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The year 2007 has seen no let-up of the boom in the shipping industry. The ever-growing demand, the increase in dry bulk freight, the recovery in the container business, the torrent of new shipbuilding orders-all these eye-catching movements in the market are creating opportunities and challenges. Moreover, the capital market is giving renewed backing to shipping, and funds are flowing into the business.
Shipping is changing. It is no longer the industry we knew twenty years ago. Globalization is creating huge demand and business opportunities for shipping, which itself is undergoing a fundamental structural change. Like the sea which we live with, shipping is experiencing turbulent waves. Now we are still on the crest of those waves, but we must wonder how far the market will go, and what will happen next.
So it is no accident that the organizers of this year's summit have chosen"Riding the wave"as the main topic. We believe the views and perspectives provided by top CEOs, industry analysts, economists, government agencies, institutional investors and fund managers will bring new insights. You may find the answers to some frequently asked questions, such as: To what extent is physical dry bulk affected by paper?Are we short of port facilities, or is investment in ports infrastructure getting overheated? Is it possible to get adequate returns on high-priced newbuildings and ships?Where are current trends heading in the integration of shipping and logistics?What is the financial institutions' perspective on the turbulent shipping industry?How much can the new emerging economies contribute? Where is our 'Blue Sea' ? And so on. |
