Thomas Damsgaard
Head of Americas BIMCO
Thomas Damsgaard is BIMCO's Head of Americas. He started his shipping career in 1990 and has earned his stripes in a succession of increasingly challenging roles within senior management and leadership for maritime market leaders. He has led several maritime start-ups and turnarounds and acted as an external adviser on leadership, strategy and optimisation to global maritime, logistics and PE organisations. He has served on professional boards within shipping and logistics.
An active member of the Houston maritime community, he fills leading roles including for the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association, the Advisory Board at the University of Houston; he co-founded the Danish American Chamber of Commerce and a not-for profit maritime scholarship fundraiser.
Thomas holds an MBA in Shipping & Logistics (Blue MBA) from Copenhagen Business School.
2026 Event Agenda Sessions
Fleet Decisions in an Era of Strategic Demand
The breakbulk fleet is aging, vessel availability is tightening and geopolitical pressures are reshaping global capacity. This session explores how carriers, inland operators and project stakeholders are responding to rising demand, limited newbuild activity and increasing pressure on US-flag capacity driven by cargo preference rules, government-backed projects and shifting global priorities. Combining market analysis with strategic and operational perspectives, the discussion examines what this means for pricing, lead times, transportation readiness and long-term project planning.
Wednesday 23 September 10:45 - 11:30 Breakbulk Live Stage
Fleet & Capacity
Market Outlook & Industry Strategy
The breakbulk fleet is aging, vessel availability is tightening and geopolitical pressures are reshaping global capacity. This session explores how carriers, inland operators and project stakeholders are responding to rising demand, limited newbuild activity and increasing pressure on US-flag capacity driven by cargo preference rules, government-backed projects and shifting global priorities. Combining market analysis with strategic and operational perspectives, the discussion examines what this means for pricing, lead times, transportation readiness and long-term project planning.
Breakbulk Live Stage America/Chicago2026 Education Day Sessions
Roundtable Discussions: Becoming Industry Ready: The Unwritten Rules of Building Your Professional Reputation
Continue the conversation in small-group roundtable discussions with industry professionals. Building on the themes explored in the fireside chat, you'll have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, hear different career journeys, gain tailored advice and practise professional conversations in a relaxed setting. It's the perfect chance to build confidence, expand your network and prepare for your visit to the exhibition floor.
Wednesday 23 September 11:30 - 11:50 NextWave Education Day
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