Take a look behind the scenes at MIAL’s 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit in Melbourne
On 25 June, the International Day of the Seafarer, over 180 delegates convened in Melbourne for MIAL’s 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: ANL, CSL, Bureau Veritas, Engage Marine, Cruise Lines International Association, Wärtsilä, Franmarine, Biarri, Jotun, and Blue Visby.
Proceedings kicked off the evening prior with a lively welcome reception under a wintry city skyline.
The evening was sponsored by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CLIA Managing Director Joel Katz (pictured) delivered a vibrant speech focusing on sustainability initiatives currently employed by CLIA members worldwide.
The main event started with an empty room and possibilities. Within an hour it had filled to capacity.
It’s hard to believe that MIAL’s first maritime decarbonisation summit, held in 2022, only attracted barely two dozen delegates. Clearly, the need to understand and take action in this space has progressed significantly.
MIAL CEO Angela Gillham welcomed the packed room of leaders in international and domestic shipping and ports, energy producers, offshore industries, and government.
Opening addresses were provided by the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and the Hon Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ports and Freight and Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
A selection of key stakeholders had a brief parlay with Minister King ss an aside to the main event.
Eminent strategic economist, Rod Sims AO, Chair of the Superpower Institute, delivered an insightful keynote that set the context for Australia’s maritime decarbonisation efforts and its impact globally.
The summit was attended by a special delegation of senior government officials from Malysia, Vietnam and Thailand under the auspices of P4I to improve and develop strategic partnerships with Australia’s regional neighbours.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation provided a pre-recorded address to delegates.
The Secretary-General recognised the need for collaboration to achieve emissions reduction targets and emphasised, on the International Day of the Seafarer, the essential role of the maritime workforce in making strategic decisions a reality.
Of course, it was the panel discussions that provided the real meat on the bones of the event.
The discussions were many and varied, but all offered expert insights thanks in large part to the outstanding work by each of our moderators.
The enthusiasm each panel member had for the subject matter was both palpable and energising.
Download the summit program
And then, just like that, our 5th summit was over. We hope that delegates left enthused, invigorated, and a lot more knowledgeable than when they arrived.
MIAL will shortly issue a formal statement on the summit. In the meantime, we would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those whose active participation made the event such a resounding success.
