Academia

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies (LMS)

To cope with the rapid development of logistics in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland with mounting demand for talents, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially established the Department of Logistics on 1 September 2003, after a reorganisation incorporating the former Department of Shipping and Transport Logistics and part of the former Department of Management. In September 2008, PolyU made another move to rename the Department as Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies to better reflect the Department's strengths and growing portfolio. Currently, PolyU is the sole provider of maritime education at the tertiary level in Hong Kong.

In line with PolyU's tradition, the Department has placed strong emphasis on innovative research in various areas covering maritime, shipping, ports, supply chain management and transport logistics. The academic staff have been rigorously engaging in research activities, witnessed by the growing number of research papers published in top-quality academic journals. As a centre of excellence in logistics and maritime education for nurturing professional talents, the Department also strives to provide research and consultancy services for the business community. (Source: LMS)

                Keynote Speaker

                    Ir Dr TL Yip

Associate Professor of Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies / Director of the C.Y. Tung International Centre for Maritime Studies / Editor of
Maritime Business Review
 

Globalising Port-Centric Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategies

The maritime, aviation, and transport industry is currently witnessing a pivotal shift in the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. However, this shift has been characterised by a lack of uniformity and centralisation in prioritising ESG components, leading to suboptimal outcomes in terms of port performance. This presentation aims to discuss measures being implemented at the port level, which are instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by the increasing diversification of individual practices.
We will examine the unique characteristics of ports that are central to regional ESG development and how these can be coordinated to enhance port-centric achievements in sustainability. The presentation will propose a framework for port performance assessment, which is designed to be adaptable over time and across different sectors in a port. This framework will incorporate configurable modules that allow for the integration of various ESG factors, tailored to the specific needs and goals of individual ports.
The discussion will also highlight the importance of port-centric approach in the implementation of ESG initiatives, ensuring that short-term actions are aligned with long-term sustainability objectives. By exploring the interplay between port characteristics and ESG development, we will outline how ports can become the driving force behind a more sustainable and efficient global transport logistics sector.
Through this exploration, we aim to provide insights into how ports can standardise and centralise ESG practices, thereby enhancing their role as catalysts for positive change within the industry. The proposed framework will serve as a blueprint for ports worldwide to evaluate and improve their ESG performance, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and responsible global environment.

Zhejiang University (ZJU)

                Keynote Speaker

                  Prof. Kevin X Li

Chair Professor of Ocean College, Zhejiang University

New Developments in Maritime Management and Policy Research 

As the flagship journal of international shipping and port research, "Maritime Policy & Management (MPM)" is dedicated to providing cutting-edge discoveries and in-depth analysis in the realm of maritime management and policy research. This report will be divided into two main sections. First, it offers a detailed introduction to the journal's basic information, editorial team, review process, recent developments, and key metrics, aiming to give readers a comprehensive understanding of the journal's operational mechanisms and academic standards. Second, the report focuses on the research hotspots, trends, and new developments in the field of maritime management and policy, highlighting academic dynamics and frontier issues in this domain. It also points out potential future development directions and challenges. This report aims to provide an insights for academia and industry, fostering academic exchange and collaboration in the field of maritime management and policy. 

Chang'an University (CHU)

                Keynote Speaker

                  Prof. Ge Ying-En

Professor of Chang'an University / Dean of College of Transportation Engineering/ Co-Editor-in-Chief of Transportation Research Part D – Transport and Environment 

Evolutionary Energy Structure in the Maritime Industry

The practice and technical innovations never stopped to evolutionise the energy structure in the maritime industry. The onset of shipping came with the need for energy to drive the vessels to move quickly and safely. The human and natural resources for this purpose have been used since the very beginning. The internal combustion engines woke up a new era of shipping, i.e. trends of ships getting bigger and shipping speed becoming higher. The use of fossil fuels, however, contributed pollution to the environment. The ever-increasing concern on the pollution from shipping promotes the optimisation or continuous evolution of energy structures in the maritime industry. Nowadays, the sources of energy are varied, and the research on cleaner and clean energy has received more and more attention in the past decades. 

Shenzhen University (SZU)

                Keynote Speaker

               Prof. Chen Jihong

Distinguished Professor of Shenzhen University / Dean of Shenzhen International Maritime Institute

Global Shipping Clean Energy Strategic Transformation: Country-Based Differences and Industrial Chain Cooperation

At the 80th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s MPEC, updated emissions reduction targets for the shipping industry emphasized increasing the use of zero- or near-zero-emission energy. This speech will explore the emission reduction challenges faced by the global shipping industry and key issues in the strategic transformation of clean energy. We will outline the advantages and disadvantages of various clean energies, analyze the progress of different countries in energy transformation, and analyze the main issues in the transformation process from the perspective of national subject differences and industrial chain cooperation, such as: significant differences in energy development directions, industrial Insufficient incentives and immature industrial framework for energy transition. Finally, we will discuss how to overcome these challenges through international cooperation and industrial chain integration, and provide suggestions for future policy formulation and industry cooperation.

Industry

Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development. (Source: MPA)

                 Keynote Speaker

                 Er Tham Wai Wah

Senior Director / Chief Engineer (Engineering & Project Management) / Chief Sustainability Officer

Setting Sail Towards Net-Zero: Empowering Green Transport for Maritime Singapore and Beyond

Climate change has significant implications for the shipping industry. As a low-lying island nation, Singapore is particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, which pose a threat to coastal areas and infrastructure. Urgent action is crucial to safeguard the environment, as well as protect the well-being and livelihoods of current and future generations. With the adoption of the revised International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Green House Gases (GHG) strategy, the international shipping industry is charting course to attain net-zero emissions by or around 2050.

