Seamind Blue Ocean

"When the winds of change blow, some build walls, and others build windmills." The wisdom of this Chinese proverb perfectly captured the spirit of the vibrant, insightful, and exciting 5th edition of the Maritime Transport Efficiency Conference (MTEC) in Geneva yesterday. Following an excellent opening presentation by Jan Hoffmann on global trade disruptions—from the Red Sea to decarbonization—along with valuable insights into the dynamics influencing the policies and regulations shaping the future of maritime decarbonization, and Luke Shu’s deep dive into the analysis of EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, it was my pleasure to moderate the next panel. Together with forward-thinking industry stalwarts Alberto Pérez Espinosa Perez (Lloyd's Register), Peter Rayers (Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA), Frederic Meyer(TotalEnergies Marine Fuels), and Salvatore Castellano (COFCO International), we set out to demonstrate that regulations are not a threat but a catalyst for positive transformation and opportunity—and yes, they can be exciting! My panelists did an excellent job of highlighting how businesses can leverage these regulations to sharpen their competitive edge, improve operational efficiency, and drive long-term sustainability. They energized the audience with real-world examples of how regulations can inspire proactive change, spark innovation across the industry, and deliver tangible results. The day continued with numerous excellent and insightful presentations and panels, as well as candid exchanges on both opportunities and challenges—each outstanding in its own right! I can’t give proper credit to each one in this post, but I’d like to highlight these three contributions for their outstanding energy and exciting delivery: Jacob Ruytenbeek’s talk on "Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Fuel Costs, and Cutting Emissions in the Maritime Industry" and DNV's Jason Stefanatos’s insights on "The Future of Marine Fuels," as well as the panel discussion on "Carbon Markets: The Challenges and Opportunities," moderated by Julie Noller of SOCAR Trading, with Natalia Gorina of Louis Dreyfus Company, Ozan Turgut of BGN SA, and Monica Mariño of ECOM Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd. Kudos to Shailesh Shirsekar for highlighting the Chinese wisdom in his presentation on harnessing data for sustainable shipping! Yesterday’s discussions were a powerful reminder that, with the right mindset, we can not only navigate complex regulations but also turn them into sources of excitement and innovation. Seeing challenges as opportunities is at the core of driving sustainable change at individual, organizational, and societal levels. Congratulations to Bernard Schopfer and Inna Maltseva for organizing another successful and meaningful event and to Richard Watts for another excellent moderation and chairing of the proceedings. Seamind Blue Ocean #IMD #shipping #sustainability #leadingchange #leadership #decarbonisation #climatechange #greentransition #changemangement

Always a pleasure to participate in a panel with Voytek Chelkowski, and my fellow panellists Frederic Meyer Peter Rayers and Salvarore Castellano from COFCO International Looking forward to hearing from other speakers and share views in todays conference

Merci GTR Commodities - Commodity trade and finance conference pour cette très intéressante conférence à Genève, réunissant plus de 350 négociants venant de toute l’Europe. Et merci à notre modérateur Voytek Chelkowski pour animer cet intéressant panel sur les mesures ESG dans l’industrie avec Muriel Schwab, Bethanie Castelnuovo, Alexander Peters, EMBL HSG, MBA et Roshel Mahabeer.

Despite the momentum in the political sphere becoming more turbulent in recent years, the #ESG criteria acceleration has remained steady across much of the corporate and banking world. As rules at the global level are evolving at different speeds, banks are developing their taxonomies accordingly, #corporates and #traders are now facing new trade and operational duties, while #tradefinance parameters are also shifting to meet new #ESG needs. Today, industry practitioners have discussed how banks, corporates and others are meeting evolving compliance needs and taking advantage of emerging #credit and #liquidity opportunities. 🎤 Voytek Chelkowski (Propeller Club - Geneva) (Seamind Blue Ocean ) 🎤 Roshel Mahabeer (Standard Chartered) 🎤 Florence Schurch (SUISSENÉGOCE) 🎤 Muriel Schwab (Blue Oak Sarl) 🎤 Bethanie Castelnuovo (SCB Group) 🎤 Alexander Peters, EMBL HSG, MBA (Torq Commodities) Thank you to our excellent speakers for their sharing their insights! Follow GTR and event discussions at #GTRCommodities #CreditSolutions #LiquidityManagement #ESGCompliance

