Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), the largest meeting place in Southeast Asia for the global maritime value chain, will return for its 18th instalment in Singapore from 13 to 15 March at the Marina Bay Sands, according to its organiser RX on Monday (15 January). 

This year’s exhibition and conference is expected to bring together more than 14,000 shipowners, shipyards, ship management, and technical procurers to meet over 1,400 solutions providers. 

“For the past few months, we have been reconnecting with industry players globally to learn about their latest solutions, services, and technologies that will drive the maritime sector over the next decade,” said Yeow Hui Leng, Group Project Director, RX.

“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.” 

With the theme “Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow”, APM 2024 aims to be the platform for knowledge exchange and information sharing. The conference and exhibition will focus on highlighting smarter solutions to achieve net-zero objectives, drive cybersecurity, improve satellite communication mobility, and embrace digitalisation. Innovative solutions will be at the exhibition front including drones, batteries, electric marine engine and propulsion, sustainable paints and coatings and tech solution companies.

Maritime drones are increasingly used for inspection in environments that are tough to navigate, such as engine rooms and ports, as they can help improve safety while keeping operational costs low. At APM 2024, attendees will be able to explore Flyability’s ELIOS 3, the world’s first collision-tolerant drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor for indoor 3 mapping. Flyability will also lead a session at APM conference to address the use of drones to enhance inspection and surveillance for port operations.

Other notable exhibitors amongst the 1,400 leading brands on the floor include Wartsila, MTU, Niigata, Engtek, Reintjes, Schaller Automation, Yanmar, Daihatsu Diesel, Nakashima, Schottel, Bergen Engines, Yara Marine, Marlink, Speedcast, OTESAT_MARITEL, Hostmost, Jotron, KVH, Furuno, Tero Marine, Danaos, Jason Electronics, Codar, Can Traders, Alphatron, Nabtesco, Thuraya, Asia Satellite Telecommunications, Bachmann Electronic, Navtor, Auto-Maskin, VINSSEN, Vertidrive NL, Durapower, EST-Floattech, Hanla IMS, Panasia, Shinwoo, GEA, Lindenberg-Anlagen, Zollern GmbH, Flender, Thordon Bearings, Roxtec, Sauer Compressors, Fincantieri Italy, DESMI, Den-Jet, Damen Shipyard, Nippon Paint, Jotun, Chugoko Marine Paint and many more.

Chil-Han Lee, the founder and CEO of VINSSEN Co., Ltd., a leading provider of Hydrogen Fuel Cells, lithium-ion batteries, and propulsion systems, said, “VINSSEN has delivered several maritime decarbonisation projects involving Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology and full battery electric propulsion system. Our study of hydrogen as a maritime fuel was made possible thanks to the industry partnerships we have established in Singapore. This is why platforms like APM 2024 are important as they allow opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning to drive the industry forward.”

This year’s conference, sponsored by DNV, will feature more than 80 speakers to deliver dialogues across six conference themes spread out across three days – Sustainability, Innovation and Digitalisation, Manpower & Training, Maritime Cyber Security, Port & Terminals, and Insurance.

Parallel tracks will run concurrently at two separate stages on the show floor to enable more comprehensive sharing of knowledge focusing on topics of interest. The Main Stage will see some of the world’s top industry experts and leaders sharing first-hand insights into how to drive businesses forward. On the other hand, the Innovation Stage will feature business leaders and other industry specialists showcasing successful case studies, leading innovations, and inspiring visions to help companies overcome challenges in business growth.  

Some of the C-suite speakers confirmed to-date include:

• Jayendu Krishna, Director-Deputy Head, Maritime Advisors, Drewry 
• Jan-Erik Rasanen, CTO, Foreship
• Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research, Fertistream
• Simon Grainge, CEO, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
• Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT/ International Vice President of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
• Panos Theodossopoulos, CEO, METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A.
• Ho Chaw Sing, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC)
• Kenlip Ong, CEO, Pelagus 3D
• Budi Cahyono, Vice President Director, PT. Jakarta International Container Terminal
• Tarun Mehrotra, Chief Strategy Officer, RightShip
• Jan-Paul de Wilde, Head of Decarbonisation, Energy Transition & Innovation, RINA Singapore
• Rahul Kapoor, Vice-President, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights
• John Rowley, CEO, Wallem
• Nakul Malhotra, Vice President, Emerging Opportunities Portfolio – Maritime Services, Wilhelmsen

The APM 2024 roadshow has begun with a series of events for the local maritime communities across Southeast Asia to offer early insights into the key topics that will be discussed at the event in Singapore. Upcoming roadshows include 17 January 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and 22 February 2024 in Batam, Indonesia.

All registered professionals for APM 2024 will be granted free access to both exhibition and conference floors.

Related: Singapore: 17th edition of Asia Pacific Maritime exhibition officially opens at MBS

Photo credit: RX Global
Published: 18 January, 2024