Singapore – Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2012 recently ended with several maritime deals sealed during the three-day exhibition and conference in Singapore.
Singapore-based GK Offshore sealed a US$70-million metal fabrication project deal with Profax Australia on the first day of the event.
Norwegian crane supplier Bergen Group Dreggen announced two new business deals with EISA Shipyard in Brazil and ASL Marine Holdings Ltd in Singapore.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp’s (Matrade) inaugural Maritime Marketing Mission to Singapore also recorded US$5 million in potential sales for shipbuilding and ship repairing and conversion.
Beyond business activities on the exhibition floor, international industry experts who spoke at the conference went in-depth on some of the trends and issues confronting the maritime industry. Of the topics discussed, global maritime industry outlook as well as green shipping generated the greatest interest among international and regional participants.
Simon Bennett, External Relations Director from International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and also the keynote speaker at APM 2012 said, “As the centre of gravity for the shipping industry moves Eastwards, it makes APM increasingly relevant and important. It provides excellent opportunities for many players from different maritime sectors to exchange ideas.”
While some of the hotly discussed issues at the event surround current industry woes such as overcapacity, rising fuel costs, piracy and tightening environmental regulations on the shipping industry, it is not all gloom and doom. George Horsington, General Manager of Swire Pacific Offshore said, “Whilst some individual shipping companies are not doing that well, the industry as a whole is progressing at a healthy pace. Maritime is a resilient industry with no immediate alternatives. The key for Asia to make the leap is to avoid protectionism and allow free sharing of ideas. APM has provided industry players a great platform to do just that.”
Speaking on the short and mid-term industry outlook, Lim How Teck, Director of Rickmers Maritime Trust, Swissco Holdings Limited and Jurong Port Pte Ltd, also noted on the need to make tough calls on policies. He said that, “It is a necessary move to push through certain policies like ensuring that ship owners are green and safety conscious. I would say that the open discussions and debates at APM have made it easier for people to understand and gain a more holistic view on the need of tough calls like these.”
APM saw a total of 12,815 visitors, up 30% from last year. Occupying two levels of the Sands Expo & Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands, the event took place between 14 and 16 March 2012 with more than 1,300 leading international maritime companies across 53 countries showcasing the latest innovation in marine engineering and port technology with over 100 new products.
