{"id":77043,"date":"2026-03-09T19:16:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/shipowners-to-lead-maritime-transformation-talks-at-apm-2026\/77043\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T19:16:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:16:14","slug":"shipowners-to-lead-maritime-transformation-talks-at-apm-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/shipowners-to-lead-maritime-transformation-talks-at-apm-2026\/77043\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipowners to Lead Maritime Transformation Talks at APM 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div property=\"articleBody\">\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">The transition towards digitalisation and automation is speeding up in the maritime industry, and a comprehensive strategy is emerging to turbo-charge efficiency, safety and sustainability. Yet key questions remain about the adoption of technologies and solutions to enhance operational performance, future-proof fleets while remaining commercially competitive, and ultimately realise the zero-emission goal. At Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026, held from 25\u201327 March 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, operational management will take centre stage as leading shipowners examine the strategies needed to navigate this transformation, powered by \u00a0next energy and technological innovations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">APM 2026 will open with a welcome address from<\/span>Guest-of-Honour <strong>Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA),<\/strong> followed by an opening keynote panel that will set the tone for the 3-day conference, bringing together 150 <span lang=\"en-SG\">senior executives in maritime operations, technical directors, technology leaders and industry stakeholders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">With the overarching theme \u201cFuture of Vessel, Solutions for Tomorrow\u201d, the APM 2026 conference will spotlight critical conversations shaping the future of maritime operations. Key discussion topics will include future fuels &amp; zero-emission ships, smart &amp; autonomous ships, next-gen shipbuilding, maritime cybersecurity, finance, risk &amp; insurance for future fleet and electric &amp; hybrid power.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Setting the maritime state of play for Asia<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">The opening keynote panel,\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><em>\u201cThe Maritime State of Play &amp; What\u2019s Next for Asia\u201d<\/em><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">, on 25 March,\u00a0<\/span>11:10 &#8211; 12:00, will confront the core trade-offs facing industry leaders today: balancing immediate cost pressures with long-term decarbonisation goals, selecting viable fuel pathways, and strengthening resilience amid regulatory and trade flow uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Moderated by\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Punit Oza, President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">, the panel brings together:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mohamed Safwan Othman, President and Group Managing Director, Dinastia Jati Group and Chairman, \u00a0Malaysia Shipowners\u2019 Association (MASA) and Federation of ASEAN Shipowners\u2019 Association (FASA)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>SK Lim, Managing Director, Pacific, G2 Ocean<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Jotaro Tamura, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Mitsui OSK Lines<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Joey Chua, Chair, Digitalisation Committee, Singapore Shipping Association<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Ben Pike, COO, Swire Shipping<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Roine Ahlquist, CCO, Wilhelmsen<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\">\u201cShipowners across ASEAN are operating in an environment defined by tighter decarbonisation targets, rising compliance costs and increasing pressure to digitalise. The challenge is not a lack of ambition but the complexity of execution. Decisions around alternative fuels, fleet renewal and digital investments require careful calibration of capital, risk and long-term competitiveness,\u201d said <span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Mohamed Safwan Othman, President and Group Managing Director, Dinastia Jati Group and Chairman, Malaysia Shipowners\u2019 Association (MASA) and Federation of ASEAN Shipowners\u2019 Association (FASA).\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u201cI look forward to productive discussions at APM with fellow C-Suite leavers on how to build resilience in this era of constant change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>From ambition to operational reality<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Beyond strategy, APM 2026 will address how transformation is unfolding at the vessel level. The panel discussion, \u201c<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><em>Securing LNG\u2019s Long-Term Viability as a Shipping Fuel<\/em><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u201d on 26 March, 10:30 \u2013 11:20, will explore the renewed momentum behind LNG-fuelled vessels and assess whether LNG can remain competitive in a tightening decarbonisation landscape. While LNG remains the most established alternative fuel in shipping, increasing scrutiny around methane slip and lifecycle emissions has prompted deeper evaluation of its long-term role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\u201c<span lang=\"en-SG\">LNG is no longer an experimental fuel; it is a proven solution with established infrastructure and operational experience. However, its long-term viability will depend on continuous technological evolution and broader industry adoption, particularly in reducing methane slip. The industry is also exploring the scalability of bio-LNG and e-LNG\u00a0<\/span>to maintain operational reliability and efficiency \u2013 \u00a0a key topic we look forward to discussing at APM 2026<span lang=\"en-SG\">,\u201d said\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Sachin Saharawat, Technical Director, Eastern Pacific Shipping<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Beyond fuel choices, digital systems and automation are emerging as equally decisive factors in fleet competitiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\">The panel, <em>\u201cMaritime Autonomy is Here \u2013 Are We Ready?\u201d<\/em> on 26 March, 16:30 \u2013 17:20, will explore how AI-enabled systems are being used across commercial vessels, delivering measurable gains in safety, efficiency, and operational performance. \u201cWe are already seeing practical applications in predictive maintenance, voyage optimisation and fleet performance monitoring. Successful adoption depends on alignment between technical teams, IT, shore management and crew, ensuring that digital innovation strengthens operational control, not fragment it,\u201d shared <strong>Salvador Jr Respeto, Technical Director, Columbia Shipmanagement.