Our Vision
Smart Maritime Network is returning to Dubai on 1 November 2023.
We have witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, transforming traditional maritime operations into technologically driven and efficient processes. Dubai, with its strategic location as a global trade hub, has fully embraced this transformation to enhance maritime transparency, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
During SMN Dubai 2023 we will investigate 5 themes central to the continued growth, development, and resilience of the maritime industry:
1 - How digital transformation is driving innovation and collaboration in the maritime supply chain
2 - Harnessing innovation to fuel the green transition
3 – Using data and standards for safety and efficiency
4 - Maritime’s digital future - financing and leveraging investment in new technologies
5 - The Influence of leadership, diversity, and culture on driving change
Through inspiring keynotes, interactive panel discussions, roundtables where all guests can get involved, and some fantastic networking, we'll be taking the opportunity to look at how innovation is transforming the shape of the maritime sector, and how companies are embracing the opportunities out there. As ever, we'll be looking at how to integrate operational efficiency with commercial goals - and we'll be showcasing some fantastic case studies along the way.
Join us at this year's SMN Dubai to be part of these conversations.

With an expert line up ready to share their knowledge and experience:
- His Excellency Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman, Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries (DCMMIEmirates), Chairman & Group CEO, KBI-uae
- Ali Abouda, Group Chief Financial Officer, Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC
- Ali Shehab, Director of Special Projects & Services, DNV – Maritime (Conference Chair)
- Carla Grifo, Global VP Operations Systems & Optimisation, Global Operations, DP World
- Capt Abhay Nimbalkar, CEO, Green Field Marine
- Chakib Abi-Saab, CTIO, Lloyd’s Register
- Jaideep Vohra​​​​, Fleet Performance and Drydocking Director, Bahri Ship Management
- Natalie Jensen, Partner, Ince & Co
- Kris Vedat, Head of Technology and Logistics, P&O Maritime Logistics
- Marco Cristoforo Camporeale, Senior Director, Strategy, Inmarsat Maritime
- Mohammad Jaber, COO, DSV Abu Dhabi, MD Air & Sea
- Rania Tadros​​, Office Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
- Rafael Vicens, Head of Global Projects & Industry Solutions, Middle East & Africa, Schenker Middle East FZE & MD, Schenker IraqÂ
- Rob O’Dwyer, Chief Network Officer, Smart Maritime Network
- Samia El Moutaouakil, Regional Project Manager, India, Middle East and Africa, Maersk
- Santosh Attery, Product Development – Structured & Core Trade, Global Trade and Receivables Finance, Saudi Awwal BankÂ
- Sarah Al Qahtani, Chartering Manager, Bahri
- Shaun Hon, General Partner, Motion Ventures
- Talia Sherrard, Service Line Manager – Geophysics, Fugro
- Tom Castley, VP of Sales, Sedna
- Cathy Hodge, COO, Smart Maritime NetworkÂ
- Further speakers to be announced.
Learning
Learn from our expert speakers and get up to date on the latest technology developments.
Sharing
Share ideas on how to transform the shipping business using digital technologies.
Networking
Reconnect with your peers in the maritime IT sector and make new contacts to benefit your business.
Conference Agenda // 1 NOVEMBER 2023
- Registration and Refreshments 8:15 AM
- Cathy Hodge, Chief Operating Officer, Smart Maritime Network 9:00 AM
Introduction and Welcome from Smart Maritime Network
- Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV - Maritime 9:05 AM
Opening Notes from Conference Chair
Welcome to the day's events
- Panel Discussion 1: How digital transformation is driving innovation and collaboration in the maritime supply chain 10:20 AM
How are we harnessing new technologies and embracing transformation to forge a supply chain ecosystem that is not only agile and efficient but also deeply attuned to the needs of customers? The answer lies in the intelligent deployment of cutting-edge tools and commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration.
• A commitment to fostering innovation has led to collaborations between government entities, private sector players, and technology providers.
• Digitalisation is reshaping traditional supply chain processes, enhancing efficiency, and enabling new levels of cooperation among stakeholders.
• How are we adopting emerging technologies to support a more agile, efficient, and customer-focused supply chain ecosystem?
Hosted by: Sarah Al Qahtani, Chartering Manager, Bahri
Panellists include:
Jaideep Vohra, Fleet Performance and Drydocking Director, Bahri Ship Management
Carla Grifo, Global VP Operations Systems & Optimisation, Global Operations, DP World
Chakib Abi-Saab, CTIO, Lloyd’s Register
Tom Castley, SVP of Sales, Sedna
Further panellists to be announced
- Panel Discussion 2: Harnessing innovation to fuel the green transition 11:30 AM
