This was no ordinary conference. Yesterday, our Commercial Director, Martaxelle Erussard, attended the CTA’s conference on ‘Innovations in commodity trading and shipping’. She shared her feedback, stating “At some conferences, you listen without hearing, at this one I listened to EVERY WORD.”

An expert panel delved into the disruptions and innovations reshaping our maritime world. Discussions ranged from the need for critical and creative thinking, as highlighted by Cyril Reol of Mercuria, to the importance of careful consideration to avoid falling victim to the hypnotic and dangerous song of the technology sirens, as discussed by Alessandro Sanos, CAIA, SCR of LSEG.

🌍 Key takeaways 🚢

1️⃣ Adapt or Sink: The old ways of doing things are being disrupted, and companies need to adapt and adjust to stay ‘afloat’.

2️⃣ Navigating the Data Deluge: Finding an interface between existing systems and the wealth of information out there is a challenge. It’s crucial to harness new tools and innovations effectively.

3️⃣ Sustainable Voyage: Net-zero carbon emissions are a top priority, driving the industry to explore new business models and opportunities.

4️⃣ Human Touch: While technology advances, it is reassuring to hear that humans will always play a vital role. We need to nurture creative and critical thinking in the next generation.

5️⃣ Digital Ethics: Amidst discussions of AI, blockchain, and data science, the importance of human involvement and ethical considerations stood out.

6️⃣ Time Matters: In a fast-paced industry, quick problem-solving is key. The challenge lies in balancing the adoption of new technologies with the essence of human ingenuity.

We would like to extend our appreciation to the CTA Association, for organising such an outstanding event. The photos below provide a glimpse of its exceptional nature!