Coastlink are delighted to announce that a significant number of the speakers and panellists presenting at the conference have re-confirmed for the new dates on 25th & 26th November 2020.
The Coastlink Conference is a neutral pan-European network dedicated to the promotion of short sea and feeder shipping, and the intermodal networks that support the sector. The format of Coastlink 2020 will continue as planned over the 1.5 days of Conference, with a Technical Visit at the Port of Antwerp scheduled for the afternoon of Day 2.
The sessions at the 2020 event will cover:
- Market Sector Overview: Industry Challenges and New Opportunities for Short Sea & Feeder Shipping
- Building Connectivity & Networks for the future: Linking Short Sea & Feeder Shipping to Intermodal Transport Routes
- Looking to the future: Improving efficiencies through Digitalisation & Innovation
Day 1 of the conference will open with a welcome address from Luc Arnout, Vice President & Director International Networks at the Port of Antwerp. Hans Meeder, Country Manager for Unifeeder Netherlands, will then deliver the keynote address where he will discuss the new rules and regulations facing the industry and how perceived obstacles can become opportunities with smart thinking.
The morning session will look at Industry challenges and opportunities which are very prevalent in the current market. Catrien Scheers of Fast Group Belgium will focus on opportunities for short sea shipping and Chantal McRoberts of Drewry will provide a market overview for short sea ports and routes. The morning session will then move to an engaging panel discussion which includes panellists from Royal Haskoning DHV, Port of Tyne, British Ports Association and the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority.
In the afternoon of Day 1, the conference will look at Building Connectivity & Networks for the Future: Dr Iven Kraemer of the Bremen Ministry for Science and Ports will discuss how to improve the modal share of rail in ports and hinterland operations; Stephen Carr of Peel Ports will talk about their role in smarter, door-to-door supply chains; and Lieve Duprez, Chief Officer Shortsea at the Port of Zeebrugge will deliver an insight into their strong hinterland connections through the short sea terminal at the port – delivering cargo to various markets in the UK, Scandinavia, the Baltic region and Southern Europe. Once again, the informative presentations will be followed by a panel discussion. This discussion on ‘Joining the dots: Connecting short sea shipping with other modes’ will be moderated by Alex Veitch of the Freight Transport Association and will include panellists from PD Ports and the Port of Antwerp.
Day 2 of the conference will look at improving efficiencies through Digitalisation and Innovation. Lars Robert Pedersen of BIMCO will deliver the keynote address and provide his insight on the benefits of just-in-time port calls and standardisation of communication between ships and ports. Raoul Tan, Senior Business Manager Digital Development, from the Port of Rotterdam will subsequently talk about actively connecting Port Authorities and Communities using their digital services, to help create global networks and sustainable ports for the future. Martin Williams, of JBA Consulting will provide a look at their Forecoast Marine System and how, with advanced simulation and analytics, this can assist ports in mitigating operational risk. The final presentation of the morning will feature Ian Blake, Head of Information Technology at the Port of Tyne. Ian will deliver an overview of the UK’s first Maritime Innovation Hub, sited at the Port of Tyne, and the efficiencies that can be made through collaboration and innovation in the Maritime Industry. The session will wrap up with a panel discussion before delegates head to the Technical Visit at the port in the afternoon.
To view the full conference programme visit our Website. Keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements from Coastlink by signing up to our E-News. Or, follow us on Twitter at #Coastlinkconf and LinkedIn @coastlinkconference.
Details of how to book your delegate place online can be found on the website or alternatively, contact our events team on +44 1329 825335, or email info@coastlink.co.uk
