LISW25 officially opens with ceremony at London Stock Exchange, beginning a fast-paced week of events for the international maritime community

At precisely 8 AM, the London Stock Exchange exploded into life with the Market Open Ceremony, marking an exciting start to London International Shipping Week (LISW25).

Now in its 12th year, the week-long series of events and conferences is expected to draw tens of thousands of maritime leaders to London to discuss and debate key issues impacting global trade.

Immediately following this morning’s ceremony, remarks from industry and UK government leaders sounded a common theme about London’s important role in keeping global trade moving. John Hulmes, Chair of the LISW25 Steering Group commented: “It’s more important than ever for the international maritime community to work together to ensure the future of this vital industry. Nowhere is there a more concentrated group of maritime leaders than London this week. We welcome all conversations and debates.”

Also giving remarks were Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Simon Lightfoot MP representing Department for Transport and ATPI’s Chief Commercial Officer Nikos Gazelidis.

Reinforcing the international importance of the maritime industry, LISW25 this year is introducing a Global Hub hosted at the iconic County Hall on London’s South Bank. The all-day programme, Tuesday 16 Sep, features high-level seminars, exhibitions, and networking opportunities taking place under one roof. It brings together country delegations, policymakers, and industry experts to explore international trade, maritime innovation, sustainability, investment opportunities, and key global challenges.

Other highly anticipated events include roundtables on decarbonisation with debates about shipping’s green future; insights about maritime’s newest technology and innovation including the power of data and the advent of AI; and forums on human capital management and seafarer wellbeing.

A new series called London Talks Live, taking place today and tomorrow, features seminars on many of these key issues, including nuclear in maritime, advances in maritime tech, diversity and inclusion in shipping, shore power and propulsion, and handling alternative fuels.

The LISW25 Headline Conference, all day Wednesday 17 September, will focus on the management of paradox in global shipping, with four sessions featuring industry and government leaders, held at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization. Some 750 delegates are expected to attend.

At the centre of all the events is London itself, offering iconic venues throughout the week, including Tower Bridge, London Aquarium, multiple foreign embassies, and onboard vessels, including the HMS Belfast, HMS President, and HMS Wellington.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, Shipping Innovation Director and co-founder of LISW, said: “London holds a crucial role at the heart of the international shipping industry and LISW enables shipping industry leaders and stakeholders to meet, conduct business, and discuss key issues, as well as to socialise and celebrate this vibrant industry which is fundamental to delivering world trade.”

For the latest on LISW25 please visit www.lisw.com