Leading owners to speak at propulsion conference

Shipowners representing the container, ferry, cruise, tanker and bulk segments will present their perspectives on marine engineering operational challenges at Riviera Maritime Media's upcoming Annual Marine Propulsion Conference taking place at the Millennium Gloucester hotel in London from 11-12 March.

John Garner, fleet director at P&O Ferries, will share his views on emissions trading schemes, while Ole Graa Jakobsen, senior general manager, AP Møller Mærsk will present his company’s operational experience of slow steaming.

Chikara Shimokawa, deputy general manager, Mitsui OSK Bulk Shipping (Europe) will explore the link between fuel quality and engine damage. Eric Wolff, environmental systems manager at Norwegian Cruise Lines will highlight NCL’s solid waste management programme and Claus Jensen, vice president fleet manager of Torm’s technical division, will look beyond technical solutions in order to meet current and future environmental challenges.

Opening the second day of the conference, Roger Karlsson, technical director, and
Bo Bengtsson, senior technical advisor, Marinvest Shipping will make a joint presentation on power and propulsion issues and requirement for newbuildings.

Andrew Trumble, chief engineering superintendent at BP Shipping will give an insight into the oil major’s maintenance and performance regime. Hans Petter Grønlund (pictured), senior project manager at Wilh. Wilhelmsen, will detail the engine efficiency measures Wilh. Wilhelmsen has built into its next generation roro vessels.

The Annual Marine Propulsion conference consists of six technical sessions over two days. A hallmark of the event is the outstanding networking opportunities inherent in the programme which include drinks receptions, networking lunches and a gala dinner. Registered delegates for the 2009 event have already surpassed the high levels achieved in 2008. An up-to-date list of companies sending delegates can be viewed at the dedicated website accessible via www.rivieramm.com/events It is also possible to register to attend through the site.