The conference will begin with an inaugural address by a senior figure within the Abu Dhabi government welcoming and setting out key aims and objectives.

Keynote Session: Tackling transportation’s contribution to climate change

Presentations will be given by senior executives who are driving change in the fields of land transportation, shipping, air transportation, railways and new technology.

Topics covered will include:

• Developing sustainable multi-modal transportation models
• Creating low-carbon transportation infrastructure
• Shipping industry collaboration as the key to a decarbonised future
• How can ports play their part in tacking climate change issues
• New fuels - what does the future hold for biofuels and other alternatives
• What are airlines doing to deliver a zero carbon future
• Innovative technology - is Hyperloop a game changer?

The presentations will focus on initiatives being taken by leading port operators and cargo handling technology developers to reduce carbon emissions; in addition, developments in the rail and air cargo sectors will be highlighted.

Topics proposed for inclusion include:

• Identifying ports’ contribution to climate change issues and what are the most effective remedial measures?
• Ensuring cargo handling systems are powered in a more environment-friendly way.
• Harnessing shoreside power to reduce vessel emissions in port.
• Rail connectivity - switching land transport from road to rail.
• Air cargo - facilitating growth while moving to a low carbon future.
• Short sea, coastal and inland waterway freight - putting ports at the heart of multimodal networks.

Marine transportation contributes about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But experts believe that if a business as usual approach was adopted emissions could increase by between 50 and 250% by 2050. Doing nothing is not an option. Identifying ways of reducing shipping emissions cost effectively is therefore a high priority. The presentations in this session will highlight notable initiatives taken by leading shipping lines and cruise operators, as well as the latest technology being used onboard to cut emissions.

Topics proposed for inclusion include:

• Container shipping - what quick wins are open to the sector to cut its climate change impact while remaining economically viable?
• Cruise shipping - showing others the way in terms of environmental protection.
• Alternative fuels and propulsion systems - designing the zero carbon ships of the future.
• Classification societies - what role must they play in bringing shipping’s carbon emissions down.
• Engine technology - manufacturers’ R&D strategies offer hope for the future
• Optimising fuel management and efficiency

The financial sector has an important role to play in helping the transportation business tackle climate change, while navigating the increasingly complex regulatory maze will require legal expertise. This session will explore how collaboration between these sectors can accelerate climate change action plans. Speakers will discuss:

Topics proposed for inclusion include:

• How can transport industry attract climate change funding?
• Working with financial partners to cut carbon emissions
• An insurance sector perspective
• How can tax and other incentives drive achievement of transport climate change objectives?
• Getting legal clarity at a time of regulatory change and uncertainty?
• Measuring the costs of climate change vs the cost of doing nothing.

One of the main reasons professionals attend a conference is to network. The Maritime Standard(TMS) Networking Cocktails is aimed to promote networking between delegates attending and can be an opportune time for helping your company and your career.

TMS Networking Cocktail evenings are immensely popular and are primarily focused on providing attendees with an opportunity to network with their counterparts as well as providing a platform for expanding business contacts.

You won’t find a better platform to form new business contacts and to develop existing connections than at The Maritime Standard Networking Cocktails, which has a more casual and relaxed vibe than the office – but still maintains a professional overtone. Business cocktail parties are a great opportunity to break out of your shell, whether you are looking to explore career options, expand your knowledge about a company and its employees, or simply to broaden your network of contacts. Take advantage of the various opportunities provided by TMS Networking Cocktails to maximize your professional goals.