Breakbulk Europe Main Stage

This session will give a general overview of how today’s fleet capacity will stand up to cargo demand over the next 12 months. What are the reasons for capacity issues and how will the fleet be able to manage? Where will investments be coming from? What types of ships will be the real winners and losers?

After the highs & lows of the past two years within the breakbulk and project heavy lift sector, what might the future look like, considering the current geo-political and economic factors? Following our expert’s analysis, this session will give an overview of the current market, as well as an analysis of the real short to mid-term opportunities and threats that are facing the MPP shipping sector and how to best prepare for them.

Session Sponsored by AAL Shipping (AAL) 

Fuelled by the pursuit of cleaner emissions and, more recently, the geo-political impact of the Ukraine conflict, the energy transition in Europe remains a top priority. This session will focus on a nuclear power project in Poland as an example of many others in the region with a need to develop local relationships, validate proper infrastructure, and ensure projects of this scale are feasible moving forward.

Offshore wind has been experiencing exponential growth and projects are expected to ramp up, both in Europe and beyond. Yet, fleet capacity and the availability of assets must be considered in tandem with this increased activity. Speakers in this panel will assess the readiness of the supply chain to cope with increased demand and discuss how to contain the offshore boom to operate within these capabilities.

Discover the surprising truth behind imposter syndrome and
be amazed as industry leaders from various fields share their
battles with self-doubt. This thought-provoking discussion is
not just for women; it's for everyone who believes in fostering
empowerment and resilience in the workplace. Hear firsthand
experiences and strategies to overcome self-doubt from
accomplished professionals. Explore intriguing research, dispel
common myths, and gain practical solutions to create a supportive
culture. Together, let's unlock the power of confidence, transcend
boundaries, and embrace a workplace where everyone can thrive.

A continuation of the conversation at last year’s Breakbulk Houston, this session will build on exploring the challenges that suppliers of air transport projects are facing, particularly in a European context.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Harding’s, session will look at the big factors driving economics, trade and supply chains the next 12 months. She will assess the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, look at the enduring effects on trade of commodity prices and inflation, assess the “known unknown” of China as it reopens post-pandemic, and examine at the impact that an emerging focus on sustainability will have on economic performance. As we move into the end of Q2 2023 it may seem a little late to start talking about this year’s megatrends, but she will argue that the way in which supply chain resilience is beginning to dominate a geo-economics as well the trade debate, many of these themes will remain relevant into 2024 and beyond.

Ports are an integral part of the project cargo supply chain and, as such, changes and challenges in ports acutely affect other sectors. Currently, labour shortages, strikes, sustained increases in port charges, and inadequate port infrastructure are all impacting the wider supply chain. Collaboration across the board is required to ensure cargo movements are as efficient and predictable as possible for all parties. This session will bring together a panel from key European ports, as well as the wider supply chain, to examine the causes and possible solutions to the current challenges being faced and to map a path forward to improve efficiency across the board.

Recent economic downturn and high inflation has cast a shadow of uncertainty on upcoming investments around the globe. Our industry expert will give an overview on the current and upcoming major project developments both in Europe and worldwide, identifying investments in each sector, where the new powerhouses are, how long this status quo might last.

In light of the recent and upcoming legislation regarding carbon emissions, the industry is under pressure to be accountable for and transparent about their carbon emissions and seek renewable alternatives. However, how can C02 emissions be accurately measured and priced, especially with the variability of breakbulk cargo? Who should bear the burden of the cost, and will this restrict capacity? Will other markets follow suit and how will foreign policies conform? This panel will address the effects of such regulations and shed light on the implications for stakeholders.

ESG initiatives are now a critical aspect of any organisation’s business model. Frameworks and requirements continue to be developed and implemented, however tensions between different criteria have led to a lack of ‘best-practice’ guidelines and standards in monitoring and disclosure This session will bring together industry experts and regulatory bodies to tackle the big questions, summarising key areas of focus from reporting to accountability and helping everyone understand what ESG means for them and how they can begin making their mark.