Maritime conference looks at macro issues

Macro factors were high on the agenda at the Asia Pacific Maritime 2008 Conference.

Supply and demand in shipping and the ways in which goods are moved around were among the pressing issues discussed on the opening day yesterday. Maersk South-east Asia chief executive Jesper Praestengaard opened the discussion by saying that 2008 will be 'an interesting year for the maritime sector'. He highlighted three factors that will affect container shipping in particular. They are constantly rising oil prices; increasing environmental concerns; and the demise of the liner conferences. First, an average 60 per cent or so increase in fuel rates from US$300 to US$490 per tonne of bunker over the past year is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, he said. Liners need a fair and transparent way to adjust rates according to such rapidly changing circumstances. Another issue that needs to be looked at urgently is what will happen to the long-established tradition of liner conferences after October, when new regulations will oblige their dissolution, Mr Praestengaard said. A major issue brought up during conference sessions yesterday was how to get sufficient crew to keep up with rapidly growing fleets. A debate ensued on how to attract people to seafaring, amid growing prosperity in nations that have traditionally provided crews, while making sure that the rapid promotion of current manpower is commensurate with skill levels. A discussion on intermodal transport solutions revealed potential problems but also many projects that countries throughout the region are putting in place to cater to future demand.

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