Informa Markets - Experts & Thought Leaders

Seatrade Maritime announces the return of Crew Connect Global, the premier conference and exhibition focused on maritime crewing, training, and technology, bringing together pioneers, officials and seafarers to address challenges in crewing and ship management. This year's Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global conference, taking place on 11-13 November 2025 in Manila, Philippines, will tackle key issues in the crewing sector and will shine a light on the latest technology. From geopolitical disruption and its far-reaching impact on shipping and crewing operations to critical MLC revision and seafarer welfare updates. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into the STCW skills gap and the roadmap for its revision, alongside sessions exploring decarbonisation and energy transition challenges reshaping the sector. AI and ML in shipping The program will delve into cutting-edge AI and machine learning applications transforming shipping practices, while addressing the industry's persistent recruitment and retention challenges. Special focus will be placed on mental health and wellbeing for seafarers, recognising the unique pressures faced by maritime professionals, and the conference will examine strategies to enhance diversity at sea, creating a more inclusive maritime workforce for the future. Confirmed speakers include: Susanne Justesen, Director – Human Sustainability at Global Maritime Forum Stephen Cotton, General Secretary at the International Transport Workers’ Federation Kathryn Neilson Director, Merchant Navy Training Board at UK Chamber of Shipping Helio Vincente, Director of Employment Affairs at International Chamber of Shipping Sara Baade, CEO at Sailors’ Society Ben Bailey, Director of Programme at Mission to Seafarers Katie Higginbottom, Head at ITF Seafarers’ Trust Karen Davis, Managing Director at OCIMF Torbjørn Eide, Vice President at Klaveness Ship Management AS Erik Mohn, Director of Crewing at Stödig Ship Management Nick Chubb, Founder & Author at Thetius Special features The conference will also include: A Cadet Task Force presenting findings from their three-day assignment The prestigious Crew Connect Global Awards and Gala Dinner Extensive networking opportunities in the supplier showcase expo hall "As the maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges from geopolitical disruption to technological transformation, Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global provides an essential platform for collaboration and solution-finding," said Chris Morley, Portfolio Director at Seatrade Maritime. "We're bringing together the brightest minds in shipping to address critical issues like crew shortages, digital literacy, and the energy transition."

Marketing in Maritime, the specialist networking community for marketing and communications professionals in the marine and energy sectors, has appointed an Advisory Board to guide the next phase of its evolution. Featuring pioneering experts from across the maritime and marketing industries, the Advisory Board has been created to provide advice and guidance as Marketing in Maritime expands its event activity and prepares to launch a learning and professional development platform to help marketers at every stage of their career. Advisory Board members The Marketing in Maritime Advisory Board members are: Nick Chubb, Owner & Founder, Thetius Andrew Davis, Digital Marketing & AI Trainer, Talk Dygital Anna Garcia, Director of Communications, WinGD Cathy Hodge, Co-founder & COO, Smart Maritime Network Chris Morley, Director of Maritime & Logistics, Informa Markets Knut Natvig, VP Corporate Communications, Marlink Nicolas Papados, Group Director Marketing & Business Development, Columbia Group Mark Warner, Content & Communications Director, Lloyd’s Register Networking events for marketers Andy Ford, Marketing in Maritime Director, says, "Marketing in Maritime was founded by Wake Media in 2018 to facilitate networking events for marketers and it has always attracted great interest from industry professionals across the globe who often work in isolation or in small teams and seek knowledge and support from their peers." He adds, "It’s now time to take the next step and establish Marketing in Maritime as an educational, as well as community-driven platform and the Advisory Board members will help to steer that aim to a reality." Impactful change across the maritime world Marketing in Maritime’s growth is thanks to the generous support of its strategic partners Nicolas Papados, Group Director Marketing & Business Development at Columbia Group, says, "Joining the Marketing in Maritime Advisory Board is an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of maritime marketing." He adds, "I’m passionate about using creative strategies to transform how we connect, engage, and shape the future of the industry. Together, we’ll redefine the narrative and drive impactful change across the maritime world." Marketing in Maritime’s growth Marketing in Maritime will have a tradeshow presence for the first time at the upcoming Nor-Shipping exhibition, with a MiMLounge providing a wind-down and networking space for marketers attending the event and an evening reception at Aker Brygge. Marketing in Maritime’s growth is thanks to the generous support of its strategic partners: Bray Leino, Oakwood, Risk4Sea and Bureau Veritas, and a range of sponsors and media partners which include Seatrade Maritime.

Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced OSEA 2024 in Singapore on Tuesday, November 19. The three-day tradeshow welcomed more than 500 exhibitors and 15,000+ attendees from 100 countries, providing a comprehensive look at solutions and strategies driving the energy transition in the marine and offshore industries. Net-zero emissions by 2050 Tan announced a new SGD USD 100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering firms With the accelerating pace of the energy transition, Mr. Tan emphasised Singapore’s commitment to becoming a greener economy, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the nation's Green Plan. During his speech, Mr. Tan announced a new SGD$100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering companies, aimed at fostering partnership and adopting solutions in growth area, including offshore wind, floating storage, and digitalisation over the next five years. Advantage of adopting solutions As part of the OSEA Gives Back initiative, complimentary conference access was extended to members of the broader community. This initiative is designed to promote inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse participants to engage with industry pioneers, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions. The conference emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition and foster global collaboration. Speakers highlighted the competitive advantage of adopting solutions now to meet regulatory targets, while stressing the need for faster adoption of transformative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), alternative fuels and digital innovations for automation and efficiency. Low-carbon economy Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and CEO at TCOMS Singapore Prof. Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and Chief Executive Officer at Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) commented on OSEA being at the forefront of innovation and driving sustainability.  He said: “There is work still to be done; we must embrace the energy transition, collaborate, and learn from each other, because we all play a role in the low-carbon economy.” Offshore energy market Additionally, there were exclusive content sessions ranging from Executive Networking sessions, OSEA academy and country hotspots, specially designed to provide marketing information, innovation and trends. This included highlighting specific offshore energy market and investments potentials, as well as driving connections among decision makers and experts. Initiatives on new fuels Yinson GreenTech unveiling its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder The industry’s need to decarbonise and change, has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the offshore energy market. This echoed across the exhibition hall, with pioneering companies such as Seatrium discussing and highlighting initiatives on new fuels, CCS, and cleaner offshore production for marine decarbonisation, as well as initiatives showcased by the group pavilions.  Yinson GreenTech unveiling its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder, which is Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel and marks a significant move towards sustainable marine innovation. Future of offshore energy Similarly, TechX@OSEA showcased transformative technologies, including startups shaping the future of offshore energy and driving innovation, collaboration, as well as the adoption of solutions that enhance business capabilities and sustainability. Leedon Nox reinforces its core capabilities as an industrial gas supplier with engineering and consultancy expertise ensuring reliability for customers in offshore operations, while Aramco displayed initiatives that support the future of energy, powering economies that fuel progress worldwide. Global shipbuilding collaboration Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a MOU for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships Inc., and Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to support the growing Japanese offshore energy market and advancing global shipbuilding collaboration.  Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, said: “Forging partnerships, collaboration, and community building will play a vital role in the transformation of the offshore energy industry. OSEA reinforces the power and reputation of Singapore as an important pioneer in global offshore energy and as a key maritime hub." Offshore energy community Verma added: "I am proud of how Informa Markets continues to provide an inspiring and informative platform for the offshore energy community with creative thinking to support professional development, individual wellbeing and industry growth. Thank you to all exhibitors, speakers, partners and visitors for your excellent collaboration.” OSEA will return to Singapore in November 2026. Informa Markets will host its next maritime event Sea Asia, in Singapore on March 2025 - marking its 10th edition as the premier international marketplace for the maritime industry.