The evolving digital playbook has enabled the maritime sector to adopt eco-friendly practices. Optimising routes, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing emissions through data-driven decisions, all contribute to a more sustainable maritime ecosystem.
But a successful green transition necessitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including shipping companies, shipbuilders, port authorities, regulatory agencies, and more.
This panel will emphasise the significance of collective responsibility in achieving sustainability objectives.
Hosted by: Capt Abhay Nimbalkar, CEO, Green Field Marine
Panellists include:
Natalie Jensen, Partner, Ince & Co
Further panellists to be announced - Panel Discussion 3: Digital resilience: Using data and standards for safety & efficiency 12:15 PM
• Cultivating digital resilience through the strategic use of data and a commitment to industry standards.
• By capitalising on data-driven insights, incorporating predictive analytics, maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, and fostering cross-industry collaboration, the maritime sector can navigate the dynamic technological terrain, ensuring the well-being of crew, the security of vessels, the integrity of cargo, and the protection of the environment.
• The integration of technologies has yielded tangible benefits, including heightened operational efficiency, improved safety protocols, and a reduced environmental footprint.
• How can shipping proactively address challenges, adapt to disruptions, and fortify defences against threats—all while upholding superior safety standards and operational efficiency?
Hosted by: Kris Vedat, Head of Technology and Logistics, P&O Maritime Logistics
Panellists include:
Talia Sherrard, Service Line Manager – Geophysics, Fugro
Further panellists to be announced
- Roundtable Discussion Sessions 2:00 PM
Each table will focus on a unique topic centred around the Smart Maritime Network goal of establishing better collaboration and standardisation in maritime technology. The roundtable discussions will take place simultaneously with each table host then asked to summarise their discussions for the whole room, to ensure that all participants get the most from their attendance. There will be a total of 10 table discussions to choose from. Delegates are sent the list in advance and invited to choose the table they would most like to join. The tables themselves will last for 30 minutes with 30 minutes for summaries.
- Short Break 3:15 PM
- Panel Discussion 4: The Influence of leadership, diversity, and culture on driving change 3:45 PM
Effective leadership, particularly in an era defined by constant technological disruption, involves leveraging technology to drive progress, streamline operations, and embrace innovation.
Inclusive leadership and the inclusion of diversity can help to foster a mindset, and culture, of continuous learning, adaptability, willingness to cooperate, and openness to change.
This panel session will look at how the successful integration of Inclusive Leadership, Diversity, and Culture, will ensure that the maritime industry remains agile, competitive, and resilient in the face of evolving technological advancements and constant disruption.
• Culture accelerates business strategy.
• The inclusion of diversity fosters innovation.
• Championing talent through inclusive leadership.
• How to foster a culture of integration and collaboration
Hosted by: Rania Tadros, Office Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
Panellists include:
Mohammad Jaber, COO DSV Abu Dhabi, MD Air & Sea
Rafael Vicens, Head of Global Projects & Industry Solutions, Middle East & Africa, Schenker Middle East FZE & MD, Schenker Iraq
Samia El Moutaouakil, Regional Project Manager, India, Middle East and Africa, Maersk
Further panellists to be announced - Panel Discussion 5: Looking at Finance & Investment in Maritime Technology 4:30 PM
Shipping’s long term future rests on the inclusion and advancement of new technologies in the maritime sector, and attracting investment is crucial for the adoption of these innovative technologies. This session will consider:
• How are maritime-focused innovation hubs and accelerators helping drive the development of cutting-edge solutions?
• What is the role of new entrants to the market?
• How can start-ups understand the maritime industry – what are the opportunities for collaboration?
• Where is the funding coming from – and where is it going. What investments work while others fail?
Panellists include:
Ali Abouda, Group Chief Financial Officer, Gulf Navigation Holding
Santosh Attery, Product Development – Structured & Core Trade, Global Trade and Receivables Finance, Saudi Awwal Bank
Shaun Hon, General Partner, Motion Ventures
Further panellists to be announced.
- Conclusions, followed by the SMN Dubai Networking Reception 5:15 PM
Summary of conference proceedings followed by our post-event networking reception - kindly sponsored by Inmarsat.

