IMO Conference takes centre stage at London International Shipping Week
London International Shipping Week (#LISW25) hosted the IMO Headline Conference under the theme ‘The Management of Paradox in Global Shipping’on Wednesday 17th September. The high-level gathering brought together over 700 senior leaders, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts to explore the competing forces shaping the future of maritime trade, and the leadership required to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
The conference programme examined the contradictions and opportunities at the heart of global shipping through a series of keynote speeches and panel sessions featuring some of the leading voices in the industry. From balancing decarbonisation with economic growth, to pursuing resilience in a fragmented world, the conference provided a platform for critical reflection and forward-looking dialogue.
Following a welcome address by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, delivered a keynote speech, emphasising the vital importance of industry collaboration: "By sharing intelligence, supporting resilience planning, and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels, we can help foster a maritime environment where trade thrives and risks are effectively mitigated.”
The government address was given by the UK's new shipping minister, Keir Mather MP, who said his government would reverse what he called “systemic underinvestment fuelled by short-term political choices” and reiterated the “clear vote of confidence” in the UK’s maritime sector signalled by the more than £1.1bn worth of investment. This includes funding earmarked for the UK’s SHORE Programme, which provides funding for decarbonisation projects, including shore power charging points.
The importance of investment within the industry continued throughout the day. Many sessions highlighted the industry’s inherent fragmentation and the pressing need for co-operation and collaboration as shipping navigates decarbonisation, digitalisation, and a rapidly evolving geopolitical climate.
Moderated by Nusrat Ghani, MP, Deputy Speaker at the House of Commons, the first panel explored shipping’s resilience amid climate change and geopolitical challenges. Speakers debated whether shipping, through its scale, efficiency, and adaptability, could act as a stabilising force amid rising protectionism and fractured economies. Key issues discussed included the reluctance of ship-owners to share data, security risks from falsely flagged vessels, and the fragmented approach to decarbonisation.
With the IMO net zero target set for further discussion next month, the following session focused on the shipping industry’s leadership role in establishing a globally binding carbon price under the net-zero framework. Speakers including Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill Ocean Transportation and Chair, Global Maritime Forum, and Katy Ware, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Zodiac Maritime, stressed the importance of multilateral agreements and highlighted the progress already made in decarbonisation.
They also acknowledged the serious challenges being faced by the industry, including the slow adoption of energy-saving technologies, the impact of the dark and shadow fleet.
Mikael Boe, Chairman & CEO of Core Power highlighted the potential of nuclear technology in shipping, following the recent deal announced for new nuclear stations between the US and UK: “We are now facing the possibility of having civil maritime nuclear propulsion of large vessels. These ships are faster, they carry more cargo, they don’t emit anything and could effectively plug into ports and help power them.” he said.
Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasised the role of charterers, customers, and financial measures in driving decarbonisation, while underscoring the importance of global collaboration. The session concluded with a call for continued innovation and investment in technology to secure the industry’s future.
The afternoon sessions focus turned to the rapid pace of digital transformation and the strategic opportunities it can offer. Following a keynote address by Ben Palmer, OBE, President of Inmarsat Maritime and Chair of the LISW Technology and Innovation Working Group, the panel discussed the need for collaboration and investment in emerging technologies.
Emmanuel Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, highlighted the importance of upskilling seafarers and adopting new fuels such as biofuels and ammonia, while Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, stressed the role of data standardisation and the need for trust in driving innovation.
Karrie Trauth, EVP and Global Head of Shipping & Maritime at Shell also stressed the importance of using technology to enhance wellness at sea amidst reports of an increasing shortage of seafarers in future. “The reality is, if we lose even the seafarers we have today, without attracting any more to the industry, none of us wins”, she said. The session concluded with a focus on leadership, emphasising agility, experimentation, and strategic vision as essential to navigating a digitally enabled, AI-led world.
During the closing discussion, the panellists reflected on a point made by the First Sea Lord: “stability is a fiction.” They noted that the industry’s success relied not on longing for stability, but on recognising and embracing the risks and opportunities ahead. Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyds Register, highlighted the importance of fostering a culture where colleagues feel empowered to experiment, succeed, and learn from failures and celebrating those failures as much as successes.
The LISW25 IMO Headline Conference underscored London’s enduring role as the global hub for maritime dialogue, decision-making, and collaboration. At a time when the industry stands at a crossroads, the event provided a timely platform to chart a course for resilience, renewal, and sustainable growth amid the paradoxes shaping global shipping.