Consideration
- What do the results from the ICS Maritime Barometer Survey tell us about the emerging issues and priorities for shipping industry leaders in 2024?
- How will trade patterns be rebalanced?
- Where will new markets and alliances be built?
- How can the twin transitions of digital and green economies be managed effectively to foster supply change resilience?
- What policy levers are required to support future maritime trade flows?
- What is the level of industry preparedness?
12:45-14:00 Lunch and Networking Break
14:00-14:15 Refresh and Recharge
14:15-15:00 Roundtable 3: Climate-Mediated Risk and Resilience
The effects of climate change are impacting the prospects for trade and economic development around the world. Frequent extreme weather events are disrupting supply chains and have a significant effect on maritime transport infrastructure including ports. In this session, we will consider the impact of climate change on supply chains and discuss mitigation and adaptation strategies required.
Questions for Consideration
- What is the impact of extreme weather events on global trade?
- Should extreme weather be our primary climate-related concern?
- What are the impacts of rising sea levels, coupled with changes in the global pattern of precipitation?
- Are stronger trade rules required to meet climate goals?
- How can the need for anti-competitive legislation be balanced against the need to move swiftly in mitigating climate-mediated shocks?
- How can economic opportunities from global energy transition be maximised?
15:00-15:45 Roundtable 4: Mitigating Risks and Future-Proofing Fuels
As the world transitions to new low- and zero-emission fuels, new transportation value chains need to be built to move the fuels from produces to users. How can private–public partnerships accelerate the production, transportation and use of low-carbon fuels for the world at scale and de-risk the investments required?
Questions for Consideration
- What are the predictions for the trade in new, low-carbon fuels?
- What role do trade corridors play in future-proofing fuel availability for shipping?
- How can initiatives like the Clean Energy Marine hubs accelerate the pace of deployment and transportation of low-carbon fuels?
15:45-16:15 Afternoon Networking Break
16:15-16:25 Seafarer 2050 Video
16:30-17:15 Roundtable 5: The Human Face of Resilience
With 90% of all goods worldwide transported by sea, the world’s two million seafarers are critical to the smooth functioning of global trade. In recent years, the maritime industry has faced a shortage of qualified seafarers, due to an increase in demand, difficulties in attracting and retaining new talent, and concerns surrounding safety, security and working conditions. Against this backdrop, how can the industry convince seafarers to stay in the industry and, more importantly, inspire the next generation to join to choose a career in maritime?
Questions for Consideration
- What progress has been made since the ground-breaking Seafarer 2050 conference in June last year?
- What commitment is the sector making to address critical social issues, prioritise employee well-being and employment conditions and accelerate and champion diversity and inclusion?
- What needs to be done to accelerate the pace of change?
- How can we build a flexible industry to be able to meet challenges and take advantages of future opportunities?
17:00-17:30 Closing Plenary: Outcomes and Next Steps–Resilience by Design
This session will focus on distilling practical outcomes from the discussions held during the day and confirm Summit outcomes and next steps.
Questions for Consideration
- What has been said and what are the practical next steps?
- What is missing in the current trade landscape that should be addressed?
Closing Comments
17:30 Networking Reception
18:30 Close of Conference