Having successfully staged its first TMS Webinar Series- Covid-19: A Leadership Perspective on May 6th, The Maritime Standard is holding the second in the series on Wednesday, 20th May at 12.30pm UAE time. On this occasion the Webinar will focus primarily on the effects of Covid-19 on crewing and manning, and on the impacts in terms of seafarer wellbeing.
A top level group of panelists has been assembled to provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation from across a broad range of industry professions and activities, including ship owning and operating, ship management, flag state and manning and crewing agencies. As well as crew related issues, they will discuss broader issues facing their segments. Confirmed panelists include: Nitin Mehta, CEO, Tomini Shipping; Ali Shehab, CEO, KOTC; Dr. Ruanthi De Silva, CEO, SCM Plus; John Ramage, COO, International Registries (UK) Limited and Capt Sanjeev Sharma, Managing Director, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management India.
Clive Woodbridge, TMS Editor, says, “Due to COVID-19 restrictions, large numbers of seafarers are having to extend their service on board ships after many months at sea, unable to be replaced or repatriated after long tours of duty. This is clearly unsustainable, both for the safety and wellbeing of seafarers and the effective operation of maritime trade. Bringing together key stakeholders with different industry perspectives will be hugely beneficial at this time making the Webinar topical, relevant and important.”
The first Webinar Series, Covid 19- A Leadership Perspective, sponsored by DNV GL, had a broader focus, discussing many of the key issues, ranging from finance and logistics to what the ‘new normal’ might look like. Collectively panelists offered thought provoking solutions to the problems facing the shipping and ports sector during these unprecedented times.
The panelists also fielded questions raised by a global audience who watched the inaugural Webinar. At the outset of the event over 1000 attendees were signed on, and 90 minutes later there were still more than 600 persons listening intently to the discussions.
One of the highlights of the Webinar was Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Chief Executive of ADNOC Logistics & Services, proposing a 30 second clap in recognition of all seafarers and the contribution and sacrifices they are making at this time of global crisis. The initiative was well received with panelists and attendees joining in to show their appreciation.
Ali Shehab, CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and Mrs. H.K. Joshi, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Shipping Corporation of India, presented useful insights into the dilemmas facing seafarers and their employers, while Rajiv Agarwal, CEO and Managing Director, Essar Ports and Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports, gave the ports’ perspective. The importance of digitalisation was stressed by Dheeraj Bhatia, Senior Managing Director, Middle East, ISC and Africa,
Hapag Lloyd and Ian Edwards, Area Manager, Middle East & Africa, DNV GL also highlighted some of the ways new technology is enabling classification societies to serve clients safely and efficiently. Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director, JM Baxi, brought various sectors together giving insights as a leading ship agent, port operator and logistics services provider.
Participants will be able to view the webinar by registering at: https://www.themaritimestandard.com/tms-webinar/