Singapore, 30 September 2025 – The Maritime CEO Forum returned to the Fullerton Hotel last week, reaffirming its reputation as one of shipping’s most candid and exclusive gatherings. Now in its eighth edition, the half-day event brought together senior shipowners, managers, and executives for panel-driven debate on the market, technology, and workforce challenges reshaping maritime.
Structured to promote conversation rather than lengthy presentations, the forum once again provided an unfiltered view of where the industry is headed, and where it is most uncertain.
Tanker Session: Optimism with Caution
The tanker panel was the liveliest of the day. Moderated by Duncan Ross of Paratus & Partners, the line-up included Peter Kolding (Hafnia), Mark Cameron (Ardmore Shipping), Subhangshu Dutt (OM Maritime), and Alan Hatton (Foreguard Shipping).
- Supply Dynamics: Kolding dismissed fears of oversupply, noting that many LR2 deliveries had been offset by trades shifting, with Hafnia entering 2026 more confident than a year ago.
- Regional Disruptions: Dutt pointed to the impact of Red Sea security risks and surging biofuel-linked palm oil flows reshaping Asia-bound routes.
- Market Perspective: Cameron reminded owners not to lose sight of reality — “$20,000 a day is a good rate” — while Hatton cautioned that elevated asset prices made capital allocation increasingly complex, even in a stronger cycle.
- Ageing Fleet & Standards: The panellists sparred over vessel age, with Kolding seeing greater tolerance for older but well-maintained ships, while Cameron pushed back against arbitrary age limits.
- Technology & Crew Incentives: While technology adoption was acknowledged as vital, Cameron stressed crew incentives as a more powerful efficiency driver: “We fly 85% of our captains and chief engineers home business class. That incentive alone has probably saved us more fuel than most gadgets.”
- Sanctions & Shadow Fleet: Concerns over sanctions dominated risk discussions, with Cameron warning of hidden counterparties and Kolding noting over 400 tankers in “grey trades.” Hatton underscored the reputational risks: “Cross the Rubicon into that fleet and you probably don’t come back.”
The tanker debate concluded with a note of pragmatism. As Hatton summed it up: “We’re in a wait-and-see market. The smart move is knowing when not to move.”
Dry Bulk and Market Outlooks
The dry bulk session took a similarly cautious line, with panelists flagging Chinese demand, port congestion, and fleet renewal as the biggest drivers. While sentiment was broadly positive, most speakers urged owners to remain disciplined, noting that volatility in energy and commodities could quickly reshape trade flows.
AI and Digitalisation: Promise Meets Reality
In a session on AI and digitalisation, participants stressed the need for realism amid rapid technological change.
- Executives welcomed the efficiency gains of predictive maintenance, voyage optimisation, and automated reporting.
- Yet, several warned against inflated vendor claims and the temptation to chase unproven solutions.
- The consensus was that collaboration among owners — sharing best practice and pilot project results — was accelerating adoption, but investment decisions should remain evidence-based.
A strong theme emerged around cybersecurity, with speakers warning that as ships become more connected, resilience against cyber threats must match the pace of digitalisation.
Crewing in the Digital Age
The workforce panel addressed crewing challenges as digital tools and automation alter the skillsets required onboard.
- Panellists highlighted the difficulty of balancing cost efficiency with crew welfare, noting that seafarer retention is increasingly tied to lifestyle and connectivity at sea.
- Training requirements were flagged as a looming challenge, with new digital systems demanding faster upskilling and stronger partnerships with maritime academies.
- Gender diversity and governance were underscored as performance drivers, not “soft issues,” with several executives insisting shipping must do more to attract and retain a broader talent pool.
Networking at The Fullerton
As is tradition, the forum concluded with a cocktail reception at The Lighthouse, the Fullerton Hotel’s rooftop venue overlooking Marina Bay. Delegates mingled against the backdrop of Singapore’s skyline, extending the candid conversations from the panels into the evening.
Discipline, Realism, and Durability
Across sessions, a common theme emerged: shipping is in a stronger financial position than a decade ago, yet faces unprecedented uncertainty. Tanker owners see promise but remain wary of sanctions and geopolitics. Bulk operators are bracing for volatility. Digitalisation offers efficiency, but only when applied with caution. And crewing remains a decisive factor, with human capital as central to competitiveness as any new technology.
The Maritime CEO Forum Singapore 2025 left little doubt that the industry’s leaders are charting a careful course. For now, the guiding principles are discipline, realism, and durability.
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