Tanker conference delivers strategic advantages and expanded connections  

November’s International Tanker Shipping & Trade Conference, Exhibition and Awards in Athens delivered detailed analysis and frank discussions on key issues impacting tanker operations and strategy. Delegates gave high marks for the mix of papers and roundtables which delivered valuable intelligence to guide investment, technology, regulatory compliance, and business partnerships in the year ahead. Networking and the awards dinner also scored highly with conversations carrying over into business meetings following the two-day conference. 

On the crucial topic of meeting IMO’s emissions regulations, experts advised on how tanker operators can view the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) as an opportunity rather than just a compliance exercise.  

Speakers weighed the pros and cons of various alternative fuels to meet decarbonisation goals. While LNG has advantages as an immediate solution, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels hold long-term promise. There was discussion on a phased regulatory approach inside and outside the conference hall. The 50 plus owner/operator company representatives in attendance were also able to discuss what charterer partnerships and investment incentives might look like in support of adopting new fuels and technologies. 

Attendees learned specifics around preparing for SIRE 2.0, analysing results, and linking inspections to ongoing SMS improvements from top representatives from industry associations OCIMF and INTERTANKO as well as a consultant with significant global clearance and vetting experience and a leading ship owner.  

On the market outlook, midsize tankers and LR1/LR2s were seen as having the strongest upside potential and tonnage value over the next 5 years. However near-term volatility will continue, significantly impacted by OPEC quotas, economic factors and unpredictable geopolitics. 

Speakers also emphasised ongoing digitalisation, particularly leveraging big data, analytics, automation, and machine learning to optimise routing, performance, maintenance, and other facets of tanker operations.   

In addition to intelligence shared on stage and during the more intimate roundtable sessions, delegates said they valued the face-to-face networking opportunities. Reconnecting in-person facilitated key conversations and relationship-building. One delegate shared that the conference enabled him to connect with representatives from companies he struggles to schedule meetings with on the phone. Another shared that he filled his diary with two days’ worth of back-to-back meetings following the conference. 

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