Smart Maritime Network Dubai Conference
6 November 2024
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Our Vision
This year’s SMN Dubai '24 conference focuses on the evolution of the maritime industry, highlighting key trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration. Industry leaders will come together to discuss the pivotal role of partnerships, standards, and technological innovation in driving progress. Sessions will cover maritime standards, NextGen Maritime Command Centres, and workforce adaptation to digital tools and automation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, exploring the impact of greener practices, regulatory changes, and innovations such as alternative fuels.
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and roundtables, SMN Dubai '24 offers a dynamic platform for discussion, learning, and collaboration. Attendees will engage with industry pioneers, share insights, and explore actionable strategies that will shape the future of maritime operations. Whether addressing the challenges of digital transformation, embracing sustainability, or forging impactful partnerships, the conference promises to equip participants with the tools and connections to drive the industry forward with innovation and confidence.
Conference Sponsors
Supporting collaboration in the maritime technology sector
Smart Maritime Conferences Global Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Knowledge Partners
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Media Partners
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
- Abdulaziz Aldaher, Sales Director, ST Engineering iDirect
- Ali Abouda, Group Chief Financial Officer, Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC
- Ali Shehab, Director of Special Projects & Services, DNV – Maritime (Conference Chair)
- Benjamin Neal, Head of HSSEQ, P&O Maritime Logistics
- Carla Grifo, Global VP Operations Systems & Optimisation, Global Operations, DP World
- Capt Abhay Nimbalkar, CEO, Green Field Marine
- Cathy Hodge, COO, Smart Maritime Network
- Chakib Abi-Saab, CTIO, Lloyd’s Register
- Christopher Kirton, Managing Director, International Tanker Management
- Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President Direct Sales, Inmarsat Maritime
- Gina Panayiotou, ESG Manager, West of England P&I
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
- Mohammad Jaber, COO, DSV Abu Dhabi, MD Air & Sea
- Nikeel Idnani, Honorary Secretary, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) UAE Branch
- Rania Tadros, Office Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
- Rafael Vicens, Head of Global Projects & Industry Solutions MEA, DB Schenker, Managing Director, DB Schenker Iraq
- 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 Bank
- Sarah Al Qahtani, Chartering Manager, Bahri
- Shaun Hon, Founder & General Partner, Motion Ventures
- Talia Sherrard, Service Line Manager – Geophysics, Fugro
- Thomas Varghese, Managing Director, Synergy Mideast Shipmanagement DMCC
- Tom Castley, VP of Sales, Sedna
- Vivek Seth, Senior Vice President, Marine Services, ADNOC Logistics & Services
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 // 6 NOVEMBER 2024
Registration and Refreshments 9:30 AM
Cathy Hodge, Chief Operating Officer, Smart Maritime Network 10:00 AMIntroduction and Welcome from Smart Maritime Network
Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV - Maritime 10:15 AMOpening Notes from Conference Chair
Welcome to the day's events
Industry Address: Business Value of Maritime Digitalisation 10:30 AMTor Anders Hoksas, Business Development and Innovation Manager, Inmarsat Maritime
Navigating the Future Together: Bahri and the Power of Collaborative Innovation in Global Supply Chains 10:55 AMSarah Al Qahtani, Chartering Manager, Bahri
Panel 1: Standards, Collaboration and Partnerships in Maritime 11:10 AM• Understanding the role of collaboration and industry standards in driving progress.
• This discussion will focus on the critical importance of building strong partnerships across the maritime value chain, from shipbuilders to technology providers, and the role of international standards in ensuring interoperability, safety, and sustainability.
• We’ll explore how these partnerships can lead to shared innovation, risk mitigation, and enhanced operational performance.
Moderated by: Rob O’Dwyer, Chief Network Officer, Smart Maritime Network
Panellists include
Abdulaziz Aldhaher, Sales Director, Sales Division – EMEA – Middle East, ST Engineering iDirect
Ali Abouda, Group Chief Financial Officer – CFO, Gulf Navigation Holding
Effat Mostafa, Founder and General Manager, SeaScope MENA
Fazel A. Fazelbhoy, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Offshore FZ LLE
NextGen Maritime Command Centres 11:55 AMA special fireside chat between PwC Middle East & AD Ports Group
As the maritime & shipping industry advances in its path towards digital transformation, this fire side chat shall explore how NextGen Maritime Command Centres can achieve operational efficiency, reduction in cost and enhanced sustainability by utilizing advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
Hosted by: Sharang Gupta, Director, Technology Consulting, PwC
Panellists include:
Capt. Porus Pervez Dalal, General Manager - Fleet Personnel, GFS Ship Management
Yousef Al Riyami, Chief Digital Officer, Maqta Gateway
Justin Vaughan, Senior Manager Technology Consulting, PwC
Roundtable Discussion Sessions 1:45 PMEach 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.
Tea/Coffee Break 3:00 PM
Panel 2: Future Trends Shaping Maritime Operations 3:30 PM• Adapting the Workforce to the Digital Maritime Future
- Skills development for AI, automation, and digital tools.
- Managing workforce change: resistance, training, and cultural shifts.
• Digital Tools Revolutionising Maritime Operations
• Strategic Investment in Technology: Beyond ROI
• Future Trends Shaping Maritime Operations
- Disruptive innovations on the horizon and their potential impact on the workforce and operations.
Moderated by: Kris Vedat, Head of Technology & Logistics, P&O Maritime Logistics
Panellists include:
Atanu Maiti, Voyage Management, Region Europe, Middle East and India, Höegh Autoliners AS
Imran Vohra, VP Hub Operations, Transformation & DA Management, Inchcape Shipping Services
Richard De Vries, Head of Sales MEA & India, Lloyd’s Register
Xanthos Kyriacou, Regional Managing Director, Columbia Shipmanagement
Panel 3: The Sustainability Drive in Maritime 4:20 PM• Analysing how sustainability is transforming the industry and what the next decade might hold.
• This panel will examine the regulatory and market pressures driving the shift towards greener practices in shipping.
• We’ll discuss the latest advancements in sustainable technologies, such as alternative fuels and energy efficient ship designs, and forecast how these changes will reshape the maritime landscape over the next decade.
• The discussion will also address the challenges and opportunities for ship owners and operators in navigating this transition.
Moderated by: Nikeel Idnani, Honorary Secretary, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) UAE Branch
Panellists include:
Capt. Abhay Nimbalkar, CEO, Greenfield Marine Technologies
Simon King, Senior HSEQ Manager, Stanford Marine / Allianz Middle East Ship Management
Capt. Thomas Varghese, Managing Director, Synergy Mideast Ship Management DMCC
Conclusions, followed by the SMN Dubai Networking Reception 5:10 PMSummary 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
Conference Sponsors
Supporting collaboration in the maritime technology sector
Smart Maritime Conferences Global Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Knowledge Partners
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Media Partners
Venue
The H Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road,
Trade Centre 1,
Dubai
Accommodation Options
SMN has arranged a preferential rate for our delegates to the conference.
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″
Registration
Shipping Company VIP Pass
€ 0
- 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
€ 695
- Delegate pass for admission to all conference sessions, lunch, tea and coffee breaks, as well as the evening Networking Party. (*Discounts are available for multiple delegate bookings)