Bulk terminals industry prepares to meet in Antwerp
On 23 & 24 October, the international bulk terminals community will gather in Antwerp for the 8th Annual ABTO Bulk Terminals conference, where industry experts will provide analysis and advice on a range of thought-provoking topics covering everything from geopolitical events to environmental improvements.
Bulk Terminals Antwerp’s full programme offers sound practical solutions to terminal operators for streamlining and increasing the profitability of operations, improving safety and ensuring environmental protection.
The sector-by-sector analysis of bulk markets will be presided over by session chairman Rahul Sharan, Deputy Director – Bulk Research, Drewry, with a keynote on ‘Bulk markets vulnerability to wars and political disruptions’ from Dr Wouter Jacobs, Executive and Academic Director Erasmus Commodity & Trade Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam.
ABTO CEO Simon Gutteridge says: “We have addressed the effects of the war in Ukraine, China’s weaponisation of trade and Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, both in Bulk Terminals International magazine and at our previous conferences. Dr Jacobs will be drawing these strands together in his not-to-be-missed session.”
Further highlights include an in-depth exploration of circular economies by the case studies panel, which will see specialists including Jessica Gerritsen, Port of Antwerp-Bruges Expert Circular Economy discuss the financial as well as environmental benefits of a circular approach. Garry O’Malley, Chairman of the ABTO Technical Committee and Operations Director at Teesworks, will moderate the panel.
A packed Environment session will see discussions from speakers including Karin Smit-Jacobs, Director EU Transport and Energy, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) on green port strategies, as well as an in-depth look at the impact of technology on sustainability. Delegates can share their environmental journey in what promises to be a lively interactive session.
The cyber security, safety and risk session will put the very latest protective measures in the spotlight, with advice from experts including Richard Steele, Head of ICHCA International.