Can a Landlocked Country Support the Unsung Heroes of the High Seas? A Swiss Label for Seafaring?   Last Tuesday, the Propeller Club - Geneva hosted the International Seafarer Day event on board the CGN SA Lac Léman S/S Savoie to celebrate the unsung heroes of the seas. Against the elegant setting of this historic boat on Lake Geneva, I had the honor of discussing key issues seafarers face today with three captains—Nicolo De Caro, Harpreet Singh, Aslan Meskhidze—and Chief Engineer Branislav Soldo.   In addition to safety concerns in conflict zones like the Red Sea, Black Sea, and ongoing piracy, we discussed issues affecting seafarers' well-being and mental health, including long periods away from home, isolation, criminalization, and challenging working conditions. We also covered "techno-stress" as digital transformation and decarbonization accelerate. Finally, we spoke about the paradox of increased internet connectivity, which brings pressures from onshore companies demanding constant excellence while exacerbating social disconnection on board, undermining psychological safety.   The message from the panel was clear: seafarers are human beings who deserve respect, fair wages, improved working conditions, steady contracts, and recognition of their vital role. This all makes sense to any sensible person, yet it is not the case for the majority of seafarers worldwide. And- despite their economies relying heavily on international trade, which depends on maritime business and thus seafarers- this is not necessarily a well-known fact in Geneva and Switzerland.   So, what can Geneva and Switzerland at large do to move the needle on this issue? The voices from the audience advocated for the Swiss Flag to become a Swiss label representing respect, fair pay, and fair working conditions for seamen—values any Swiss enterprise would proudly associate with. Could this Swiss-made initiative serve as a beacon of wider global change?   The next occasion when this idea and seafarers’ well-being can be taken up in the region will be The Mission to Seafarers Maritime Mountain Race from 13-15 September, near Geneva. We were happy to have Jan Webber BEM from The Mission to Seafarers, who invited everyone to participate in this exciting event to raise funds for the Mission's vital work supporting seafarers.   Thank you to the International Registries, Inc., ABC Maritime AG, Suisse-Atlantique Group S.A, and everyone from the Propeller Club, especially Patrick Bachofner, Capt. Nicolas Bernard, AFNI, Harpreet Singh, and the panelists, for making this evening so meaningful. And our deepest thanks to Nicoleta Rossy for running the logistics so efficiently. Richard Watts David Urwyler Federica NINNI Me Dr Guillaume LOONIS QUÉLEN Seamind Blue Ocean International Chamber of Shipping International Maritime Organization Cargill #sustainability #shipping #change #seafarersdeservesupport #MissionToSeafarers #MaritimeMountainRace Yofis Florentin An Quynh Nguyen  

🚢 The Mission to Seafarers Maritime Mountain Race is coming to🇨🇭⛰️ Join us to support seafarers and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps in the fall! Connect with your team, make new friends, and network with industry peers while immersing yourself in the lush scenery and vibrant colors of the Swiss Alps. The event starts on Friday at Geneva Railway Station, where we will gather and board a coach to Bouveret. Our hotel overlooks Lake Geneva, providing a stunning backdrop for the weekend. On Saturday, we will have a run or trek in the Swiss Alps, followed by two networking dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Sunday morning will mark our departure, with transportation back to Geneva Railway Station. This is a relaxed and informal event, so there's no need for formal dressing. Join us for a weekend filled with business benefits, incredible experiences, and most importantly, support a cause that is close to my heart. Don't miss out! We have a limited number of teams due to venue constraints. I'm counting on my amazing network to make this event a huge success, filled with endless fun and record-breaking fundraising. Let's make a difference together and promote crew wellbeing by doing our part. For more information, please visit : https://lnkd.in/dBhYRTHG

