Recently, more than one hundred shipping executives met in New York to debate the challenges faced by the shipping industry. As a leading sponsor of the event, DNV had the opportunity to share their unique perspective

On April 26 and 27, participants in this year's MARE FORUM gathered in New York to debate the challenges faced by the shipping industry. Unlike a traditional lecture series, the MARE FORUM is designed to allow participants to introduce and debate issues. Modelled after English Parliamentary debates, participants in the MARE FORUM are seated on opposite sides in a room, and are encouraged to engage in lively exchanges in an informal atmosphere.

In his luncheon address, DNV's Terje Staalstrom opened a discussion with a brief presentation entitled, 'Are safety and profitability incompatible objectives in today's maritime safety regime?' He began by characterising the previous months with a quote from Dickens, 'It was the best of times and the worst of times.' Noting that while both the tanker and the dry bulk market enjoyed excellent results, the risk faced by companies in these sectors remained at all time highs. Staalstrom was careful to point out that this risk applied not only to shipowners, but to all parties involved, including classification societies.

Several speakers offered their opinions, and at the end of the two-day event, the results were recorded, providing participants with an analysis of the shipping industry in addition to MARE FORUM's recommendations for action. The organisers will distribute the conclusions of the seminar to shipping associations and political bodies in an effort to make the opinions of the participants known.


Contact Terje.Staalstrom@dnv.com for a copy of his speech

Date: 2004-06-02