Global ferry industry association, Interferry, has recently discussed the operational, technological and commercial effects on global ferry development at its 37th annual conference in Dubai.
Len Roueche, CEO, Interferry, said: “Around the world there seems to be no end of opportunities and challenges for domestic and international ferry services. With 25 new recruits this year, we now have 235 members in 38 countries, which suggests they see value in working together to protect and enhance the industry’s future.”
Weighing up the industry’s development prospects, delegates gave presentations on the future of the shipping industry, covering the latest initiatives and solutions relating to green technology, disaster warnings, global developments and future trends.
Keynote speaker Andreas Chrysostomou, chairman of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC), outlined the six key environmental issues for shipping – air emissions, ship recycling, antifouling coatings, aquatic species transfer, marine protected areas and climate change, stating: “We are the only industry in the whole world to have a proposal on climate change.”
Presentations were also given on the pros and cons of LNG and updates on opportunities in developing countries, while Jan Olsson, CEO, Deutsche Bank’s Nordic region, predicted key economic, financial and political trends for the rest of the year, suggesting austerity packages have peaked and there are some signs of recovery in the industry.