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE- SAFETY FIRST- International Seafarers Day 2024 Over 80% of world trade is transported by sea, and approximately 1.8 million seafarers work tirelessly to ensure that our daily essentials, from morning coffee to smartphones, are delivered safely. However, the 2023 Mission to Seafarers report highlights a concerning trend, with seafarers' happiness at multi-year lows, posing risks not just to their well-being but also to the safety of shipping and global trade. To address these critical issues, the Propeller Club - Geneva is hosting a key event on International Seafarer Day. Join me aboard the historic S/S SAVOIE on June 25th, 2024, for an evening dedicated to discussing the challenges faced by today's seafarers. Set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset cruise, the event will feature a stimulating panel discussion with seasoned seafarers, complemented by a delightful dinner and drinks. Join me for the conversation with Capt. Nicolo De Caro and Capt. Aslan Mekhidze of ABC Maritime AG, along with Capt. Harpreet Singh and Chief Engineer Branislav Soldo of Suisse-Atlantique Group S.A, as we delve into these critical topics. This exceptional event is generously sponsored by International Registries, Inc./Marshall Islands Registry, Suisse-Atlantique Group S.A, ABC Maritime AG and supported by the Propeller Club - Geneva . Special thanks to Capt. Nicolas Bernard, AFNI, Patrick Bachofner and Capt. Harpreet Singh for their personal engagement and support in making this event possible. Please note that there are only 62 seats available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special occasion! Please learn more and register here: https://wp.me/pdS28X-1Lv Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce the Propeller Club's support for the inaugural The Mission to Seafarers' Maritime Mountain Race in September 2024. This challenging event, set in the breathtaking Bouveret region, aims to strengthen community and resilience among those who sustain our global commerce. More information and how to sign up is available here: https://lnkd.in/eFaX-c3W #seafarersdeservesupport #shipsmaketheworldgo #shipping #change #PropellerClubGeneva #ABC_Maritime #SuisseAtlantique #SeamindBlueOcean #MissionToSeafarers #MaritimeMountainRace Richard Watts Nicoleta Rossy Eman Abdalla Esma Tawfiq

I am honored and thrilled to take the helm as President of the Propeller Club - Geneva! I am grateful to my predecessor, Richard Watts, for his leadership in transforming the Club into an excellent center for maritime networking and knowledge-sharing. Together with Peter Vyvyan-Robinson, Nicoleta Rossy, and other members of the Committee (special thanks to Patrick Bachofner, who retires after 11 years on the Board), they have charted a course that we will proudly continue and expand upon. I am also thrilled to welcome Michael Buisset and Alberto Pérez Espinosa as our new Vice Presidents. With their fresh perspectives combined with the Board’s seasoned experience, our voyage ahead looks bright! My presidency coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Club in 2025 and a pivotal time for the maritime industry, marked by significant challenges and opportunities from decarbonization, digital transformations, AI, and geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts. In these transformative times, the Propeller Club must continue to perform its vital role in supporting our network and sharing essential knowledge with maritime professionals in Geneva. However, as the industry evolves, our Club must also adapt, innovate, and lead positive change, serving as a credible voice for the industry. The thinking space we created during our last AGM to discuss key topics such as our role in the industry, our upcoming 40th anniversary, engaging, rejuvenating, and diversifying membership, and future strategic directions illustrated the creative potential in charting our course forward together! The enthusiasm was palpable, and I congratulate Olivier Thyssen, Jan Hoffmann, Jonathan Le Feuvre, and Capt. Nicolas Bernard, AFNI for their excellent moderation, and all attendees for their outstanding contributions and ideas.     Thank you again for placing your trust in me. I look forward to working with all members, corporate partners, and industry associations to steer the Propeller Club toward a future marked by growth, innovation, and contribution to the community, maritime industry, and society! #Leadership #Shipping #Change #Maritime #Innovation #Community #PropellerClub #IMD Seamind Blue Ocean HR Maritime Propeller Club Port of Antwerp Propeller Club Monaco Propeller Club Port of Basel Commodity Trading Jobs Commodity Trading Club Maritime Transport Efficiency Conference (MTEC) Fastmarkets Geneva Dry  

