The maritime industry requires coordination so it may embrace technological developments, facilitate change and understand the impact of such developments on other stakeholders. For this purpose, international associations representing shipbuilders, shipowners and classification societies meet every year for two days to discuss technical trends and developments. The meetings are always hosted by one of the three big ship-building nations of China, South Korea and Japan. This year’s meeting took place 7-8 November 2024 in Shanghai. In addition to the usual participants, IUMI also attended and was represented by its Secretary General, Lars Lange.

A number of sessions were included such as:

• Strategic issues driving the future of how ships are operated and built.
• Technical readiness of stakeholders in achieving GHG reduction pathways (for existing ships).
• Technical readiness of stakeholders in achieving GHG reduction pathways (for new buildings or new fuels).
• Safety Issues.
• Environmental issues (ballast water management, underwater noise, discharge water etc.).

Lars Lange had the opportunity to speak on fires on container vessels; challenges connected to electric vehicles and batteries on board ships; and the loss of containers at sea.

The meeting served as a great opportunity to understand technical developments in maritime and to strengthen the position of marine insurers with shipbuilders, shipowners and class.