Smarter solutions to power the maritime ecosystem

The biennial Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) exhibition and conference may span only three days, but the connections and discussions it fosters have a long-term ripple effect on sustaining the global maritime trade, a sector that facilitates 80 per cent of the volume of international trade in goods today.

Taking place from Mar 13 to 15 at Marina Bay Sands this year, the 18th edition of the largest meeting place for the global maritime sector will see professionals from the shipbuilding and marine, workboat, offshore and port technology sectors converging to engage in knowledge exchange and networking.

Themed Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow, APM 2024 will spotlight smart solutions that drive net-zero carbon goals, digitalisation, cybersecurity and satellite communication mobility.

The conference will bring together over 80 industry leaders from around the world to share their views on six key topics: Sustainability, innovation and digitalisation, manpower and training, maritime cyber security, port and terminals, and insurance. The exhibition will showcase innovations in areas with high potential for the industry, including drones, batteries, electric marine engines and propulsion, and sustainable paints and coatings.

Ms Yeow Hui Leng, group project director of APM organiser RX, shared that in preparation for the event, the preceding months were dedicated to connecting with global industry players to gain deeper insights into their solutions designed to address common issues faced by the maritime sector.

“Through APM, we are excited to be connecting these global brands with the Asian audience and bringing their offerings here to further support collaboration and growth. We look forward to cultivating a space for conversations and discussions that will future-proof the maritime sector.”

THE MARITIME INDUSTRY OF TOMORROW BEGINS HERE

This year’s edition builds on the momentum established by the previous 17 editions spanning 33 years. With a proven track record, the event consistently unites decision-makers, refining and deepening the understanding of the maritime industry in Southeast Asia.

Over 14,000 maritime professionals – including shipowners, shipyards, ship management, technical procurers and end-users – will meet an estimated 1,400 solutions providers to gain an overview of the latest solutions, services and technologies set to drive the future of maritime development.

Sponsored by Convera, DNV, Roxtec, ARI Simulation and Siemens Energy, the APM 2024 conference will feature parallel tracks running across two stages on the show floor.

The main stage will host the APM Strategic Conference, offering attendees invaluable insights from business experts. The second stage, housing APM Innovate, will be the hub for solutions providers conducting seminars on cutting-edge technologies. These sessions will delve into innovative solutions addressing a spectrum of business growth challenges, spanning from decarbonisation to manpower needs.

Speakers at the conference will include industry leaders from both the public and private sectors. They include Mr Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore; Mr Jason Chia, assistant vice president of Global Design Centre at Seatrium; Ms Andreea Miu, head of decarbonisation at Sustainable Shipping Initiative; Mr Budi Cahyono, vice-president director of Jakarta International Container Terminal; Dr Ho Chaw Sing, co-founder and CEO of National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster; and Mr Punit Oza, founder of Maritime NXT and international vice-president for Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

NAVIGATING THE WAY FORWARD

At APM 2024, attendees will witness the latest technologies in action, including Flyability’s ELIOS 3. This drone, the world’s first collision-tolerant model equipped with a LiDAR (light detecting and ranging) sensor for precise indoor mapping of confined spaces, is an exciting solution to the safety, manpower and cost challenges associated with internal inspections.

Another exhibitor is VINSSEN, which has already delivered several maritime decarbonisation projects involving hydrogen fuel cell technology and full battery electric propulsion systems. Mr Chil-Han Lee, VINSSEN’s founder and CEO, said: “Our study of hydrogen as a maritime fuel was made possible thanks to the industry partnerships we’ve established in Singapore. This is why platforms like APM 2024 are important – they allow opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning to drive the industry forward.”

Siemens Energy will be showcasing its electrification solutions alongside those for automation and digitalisation. In addition, battery solutions and life cycle management provider CALB Group will unveil its marine battery energy storage system to the Southeast Asia market at APM. This solution is the first zero-carbon battery energy storage system to be manufactured in China and certified by DNV.

Other notable exhibitors include Wartsila, Speedcast, Nippon Paint, Fincantieri, VertiDrive, Volvo Penta, COSCO, Garmin and Weichai.

Ms Yeow noted that APM has established itself as a long-running platform for key global industry players to collaborate on solutions that will accelerate change towards a more diverse, sustainable, user-centric and profitable maritime sector.

“We look forward to hosting conversations that will allow for the exchange of insights, and discussions on groundbreaking market analyses that will drive the global maritime community forward in 2024 and beyond.”

View the list of speakers and exhibitors. Register to attend the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2024 exhibition and conference.