Main Stage Agenda

Hosts:

Opening Remarks

Breakbulk & Heavy Lift Fleet Update

In this session, breakbulk and project carriers, together with analysts, will come together to provide an overview of the multipurpose sector’s global fleet. The ongoing backlog of shipyard orders, predominantly from bulk and container carriers, is continuing to delay MPV newbuilds entering the market. Our panellists will discuss the changing nature of projects, the rapidly expanding size and weight of components, how changes in emissions directives and  fuels will impact MPV newbuilds, and the sector’s ability to service project and heavy lift demands in the near future. Join this session to hear where carriers are investing and what challenges they see in the short and long term.

Session Sponsored by AAL Shipping (AAL)

Energy Sector Update

This series of short presentations will provide updates on the current state of play across 4 key sectors. Our speakers will each review the trends, opportunities, and outlook across Mining, O&G, Renewables and Manufacturing. Join this session to further understand sector specific developments, supply chain constraints and associated challenges to ensure you are competitively positioned for upcoming projects. The panel following this session will discuss the readiness of the industry to service these projects. 

Project Outlook – Are We Ready? – Opening Remarks

Project Outlook – Are We Ready?

Following on from the sector updates presented in the previous session, this panel will look at what this outlook means for the breakbulk industry who will be servicing these projects moving forward. With a shift in projects, comes new unique requirements from skillsets to workforce, legislation, and funding - all serious considerations the industry needs to tackle. Our panellists will delve deeper into what they believe are the key areas to focus on and highlight potential gaps that could affect their ability to effectively service the changing nature of projects. 

Session Sponsored by Cordstrap 

Latin America Spotlight: Outlook, Projects, and Opportunities – Opening Remarks

Latin America Spotlight: Outlook, Projects, and Opportunities

Latin America continues to be a region of opportunity for the breakbulk sector. Energy, mining, and infrastructure are taking up the biggest share of megaprojects currently under construction and the region is tipped for huge growth in the renewables sector, particularly offshore wind and hydrogen. The decommissioning market is also on the rise and, alongside this, large scale port development to service the needs of the region’s projects. Join our Latin American experts in this session who will provide an overview on opportunities in key countries in the region, as well as share their insights and predictions on hot spots and where this region is headed over the coming years.

Session Sponsored by PhilaPort - The Port of Philadelphia 

Women in Breakbulk

Unconscious bias in the workplace can influence who is hired and promoted, how employees are evaluated, the types of work assignments and opportunities that employees are given, and workplace culture. The very nature of unconscious bias means people must become aware of their biases before they can be addressed. In this session, learn ways to take action as an ally to overcome unconscious bias. This topic was selected by an advisory council of female leaders who will pose questions to our expert speaker and open the conversation to audience members. 
 

In Conversation with DP World: Unlocking Commercial Opportunities Through Digitalisation

Join this interview with Mike Bhaskaran, Group Chief Operating Officer of Digital Technology at DP World to discover his views on the benefits and challenges of digitalization across the breakbulk sector. Mike will provide insight into how digitalization can aid the entire end-to-end logistics process and how breakbulk and project carriers can most effectively use the data at their disposal for commercial gain. 

Progress in the Digitalization in the Breakbulk Sector: Expectation vs Reality

Digitalization and technological advancements are changing the nature of business across all sectors on a global scale, albeit the speed and methods of transitioning has not been uniform. This has led to a disconnect between players across the supply chain, which has at times hindered how much progress is possible. This session will bring together key stakeholders, who will discuss what type of investments are currently being made, the reach and usage of key systems in the market, and what compromises must be made to achieve more efficient advances in digitalization.

The Journey Towards Decarbonization: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities – Opening Remarks

The Journey Towards Decarbonization: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities

The industry is making good progress towards the energy transition, however, the next steps in reaching zero carbon shipping are now presenting new requirements and challenges. The need for construction and infrastructure projects that can support carbon capture, as well as other changes, such as providing alternative fuels to ports, or even the creation of green shipping corridors for breakbulk, are all obstacles the industry is looking to overcome. Our panel will analyze what the best and most viable options are in the next steps toward decarbonization.

Session Sponsored by AsstrA

Keynote: US Energy Futures: Requirements and Opportunities for the Breakbulk Sector

Melanie Kenderdine, along with former Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz and fellow Principal Joseph S. Hezir founded the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving innovation in energy technology, policy, and business models. In this keynote presentation, Melanie will provide an update on the U.S. energy market and how the U.S. is making progress towards the energy transition highlighting the investment impact of offshore wind impact on ports and U.S. Jones Act vessel market. She will also share her insight on the Inflation Reduction Act on Energy & Infrastructure projects. This session is not to be missed!

Student Research Poster Awards

Sponsored by Bechtel, 4D Supply Chain Consulting, UTC Overseas, DP World and University of Houston

Air Freight Solutions for Breakbulk Cargo

Following on from discussions at Breakbulk Europe and last year's edition of Breakbulk Americas, this session will provide an update on the breakbulk air cargo fleet, engineering developments and a review of current and future business models. Key discussion points will include: 

• Load engineering development to enhance and increase utilization of the existing fleet of freighters, with a focus on the B747-8F and B777F aircraft.
• Fleet development: What is happening with those B747F parked in the desert or around the world? How many? Is there an interest in bringing them back and fill the gap?
• Airfreight business and viability: Are the current business models working and sustainable? How are the asset owners dealing with the current market fluctuations? How do their decisions affect and impact cargo owners and shippers?
• Environment, social, governance (ESG): What is the realistic expectation?