As the steward of our global hub port and international maritime centre, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plays a pivotal role in maritime decarbonisation.

Internationally, MPA collaborates with Member States of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to shape global measures to achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050. MPA is also working with governments and port authorities to align efforts across stakeholders in the value chain, such as establishing Green and Digital Shipping Corridors with international partners to facilitate the transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels.

To support the decarbonisation of Maritime Singapore, MPA is accelerating our efforts with industry and research partners to trial and pilot low- and zero-carbon fuels. This includes developing fuel and bunkering standards, and building the supply chain and infrastructure for bunkering such fuels. MPA is also leading the electrification of the domestic harbour craft sector, which includes coalescing research and technical know-how for a new, greener generation of harbour craft and establishing the charging infrastructure masterplan for electric harbour craft. Moreover, MPA is spearheading initiatives with industry and unions to equip our Maritime Singapore workforce with the necessary skills for the green transition.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) 

A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) was established in August 1998 to provide leadership in computational modelling, simulation and AI to solve major scientific, industrial and societal challenges. It seeks to promote and spearhead scientific advances and technological innovations through multidisciplinary R&D, and to develop impactful applications to further economic growth and improve lives. 
IHPC's research focuses are in computing science and AI; large scale complex systems modelling; social and cognitive computing; computational engineering mechanics, fluidic dynamics, electronics and photonics, materials science and chemistry. These core capabilities enable IHPC to tackle real-world challenges in physical and human systems, such as in manufacturing, energy, transportation and urban systems, environmental sustainability and healthcare. (Source: IHPC)

                Keynote Speaker

                  Dr. Qin Zheng

Director of the Systems Science Department at the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) / Co-Director of A*STAR's Centre for Maritime Digitalisation

Innovations in Transportation Systems Driven by AI, Modelling and Simulation (AIMS)

In this talk, I will introduce transport research at the Systems Science Department at A*STAR's IHPC. I will start with multi-modal integrated transport simulation and how it enables use cases such as train disruptions. Then I will present Singapore Integrated Transport & Energy Model (SITEM), a project that has supported the national effort to electrify Singapore’s vehicle population. Finally, I will showcase ongoing works under the Maritime AI Research Programme, which develops AI technologies for a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable maritime industry.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

ABS is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence as one of the world’s leading classification organizations. In a constantly evolving industry, ABS works alongside its partners tackling the most pressing technical, operational and regulatory challenges so the marine and offshore industries can operate safely, securely and responsibly. (Source: ABS)

                Keynote Speaker

                Mr Shu Yong Koh

Director of ABS Global Sustainability

Sustainability Insights on Fleet Efficiency, Newbuildings and Fuel

The presentation will cover on the three types of fuels pathway leading to the alternative fuel uptake in the market. On the demand & supply of alternative fuels how it has impact newbuildings market with new orders on such environmentally friendly fuel option. With the final takeaways on Maritime Decarbonisation.

                Keynote Speaker

               Dr. Kuntal Satpathi

Senior Engineer II of ABS Technology

Baselining Green Shipping Corridors

Green Shipping Corridor is an initiative that is designed to accelerate decarbonization in the maritime industry transiting between the key ports. This presentation discusses the key aspects of green shipping corridors and how it can be modeled to understand the fuel-mix. A case study on Singapore to Los Angeles and Long Beach is considered to understand the demand and fuel mix for different decarbonization targets.

Yantian Maritime Safety Administration (MSA)

Yantian MSA is a sub-committee of Shenzhen MSA. The Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China is a government agency which administers all matters related to maritime and shipping safety, including the supervision of maritime traffic safety and security, prevention of pollution from ships, inspection of ships and offshore facilities, navigational safety measures (including Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation and the GMDSS), administrative management of port operations, and law enforcement on matters of maritime safety law. It was also responsible for marine accident investigation. It is headquartered in Beijing. (Source: China MSA)

                Keynote Speaker

                 Mr Gong Fuzhong

       Deputy director of Yantian MSA

Innovative practices in ship safety and shipping emission control in Shenzhen MSA

Shenzhen Port is a prominent global hub port in southern China. It boasts an impressive annual handling capacity of over 30 million TEU. As the competent authority responsible for supervision and administration of waterborne traffic in Shenzhen, Shenzhen MSA vigorously implements their duties by various innovative practices in ship safety supervision and shipping emission control. In this talk, I will introduce three typical practices, namely “JUST CULTURE”-based ship safety management model, PSC simulator, and Shenzhen-Hongkong Office for Marnie Emissions & Control. To be specific, the “JUST CULTRE”-based ship safety management model piloted in Yantian port shortens on-board port state control inspection duration, fostering an open and trustworthy safety culture. The PSC Simulator developed by China MSA using the virtual reality technology is the most sophisticated virtual 3-D simulation training system for PSC officers, which greatly improves the competence and skills of PSCOs and promotes the unification of PSC inspection standards in the region. The Shenzhen-Hongkong Office for Marine Emissions & Control developed by tripartite parts coordinates the common regional supervising effort of Shenzhen and Hongkong waters, improving the prevention and monitoring level of shipping emission, and promoting the implementation of green shipping and GHG emission reduction.