North Bund International Shipping Forum 2023 Opens in Shanghai

On the afternoon of September 22, the North Bund International Shipping Forum 2023 was opened in Shanghai. This event was hosted by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Ministry of Transport, and organized by COSCO SHIPPING and Shanghai International Port Group. It was held at the Grand Halls in Shanghai and brought together more than 350 representatives from various sectors of the international shipping industry.
 

After three years since the pandemic, the shipping market has finally returned to a state of normalcy. However, this new normal is not the same as the traditional concept of normalcy that we were accustomed to. It is a new normal driven by changes, new business models, and the integration of new technologies. As we navigate this new normal in the shipping market, it is crucial to focus on building core competitiveness, fostering win-win cooperation with all stakeholders in the industry and supply chain, and striving for sustainable development for both individual enterprises and the industry as a whole. This is a significant topic that requires deep consideration and discussion within the industry.

Following the parallel sessions of the North Bund International Shipping Forum 2021 and 2022, this year’s event has adopted the theme of “Embracing Changes, Innovating Business Models, and Promoting Connectivity for Win-Win Results”, creating a platform for stakeholders in the shipping industry chain to exchange ideas and collaborate, with an aim to facilitate discussions on industry development trends and the future of the shipping industry, thereby contributing to the global economic recovery.
 

Mr. Fu Xuyin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Zhang Xiaohong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Wan Min, Chairman of COSCO SHIPPING, and Mr. Gu Jinshan, Chairman of Shanghai International Port Group, were present at the forum and delivered speeches.
 

Mr. Wan Min said that in the shipping industry, there is a strong focus on innovating business models, establishing efficient supply chains, accelerating digitalization, adopting clean energy solutions, implementing emission reduction regulations, and developing environmentally-friendly ships. With the traditional shipping business format constantly evolving, it is crucial for the industry to collaborate with more market partners, embrace an inclusive and co-creative approach, and create a new ecosystem for shipping logistics supply chain. This ecosystem should integrate the operations of shipping routes, ports, and logistics, while also re-engineering the business chain, digital intelligence chain, and green chain.

Mr. Wang Wei, Director General, Institute of Market Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr. Wang Wenjin, Chief Business Officer of Bank of Communications, Mr. Chen Bing, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan Corporation (the world’s largest container ship leasing company), Mr. Laurent Olmeta, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Limited, and Mr. Yu Fulin, Director General of Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission also delivered speeches. The topics covered China’s macroeconomic development, the evolution of international shipping regulations, financial innovation to support the transformation and upgrading of the shipping industry, the transition of independent shipowners on the decarbonization journey, and fostering innovative developments for shipping through opening up and cooperation.
 

During the panel discussion, Mr. Lin Ji, Executive Vice President of COSCO SHIPPING, Mr. Chen Shuai, Deputy Governor of Hongkou District People’s Government of Shanghai Municipality, Dr. Feng Junlan, Chief Scientist of China Mobile, Dr. Liu Chang, Vice President of Cargill China, Mr. Luc Arnouts, Vice President International Relations and Networks, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and other influential guests from the shipping, trade, ports, technology, and government sectors gathered to discuss the topic of “Elements and Models for Building a Shipping Supply Chain”. They shared their insights and perspectives from their respective industries, addressing the current industry’s hot topics, challenges, and focal points. The exchange of ideas among these experts ignited sparks of wisdom, providing inspiration and new perspectives for the participants.
 

According to Mr. Lin Ji, the container shipping market is experiencing changes in the “new normal” characterized by improved efficiency in the supply chain, steady growth in demand, less volatility in freight rates, and more predictable markets. In recent years, there has been a growing integration of digital technology and the shipping supply chain. As an enterprise, the fundamental goal of digital transition should be to provide and create value for customers, and achieve mutually beneficial partnerships. This aligns with the original intention and direction of COSCO SHIPPING. Additionally, given the clear goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality across various industries, the shipping industry should actively participate and contribute to the process.
 

In the presence of all the attendees, Mr. Chen Yangfan, Executive Vice President of  COSCO SHIPPING introduced “Tai” and “Heng”, both digital supply chain products provided by the corporation. 
 

In recent years, COSCO SHIPPING has been actively promoting the integration and development of “shipping, port, and logistics” to establish a world-class global integrated logistics supply chain service ecosystem. This includes enhancing the construction of global supply chain resources such as trailers, warehouses, terminals, and customs affairs. Since the beginning of this year, COSCO SHIPPING has introduced these two lines of products: the “Tai” series for general product transportation and the “Heng” series of digital supply chain products for specific industries and goods. The “Tai” series includes products like “Tai Hong”, “Tai Ning”, “Tai Yue”, “Tai Ya”, and “Tai Yang”. These products have been iterated and expanded both domestically and internationally, covering countries such as Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Greece, and Australia. The “Heng” series focuses on different aspects of the supply chain. The first product, “HengMeiDa”, caters to the cross-border e-commerce industry. “HengMeiDa Extreme Delivery” provides one-stop designated warehouse delivery services, while “HengMeiDa Ultimate Warehouse” focuses on fast transfer and dropshipping services for medium and large items. These products aim to meet the comprehensive logistics needs of customers by ensuring fast delivery, stable service, and controlled operations. Additionally, the “HengXinXian” HiFoodie product, equipped with the latest MY REEFER technology, has enhanced cold chain logistics services for customers with reefer requirements. Chen said that COSCO SHIPPING will continue to introduce more digital supply chain products to meet customer demands. The goal is to establish a world-class global integrated logistics supply chain service ecosystem, and contribute to global economic integration and international trade prosperity.
 

In addition, Mr. Gu Jinshan, Chairman of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., announced the successful completion of the Shanghai Port Cargo Collection and Distribution Center. Mr. Cao Zhanzhong, Chairman of Xinhua Indices (Beijing) Company, released a comprehensive report titled “Index Perspective: Observation of International Shipping Industry and Global Supply Chain”. These accomplishments have not only demonstrated the latest scientific research advancements in China’s port and shipping enterprises, but also highlighted the emerging development trends in the international shipping industry.

Source: COSCO SHIPPING

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