Technological Evolution for a Sustainable Shipping Industry

Cautious optimism and brighter lights now beacons the maritime community in Asia. Having undergone a tumultuous time in recent years fraught with mounting challenges, things are

finally easing for the shipping industry.

In light of this positive industry development, more than 1,500 leading international maritime companies will be converging at the 13th edition of the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) to exchange ideas and showcase their latest marine engineering and port technology. Taking place between 19 and 21 March 2014, the 22 per cent increase in participation is expected to draw a record high visitorship of about 15,000.

Riding the wave of optimism

It is a game of catch-up for many. Maritime companies are now placing an increased emphasis on technological innovation to boost efficiency and productivity in order to get ahead of the competition.

For many APM exhibitors, 2014 will be a better year as they remain resilient and focus on new strategies to overcome the challenges ahead. “The uncertainty that was facing the marine industry in the last few years has forced many companies to face the hard truth. In order to keep up with times, it is imperative to keep abreast with technological innovation so as to increase efficiency and secure the company’s future. For an industry that is traditionally conservative, we are now taking a longer-term view in technology adoption in order to keep the company’s competitive edge,” said Mr Ronald Tan, CEO, Jason Electronics Pte Ltd, Singapore.

Besides productivity measures, another driver of change seems to be the adoption of technological advances.

Mr Ho Kah Huat, General Manager of the Power Systems Division at Tractors Singapore Limited concurs: “We can see an upward trend in the demand for technologically-advanced products. In 2014, we expect more end-users to adopt green technology such as hybrid systems in vessels instead of the conventional mechanical systems or diesel electric propulsion (DEP) systems as the technology becomes more economically viable, with lower owning and operating costs and significant reduction in the carbon footprint compared to conventionally-powered vessels,” Mr Ho added.

“The maritime industry is facing a turning point leading to more companies exploring the merits of embracing technology,” says Ms Michelle Lim, Managing Director, Reed Exhibitions.

“We are expecting more innovative products to be launched at the event this year, a significant increase from the last edition in 2012. Buyers’ vibes are positive this year; we are expecting a 15 per cent increase in the number of visitors with regional growth from emerging economies such as India, China and Indonesia. Also, I am happy to share that INSA (Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association) will be leading a delegation of more than 20 ship owners to the show for the first time. These positive developments point
towards a good show in 2014,” Ms Lim added.

Increased focus on technology offerings at APM 2014

Visitors will also have the opportunity to be the first to view the latest cutting-edge shipbuilding, marine engineering and port technology in the industry that will provide solutions to improve fleet efficiency, fuel savings, ballast water management, ship safety and security features.

For example, Jason Electronics will be launching the OstiaEdge® Realtime Analytics at APM this year. It is a web-based application that enables ship owners, operators and managers to use onboard data to make better operational and maintenance decisions and in turn, increase reliability, achieve greater asset productivity, reduce fuel and energy consumption and decrease operating costs.

On why they chose APM as the launch pad, Mr Tan said: “APM is one of the biggest maritime exhibitions in the region, with a strong visitor and exhibitor base that matches our customers’ profile. There is no better avenue for us to give the market the first glimpse of our product than at APM. And beyond expanding our business contacts, it is also a good ground to touch base and reconnect with our past customers.”

Mr Renco K.H. Yong, Executive Director, Gimhwak Shipyard Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, who will be exhibiting at APM for the first time, agrees: “We chose APM because of its reach; buyers and sellers from all over the world congregate at this bi-annual event. This is where we can meet most of our potential customers. We are excited and hoping to have the first hand preview of some of the latest technologies in the market.”

For some exhibitors, APM offers more than just new business potential. Mr Ho believes that as a recognised regional platform for the maritime industry, APM allows Tractors Singapore to strategically reach out to more customers in the Asia Pacific region. He said: “The well-organised official pavilions at APM allows us to showcase our expertise and capability as a total solution provider for marine propulsion systems, as well as a packager of offshore products in the oil and gas industries.”

An exchange of ideas among leading industry players

Drawing on the experience and expertise of leading exhibitors, APM will feature a Panel Discussion session on Maritime Communication & Technology that will take place on Day 2 of the APM Conference.

Mr Chris Lim, Market Development Manager, APAC, Inmarsat said: “Sentiments on the maritime industry in 2014 has been very positive so far, with companies more willing to take calculated risks. I think that there is no better time to touch on maritime technology than now, when companies are more open-minded and receptive to new ideas.”

Mr Lim will be joined by six other speakers as they discuss hot topics like cloud-computing, how it has impacted the shipping industry, communications in shipping efficiency, amongst others.

Visitors can also learn about the latest products and technologies in the market at the Maritime Presentation Forum, a platform where leading equipment manufacturers, service providers and maritime technology
suppliers showcase their newest products and technologies through interactive dialogues, ‘live’ demonstrations and presentations.

Themed ‘Where the Maritime World Congregates’, the 13th edition of APM will be held at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. In a space of 21,000 square metres (18,000 sqm in 2012), attendees can expect to see 16 official country pavilions (14 in 2012), 1,500 international maritime
companies (1,300 in 2012) from 53 countries and meet with 15,000 (almost 13,000 in 2012) visitors from 60 countries.

Source:- Reed Travel Exhibitions