Wood Dragon- a Foe or a Friend?   Navigating Change in Shipping Markets- CRUSHCON Dubai 2023    As we approach 2024, the Year of the Wood Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, known for heralding growth and renewal, it beckons us with promises of progress and abundance! Interestingly, 2024 coincides with the number 8 (2+0+2+4) in Chinese numerology, symbolizing prosperity too! This alignment suggests a period ripe for new ventures and solid foundations!   But how does this align with the current state of the dry bulk shipping market? And what are the implications for stakeholders in the grain freight markets?   Recent weeks have witnessed volatility in the sector, unseen for more than a decade, with dramatic spikes in spot rates and a historic week in freight derivatives trading. Concurrently, significant strides in decarbonizing shipping were made during COP28, indicating the transformative period ahead. But the chicken-and-egg problem is yet to be resolved, and the complexities of evolving regulations leave many unprepared. These, along with a myriad of other factors, coupled with ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties (e.g., how grain markets will be affected by any disruption to Red Sea shipping), as well as the consequences of climate change (e.g., the situation at the Panama Canal), contribute to ambivalence and underscore the challenges of making decisions in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment.   Amidst this "most intriguing" backdrop, I am excited to delve into various perspectives on the global shipping outlook within the context of grain freight markets and strategies for navigating and thriving in the VUCA environment at the forthcoming USSEC event in Dubai next week. We will explore the Wood Dragon against the context of the challenges/opportunities ahead through multiple frames. Check out Solvable, a framework developed by IMD's Arnaud Chevallier, to get a taste of what is to come and, if you have 2 minutes, test the power of framing here: https://lnkd.in/d79sqZPD Seamind Blue Ocean U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Iowa Soybean Association Indiana Soybean Alliance Illinois Soybean Association USDA #grains #shippingdecarbonisation #sustainability #changemanagement #VUCA

Navigating Change in Shipping Markets It has been a true privilege to moderate two insightful and dynamic panels on navigating the VUCA world and the impact of the 'Shipping Transition' in the grain freight markets. Thank you, Fastmarkets Svitlana Synkovska Tim Worledge for the great organization of this meaningful event and the opportunity to contribute to GG2023, and to our incredibly insightful panelists and engaged audience. Many appreciations to Roar Adland (Ph.D., FICS) Adland for providing a comprehensive overview of the 2023 market and prospects for 2024, and to Mark Thompson, Jason Martinet, and Jan Peder Myklebost for sharing their perspectives on the known unknowns, the unknown unknowns, and their potential impact on these prospects, along with strategies for effectively navigating them. Much gratitude to the panelists of the "Shipping in Transition" panel. Keith Dawe and Martin Viquesnel thank you for sharing insights on how Cargill and Louis Dreyfus Company drive change, especially on the role of leadership and organizational culture in shaping the vision and translating it into action. Keith's illumination on Cargill's wind-assisted propulsion was particularly helpful in illustrating just that. Many thanks to Alex Haubert for underscoring the importance of integrating shipping into the supply chain to promote decarbonization, and to Alberto Pérez Espinosa for sharing his experiences in working with various stakeholders in the grain industry as they embark on the journey of decarbonizing their businesses. Congratulations are in order for the winners of the 'Most Interesting Questions' award: Alex Stuart-Grumbar of Shipfix for his inquiry into the impact of artificial intelligence on chartering operations, and Uladzimir Shunevich of Tudlor Exports for his inquiry into supply chains resilience. And, to runner-ups: Sarmad Rasheed and Ndinannyi Mudzunga for questions on Cargill's wind-assisted propulsion and bitter pills of VUCA cocktails! Of course, a resounding thank you to our exceptional audience for their remarkable energy and engagement throughout the conference. Last but not least, I'd like to extend a big shoutout to the Propeller Club - Geneva for their invaluable support of this event, and to Alexandr Petrenko for capturing fantastic pictures that have immortalized our memorable moments. Thank you all, and I look forward to seeing you again next year!" Fastmarkets Agriculture Seamind Blue Ocean  Propeller Club - Geneva #FastmarketsAgriculture #FastmarketsGGG #grains #oilseeds #freight #shippingindustry #shippingdecarbonisation #sustainability #VUCA