Shipping professionals gather for the third Nautical Institute Singapore branch annual conference

More than 160 shipping professionals from Singapore and the region gathered in the Lion Republic today for the 2019 Nautical Institute Singapore branch annual conference.

Now in its third year the conference dealt with some of the industry’s most challenging issues such as disruptive technologies, the approaching IMO 2020 sulphur cap deadline, diversity in the maritime sector as well as training and education.
The one-day event has become one of the institute’s major initiatives in the Asia Pacific region and attracts a host of industry seniors and thought leaders as speakers.
Today’s opening address was given by Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the keynote address was delivered by Capt Nick Nash, president of the Nautical Institute.
Ms Quah said: “I hope The Nautical Institute and MPA can continue to strengthen our partnership to navigate the future – look beyond the challenges and turn them to opportunities for the maritime industry.  With our collective wisdom and your professional experience, I look forward to working hand in hand with you as we navigate into the future. 
“So in future conferences, we don’t just talk about “Dealing with Tomorrow’s Challenges Today”, but about “Tapping into Opportunities of the Future”.
The theme of ‘Dealing with tomorrow’s challenges today’ was showcased by sessions on disruptive technology, new requirements and legislation, current cargo issues and loss prevention.
Capt Yves Vandenborn, honorary secretary of the Nautical Institute (Singapore) said: “We would like to thank everyone who has attended and spoken at the conference today and we believe our event is getting better each year. The NI annual conference in Singapore has grown since its inception three years ago and I believe we have now established it as one of the best industry conferences in the region addressing critical shipping industry issues.”