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Collaboration gains momentum<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">Across these discussions, a structural shift is evident: technical, digital and commercial decisions are no longer made in isolation. This convergence is reflected in the breadth of shipowner representation at APM 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">Technical leaders such as <span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Head of Fleet Management, Berge Bulk; Pankaj Porwal, General Manager, Fleet Sustainability, Hafnia; Pankaj Singhal,\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>Executive Director, Containers,\u00a0<\/strong><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Fleet Management;\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">and<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>\u00a0Uma Dutt, Vice President, LNG, Anglo-Eastern<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">,<\/span> will be joined by IT specialists, including<span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>; Patric\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong>Desanti-Fettkenheuer<\/strong><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>, Head, Group IT &amp; Digitalisation (VP), BW Group<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">;<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Shoby Saseedharanan, IT Risk Specialist, Berge Bulk<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">; and\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Uttam Kumar, Director, IT Business Partnering, Synergy Marine.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Other experts include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Francois-Xavier Accard, Managing Director, CMA CGM International Shipping;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>New Wei Siang, Director, Maritime Decarbonization &amp; Net Zero Pathways, Maritime and Port Authority of \u00a0Singapore (MPA); and<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Gobinathan M Ramachanderan, Head of Decarbonization, MISC;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Capt Cheah Sin Bi, CEO, Orkim;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Gautam Khurana, CFO, Precious Shipping;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Lars Gruenitz, Managing Director, Proteus Energy &amp; Norstar Ship Management;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Prantika Sengupta, Global Director \u2013 Legal, SeaLead;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Akanksha Batura Pai, Executive Director, Sinoda Shipping Agency.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Networking will be at its strongest at the 19th edition of APM, as shipowners and shipyards from across Asia converge to explore collaboration opportunities and exchange insights with 800 global exhibitors spread across six exhibition halls at Marina Bay Sands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">Long<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u2011<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">time industry partner The Indonesian National Shipowners<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u2019<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u00a0Association (INSA) will continue its strong presence at APM 2026, leading a delegation of shipowners to connect with global solution providers and industry leaders. MASA, under its new FASA Chairmanship for 2026<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u2013<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">2027, led by\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Mohamed Safwan Othman<\/strong><\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">, will also bring a delegation of Malaysia shipowners to advance dialogue on decarbonisation, regulatory alignment, and fleet competitiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">In parallel, key decision makers driving next<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u2011<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">generation shipbuilding<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">from the Batam Shipyard and Offshore Association (BSOA) and Indonesia Shipbuilding &amp; Offshore Association (IPERINDO)<\/span><span lang=\"en-SG\">will spearhead technical, ship design and procurement delegations at the event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\"><strong>Where decision-makers explore the latest cutting-edge solutions\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">As energy transition strategies take shape, APM 2026 extends beyond conference dialogue to practical solutions. Visitors can look forward to several new product developments and live demonstrations, reflecting the growing industry demand for scalable and operationally proven technologies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>RUSTIBUS<\/strong> will introduce, for the very first time, its <strong>RUSTIBUS\u00ae Eco Series<\/strong>, featuring the RUSTIBUS 2000 ECO and RUSTIBUS 1200 ECO, at APM 2026. Built on its established surface preparation platforms, the Eco Series integrates dedicated dust and debris containment systems that capture rust scale, paint particles, and surface contaminants at source. Engineered for marine and offshore environments, the electrically powered machines support cleaner onboard maintenance while reducing the risk of marine pollution, aligning with growing environmental compliance requirements across global fleets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nippon Paint Marine<\/strong> will also unveil <strong>AQUATERRAS 1100<\/strong> at APM 2026; the latest addition to its pioneering AQUATERRAS range, recognised as the world\u2019s first biocide-free hull self-polishing coating system. The new coating features a low-VOC formulation designed to reduce environmental impact while meeting regulatory requirements across major shipbuilding markets, including China and Korea. AQUATERRAS 1100 is also the first in the series to incorporate Advanced Fouling Control (AFC), a proprietary silicone-modified binder technology that creates a smooth, glossy coating surface to prevent fouling without biocides, supporting improved hull performance and long-term vessel efficiency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Roxtec<\/strong> will present its newly launched <strong>Roxtec Cabinet Seal Platform (CSP)<\/strong> for high cable density applications in demanding marine environments. The solution is designed to simplify cable management while maintaining certified sealing performance, supporting increasingly digitalised and electrified vessel architectures. A live product demonstration will be conducted at stand F-B05, on 26 March, 10:00 \u2013 11:00, marking one of the first opportunities for the regional maritime community to see the system in operation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Korindo Energy<\/strong> will showcase its <strong>SCANIA E-Machine<\/strong>, a hybrid and fully electrified configuration designed to support vessel electrification. The compact, modular electric drive system can operate alongside combustion engines or function as a fully electric propulsion unit, enabling flexible transition pathways for shipowners. Live demonstrations of the SCANIA E-Machine will take place at stand E-K12, on 25 March 12:00 \u2013 15:00, allowing visitors to experience its integration capabilities and modular battery systems firsthand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p align=\"justify\" lang=\"en-SG\"><span lang=\"en-SG\">In an industry facing mounting decarbonisation targets, digital disruption and trade flow uncertainty, APM 2026 is the perfect platform that serves as a meeting point for shipowners, solution providers, industry leaders and institutions to shape the future of vessels and solutions for tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>maritime professional<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The transition towards digitalisation and automation is speeding up in the maritime industry, and a comprehensive strategy is emerging to turbo-charge efficiency, safety and sustainability. Yet key questions remain about the adoption of technologies and solutions to enhance operational performance, future-proof fleets while remaining commercially competitive, and ultimately realise the zero-emission goal. At Asia Pacific &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maritime-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/media\/77044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.al-sindbad.net\/rest\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}