PHOTO GALLERY
MARITIME DIGITALISATION ADVISORS
International experts covering a range of maritime digitalisation technologies will be on hand at the Smart Maritime Network Dubai Conference, ready to discuss how your company can leverage its data to improve processes and drive efficiency in an increasingly connected market
Accommodation Options
SMN has arranged a preferential rate for our delegates to the conference.Â
S$290.00++ per room per night inclusive of daily breakfast for 1 adult and internet access.
To obtain this rate please contact:
Sheryl.chua@meritushotels.com and quote “SMN Singapore Delegates 2019″
Keynote speakers

Kenneth Lim,
Chief Technology Officer,
MPA (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore)
Kenneth Lim is the Chief Technology Officer of the MPA, seconded from the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), where he held the role of Cluster Director of the Finance, National Development and Transport clusters. Mr Lim has previously also worked at PSA and CrimsonLogic before joining the public sector in 2011.

Chakib Abi Saab,
Chief Technology Officer,
OSM Maritime Group
Chakib Abi Saab joined OSM in 2017 as Program Director of New Technologies (NEXT) for the Technical Management department, becoming group CTO in July 2018. He has previously held technology leadership roles in North and South America, Asia and The Middle East with Baker Hughes Inc, and was global Chief Digital Officer for Bumi Armada Berhad.

Loh Sin Yong,
Director of Trade, Trade & Connectivity Cluster, IMDA
At IMDA Loh Sin Yong is responsible for supporting trade sectors (Wholesale Trade, Trade Finance, and Logistics) in using ICM technologies to enhance their competitiveness. He has more than 25 years of experience in Trade Facilitation, Logistics, and Maritime domains, working in the China, South East Asia and South Asia markets.

Dr Okan Duru,
Director, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Maritime Studies),
Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Duru is a scholar in the shipping business, forecasting and decision-making fields. Dr Duru completed his Ph.D. at the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, with a dissertation titled 'Economic Analysis on the Long term assessment of Dry Bulk Shipping'.

Ronny Waage,
Founder & Managing Director,
Heron Advisory
Ronny has spent more than a decade working in the maritime industry in Europe and Asia, in areas such as shipowning, chartering, and marine services, as well as startup companies and consulting services. He holds a Double Masters degree in International Business and International Management.

Dr. Annie Koh,
Vice President, Office of Business Development, Academic Director,
International Trading Institute
Dr Annie Koh is Academic Director for the International Trading Institute. Her previous portfolios at Singapore Management University included positions as Associate Dean, Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Dean, Office of Executive & Professional Education.

Punit Oza,
Vice President, Head of Processes, Systems & Competence,
Klaveness Asia Pte Ltd
Punit Oza has more than 26 years of experience in Dry Bulk Shipping, having begun his career with Precious Shipping. He has also worked with companies such as Noble Chartering, Astra Shipping and Aries Shipbroking, and has been with Torvald Klaveness since 2007.

Kenny Rogers,
Former Head,
Aurora Tankers
Kenny Rogers left his role as head of Aurora Tankers 2019. He is a career shipping executive with over 30 years of experience in management roles at companies such as OMI Corp, Carnival Corporation, Seabulk International, SEACOR and privately held Asian company IMC, with particular expertise in the tanker sector.

Kelvin Tan,
Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer,
GTR Ventures
Passionate about co-creating new ventures and innovating new business models with founders, owners and corporates. Laser focused on building for commercial profitability.
Proven areas of competencies include: infrastructure, venture capital, trade & trade finance, economic development

Kris Kosmala,
Partner,
Click & Connect
Kris Kosmala is a Partner at Click & Connect, having previously worked as General Manager Asia Pacific at Quintiq. Kris has international experience across North and South America and Asia Pacific, using innovative technologies to improve shipping and logistics efficiency, improve net margin contributions from operations, and reduce environmental impact.

Andy Hamflett,
Director,
NLA International Ltd.
Supporting the growth and take-up of innovative technologies in the Blue Economy.
Specialities: Market research. Fundraising. Business Growth. Strategic communications. Consortium, stakeholder and community engagement. Utilising Big Data and technology for social impact. Policy development. Organisational development.

Andy Lane,
Partner,
CTI Consultancy
Andy Lane is an expert in the Containerised Transportation industry, with experience in Liner Shipping & Container Terminal Operations, specialising in the interface between these two areas. He has worked on process improvements, integrations and cost efficiency initiatives, often focusing on annual spends in excess of US$500 million.
Registration
Shipping Company VIP Pass
- Free conference registration for qualifying vessel operators (includes ship owners, ship managers, ship builders, ports & terminals, and other selected industry stakeholders - subject to confirmation by the organisers).
Conference Delegate Pass
- Delegate pass for admission to all conference sessions, and the evening Networking Party. Early bird price available until 1 October 2023. (*Discounts are available for multiple delegate bookings)