Global port owners and operators are joining tug owners to debate the latest challenges, issues and technologies during Riviera Maritime Media’s 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention, Exhibition & Awards, being held in Dubai, 21-23 May 2024
Highlights of the convention will include interactive panel discussions with senior representatives from port and tug operating companies at the conference, where they will focus on aligning the tug industry on maritime decarbonisation.
DP World global executive vice president for health, safety and the environment Jason Pratt has joined one of the debate panels during the third day of the convention.
This panel, which will be discussing transition pathways to zero emissions, will also include CPT Towage fleet manager José Antonio Vargas, Seaspan Marine Transportation senior vice president Jordan Pechie and Bureau Veritas chief executive Herman Spilker.
They will debate how fuel flexibility will incur upfront capital expenditure; whether intended alternative fuels will materialise; the potential for green fuels to reduce safety and introduce higher operational risks; and who will be responsible for downstream emissions and higher maintenance.
Two other panels will be run on day three, with Smit Lamnalco global director for LNG business and project development Andrew Brown, Wilson Sons executive director of tugboats Márcio Castro and the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel general manager and chief operating officer Mark Bell discussing transition pathways to decarbonisation.
The second panel of the day will feature Targe Towing commercial director Alasdair Smith, Multraship Towage & Salvage operations and crewing manager Bianca Pielaat and Kuok Maritime senior general manager for coastal sustainability Bernard Liew.
On day one, Adani Ports and SEZ chief executive of international ports and harbour services Nicolai Friis and P&O Maritime Logistics chief executive Martin Helweg will join the panel discussing how consolidation among mega-operators is reshaping towage markets globally.
Sohar Industrial Port lead for marine projects and policy systems Asaad Al Siyabi will present how ports are ideal locations for piloting low-carbon solutions where there are frequent vessel calls and multiple tugs assisting them.
AD Ports Group’s Safeen Group director Ferlin Brown will explain why there is a need for tugboat fleet renewal in the Middle East Gulf, as ageing vessels are repurposed for other activities.
On day two, Ras Al Khaimah RAK Ports marine services manager Justin Adams and Kotug International general manager Patrick Everts will jointly cover how to overcome strains and pain points at the port interface using enhanced technology, training and communications.
