APM 2024 ended on a high note, buzzing with lively discussions on maritime workforce, unforgettable meetups, and exciting promises to reunite in 2026! It was a blast from start to finish, filled with enthusiasm, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the seas. Here’s to the memories made and the anticipation of even greater adventures ahead!

Panellists – Bhupesh Gandhi of ARI Singapore, Demetris Chrysostomou of Columbia Shipmanagement (Singapore), Juan J. Gil of Aventra Group, Dr. Lars Gruenitz of Norstar Ship Management, Yiannis Fafalios of Care4C, and Akanksha Batura Pai of Sinoda Shipping Agency—delved into the need to reskill and upskill the maritime workforce to adapt to the integration of AI. They also discussed approaches for fostering a culture where AI is seen as a supportive role rather than a threat to human expertise.

In the traditionally male-dominant industry, panellists Christie Thane of Lauritzen Bulkers, Hollie Scoon of Rio Tinto Shipping Asia, Jean Chen of Signal Ocean, Dr. Mimi Gao of Sea & Gao, Mustika Wardani of ABL Energy & Marine Consultants, Rotem Battat of Captain’s Eye, and Capt. Tan Lay Ying of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore -discussed how the smaller community can break down barriers and champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across its various domains.

The APM 2024 Conference concluded with an insightful discussion on how advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation hold the key to developing smart ports. Panellists – Antoine Gatinaud of Wartsila Marine, Budi Cahyono of Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT), Hafida Fahmiasari of World Bank, Jerry Leong of China Harbor Investment, and Leonid Gavrilchik of Royal HaskoningDHV – also explored how the various stakeholders should collaborate to drive the progress of green and smart ports for a sustainable future.

At the Asia Pacific Maritime 2024 conference, animated discussion crackled between Srishti, a seasoned enterprise professional with an innovative glint in her eye, and an established maritime executive whose weathered face spoke of countless voyages. Their exchange, a fascinating interplay of youthful zeal and seasoned expertise, cut through the conference hall’s hum. They delved into sustainable maritime time technologies, executive’s firsthand accounts illuminating the maritime challenges, while Srishti’s technical prowess offered ingenious solutions. The potential for a groundbreaking collaboration left them both energized by the possibilities.

Bathed in the soft glow of the massive exhibition hall at Asia Pacific Maritime 2024, a trio sparkled with animated energy. A South Asian man with a salt-and-pepper beard gestured widely, his laughter lines crinkling around his eyes. Opposite him, a woman with a nametag that read “APM 2024” leaned forward, her smile reflecting the enthusiasm in her beautiful Asian eyes. Beside her, a younger man with a neatly trimmed listened intently, nodding along as their conversation, a vibrant tapestry woven from different backgrounds and expertise, promised to reshape the future of the maritime industry.

Thank you to all the sponsors WEICHAI, ABS Wavesight, Convera, DNV, Roxtec, Yinson GreenTech, ARI Simulation and Siemens Energy! To everyone who attended, thank you. It has been a great experience to get insights from industry leaders from all around the world, and I know your presence has enriched the discussions as well.

See you again on 25-27 March 2026!