NAMEPA Calls Upon Maritime Industry Leaders to Discuss “Marine Operations in a Disrupted World.

February 17, 2021 – The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) will be hosting its annual Marine Operations Seminar, “Marine Operations in a Disrupted World,” on February 25th, 2021 and will be, for the first time in the event’s history, hosted virtually from 1:00 to 5:00 EST. The marine industry is being pummeled by a pandemic and is reacting to a public that is relentless about regulations to mitigate environmental impacts – all while still pursuing elusive profits and within a global framework that is changing by the moment presenting new opportunities and risks. In a word, it is operating in a disrupted world. This seminar is designed to address, discuss and confront the operational issues that are at the forefront of the marine industry in this disrupted world in a collaborative manner.

“NAMEPA annually brings the maritime community together to discuss strategies for operational management in the industry,” stated Carleen Lyden Walker, NAMEPA’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “This year finds us in the throes of dramatic change and challenges. Our event is even more meaningful to develop a collaborative approach for solutions.”

Joe Hughes, NAMEPA Chairman and Chairman/CEO of Shipowners Claims Bureau (The American Club) will be welcoming participants and giving the opening remarks followed by Randy Giveans, SVP of Equity Research at Jeffries LLC, who will be addressing the current “State of the Market” in this disrupted world. Hughes and Giveans will be succeeded by a series of subject matter experts through three panel discussions:

Niels Aalund, Sr. Vice President of West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) will be moderating the panel on “Where We Are Today” which will feature Richard Timme, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard, speaking on “Impact of a New Administration on the Coast Guard”; Cynthia Hudson, CEO of HudsonAnalytix, will be addressing “IMO2021 and other Cyber Challenges”; Todd Duke of Resolve Marine will provide a salvor’s perspective to the current state of OPA 90 response, ending with Dana Merkel of Blank Rome, who will outline “Regulatory Challenges in a Disrupted World.

Following the discussion of where we are today, there will be two additional panel presentations: “Where We Need to Go” and “Where are the Tools to Get there?” The first panel discussion will be moderated by Jan Hagen Anderson, Business Development Director at DNV GL Maritime, who will lead delegates through short-, medium- and long-term industry goals. Panelists include Krishna Achuthanandam, Marine LNG Business Team Lead and Shell LNG Marketing and Trading; Jason Kelly, EVP Moran Shipping Agencies; and Madadh MacLaine, Secretary General at Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs). The final panel discussion will be moderated by Gareth Burton, VP Technology at American Bureau of Shipping, with presentations by Giorgos Zyriazis, P Ships Systems, speaking on “Reducing Plastics on Board”; Melody Saunders Brenna, CEO and Co-Founder of Intellireef, will discuss the importance of “Protecting Our Coastlines”; and Peter Lindsey, VP Marine Purify Fuels Inc, will inform industry on the “Breakthroughs in Fuel Chemistry” to reduce emission impacts; and Mikal Bøe, Chief Executive Officer of Core-Power, will present “The Nuclear Option.”

Sponsors of the event (to date) include American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), The American Club, Blank Rome, DNV GL, Dorian LPG, Fairfield Chemical Carriers, HudsonAnalytix, P Ships System Ltd, Purify Fuel, Resolve Marine, Scorpio Group, SMIT Salvage and West Gulf Maritime Association. To register for the conference and view agenda details, visit: www.namepa.net/events

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at: www.namepa.net

Media inquiries: Carleen Lyden Walker +203 255 4868 executivedirector@namepa.net