With less than seven weeks before the fourth edition of Hong Kong Maritime Week opens its doors to the world (17-23 November) there is a growing buzz among the members of the territory’s maritime community.
To get a deeper sense of the maritime mood ahead of this year’s shipping extravaganza, which includes nearly 50 individual events and activities, Hong Kong Maritime Hub spoke to some renowned participants/observers about what they were hoping to get out of HKMW 2019.
Bjorn Hojgaard is chief executive of Anglo Eastern, Hong Kong’s largest ship manager. He is the current deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and is widely expected to be appointed chairman during HKMW 2019, when the association holds it annual general meeting on 21 November.
Mr Hojgaard says: “I am a big proponent of Hong Kong Maritime Week. The week-long series of activities and events not only puts Hong Kong’s maritime industry in the spotlight it deserves, but also brings together key members of the local and international maritime communities for invaluable knowledge-sharing and discussion sessions.”
On his participation in this year’s events, He remarks: “This year, I look forward to speaking at the Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference on the future of shipping, in addition to attending the live finals of The Captain’s Table, which will see shortlisted technology start-ups from the maritime and logistics industry pitching their innovative ideas to a live audience.
“This is the first time a competition of this kind has ever been held in Hong Kong, so I am very interested to be a part of it, amongst many other talks and events during HKMW.”
Jagmeet Singh Makkar is an independent shipping expert and maritime arbitrator whose connection with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (Hong Kong) goes back to before the inception of HKMW.He is a member of the Education & Training Committee of the ICS, and the education officer of the Hong Kong branch of ICS. The ICS has been a regular contributor to the success of HKMW
“The ICSHK started organising formal events during HKMW from 2017 on subjects such as “Shipping Markets – Changing Dynamics”. This was followed by a presentation-cum-panel discussion with the theme “Impact of New Regulations: Shipowners & Managers Dilemma” in 2018,” Mr Makkar explains.
This year, the Hong Kong branch of ICS has decided to invite decision makers and experts from the industry to a panel discussion on the urgent topic, “Shipping in Challenging Times”, and a seminar “Embracing the Changing Dynamics”.
The panellists have been drawn from a number of section of the industry, including Pacific Basin Shipping chief executive, Mats Berglund, Richard Hext, chairman of Vanmar shipping, Arthur Bowring, a consultant, arbitrator and maritime mediator, Olivia Lennox-King, managing director at Asia Maritime Pacific, and Logan Chong, managing director of BNP Paribas Hong Kong. Jagmeet Makkar will moderate this must attend discussion.
“This initiative taken by the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board (HKMPB) to organize and promote HKMW 2019 is highly commendable,” says Mr Makkar. “We are confident that the efforts made by the HKMW 2019 organizers will bear fruit in prompting the Hong Kong maritime industry to continue to enhance its collective position as an International Maritime Hub.”
The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) is, alongside the HKMPB and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, a co-organizer of HKMW 2019. As managing director of HKSOA, Sandy Chan explains that HKMW 2019 is the perfect setting for celebrating the achievements of the Association.
“Each year, Hong Kong Maritime Week brings something new and exciting to the global shipping community,” she exclaims. And this year is no exception.
“Earlier, this year the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) decided to set up its first overseas office in Hong Kong with the support of the HKSOA. During Maritime Week, the HKSOA Annual Cocktail Reception and the ICS (China) Liaison Office Launch Ceremony will be held together on 21 November. This will definitely be the shipping event of the year, attracting wide attention and extensive participation from both East and West,” says Ms Chan.
The person to head up the brand new ICS China Liaison Office is Edward Liu. As a co-opted member to the HKMPB and a member of the China Committee of the HKSOA, Mr Liu has emerged as a high profile advocate of Hong Kong’s aspirations as the premier maritime centre for the region. He sees HKMW 2019 as a key event in the pursuit of Hong Kong’s maritime ambitions.
“Each year the HKMW is a showcase of the Hong Kong shipping industry to the world. It spectacularly illustrates the SAR Government’s promotion and facilitation of this fundamental pillar of this port city and the strengths and advantages of our international shipping centre.
Mr Liu adds, “When surfing the activities of HKMW you not only obtain the most insightful and knowledgeable views from the players of this industry, but also get the opportunity to share and exchange information with other participants so as to get you and your business ready for next year’s maritime adventure.”
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
Please Contact Us at：
admin@xindemarine.com
.gif)
