The first edition of the Maritime Transport Efficiency Conference brought together 130 leading personalities from the shipping industry, technology developers and NGO’s from all over Europe for two days of conferences and debates on the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, new fuels and technologies, wind propulsion and much more.
« I really hope that this conference will contribute to a reassessment of this industry, said Jan Hoffmann, Chief of the Trade Logistics Branch at UNCTAD. « What I have seen from the reactions in the audience made me really optimistic: there is a lot of awareness; ship owners and shipping companies have accepted that there is a goal to achieve. Many technological innovations have been presented here today. They don’t allow yet to get to zero CO2 emission, but tend towards it. »
« It is very important for us to talk about the things we do and to show what the maritime community is doing to decarbonise », said Bud Darr, Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs at MSC Group. « We are doing great things behind the scenes, and this event has been an excellent opportunity to share what we know with others. It’s wonderful to have this event in Geneva ! »
In-between conferences, delegates had the opportunity to visit exhibition stands and discover some of the latest and most innovative solutions. « MTEC is the perfect place to showcase new technologies », said Chris Hughes, Global Lead, Shipping Markets at Lloyd’s Register. « The event has been very interesting, with new innovative ideas from all sides of the business. It was truly fascinating to discover concrete solutions aimed at decarbonising the maritime fleet. »
As recalled by many speakers, more than 90% of world trade is carried by the international shipping industry. Without shipping, intercontinental trade, the bulk transport of raw materials, and the import/export of affordable food and manufactured goods would simply not be possible.
Bertrand Piccard, who made history by accomplishing the firsts round the world trip in a solar-powered airplane, insisted on the importance of such an event: « I find it extremely promising to have an international conference on maritime transport focusing on energy efficiency, new types of fuels, the protection of the environment, and new technologies. Maritime transport is very important for all the trade and the financial world today, but it still often uses old technologies and needs to evolve. The industry knows that it has to change, and calls the governments to put new regulations in place, and this is a very good leverage. »
The first edition of the Maritime Transport Efficiency Conference has been a great success despite the difficult global context. MaxComm agency, organisers of the event, is proud to have finally succeeded in organising the conference after its postponement from the initial date in May. The event took place in the magnificent President Wilson Hotel, and was marked by a very nice evening on board the steamboat Italie, from the local Compagnie Générale de Navigation CGN, much appreciated by all participants.
The next edition of the Maritime Transport Efficiency Conference will take place on October 4-5 2021 in Geneva.