“Shipping is a force for good”- Making the tough calls

Last week, MSC’s CEO Soren Toft made the statement reminding us that “Shipping is a force for good”.  Sometimes, in the bustle of commercial and operational responsibilities, deadlines and goals, we forget how valuable our industry is to global society.  We get so caught up in the day-to-day that we lose sight of how shipping is the engine of global trade, with more than 90% of all goods and energy being transported by ship.  We don’t recognize that without our efforts, “half the world would starve, and the other half freeze”, as declared by former IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos.

Since the beginning of COVID, our industry has been addressing the plight of seafarers who continue to do their jobs despite the challenges presented to them in the form of crew changes, access to medical care, ability to safely load and discharge cargoes.  Their health and welfare has to be paramount, and while we have a lot of work to do, these important issues are being addressed.

But how about those of us who either “drive a desk”, devise ways to create and market new products and services, implement these upgrades and innovation, or provide leadership and direction to their companies while also representing them to the industry and the public?  Are we caring for their welfare, too?

We are.

Last week I made the decision to pivot our SHIPPINGInsight 2021- Bridging the Decade event to virtual.  This was one of the most difficult decisions to make, but I felt it was in the best interest of the maritime community.  Yes, I miss the hugs and the enthusiasm of a room full of people, but the notion that it could cause harm to those I value and respect was intolerable.

We will certainly retain our star-studded speaker roster, and dynamic partners who will be presenting the latest thinking, strategies, programs and products to bolster the maritime industry’s efforts to improve, become more efficient, and increase in value.

We are a maritime COMMUNITY.  It has never been more important for us to support each other as we navigate the uncertain waters of the decade.  Let’s stand on the BRIDGE together!