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The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference 2025 brought together global industry pioneers, financial experts, and policymakers for transformative discussions on the future of maritime trade, finance, and sustainability. The conference served as a vital platform for addressing key challenges, exploring financial innovations, and advancing sustainability-driven solutions for the maritime sector. Challenges for maritime decarbonisation Al-Maghafi cautioned that these changes might slow sustainability efforts and pose challenges The event commenced with a welcome address by Nawal Al-Maghafi, Senior Broadcast Journalist at BBC, who reflected on the implications of the recent U.S. elections on global trade policies. She highlighted the potential shift towards stronger domestic priorities, which could reshape supply chain dynamics, tariff structures, and environmental policies.  Al-Maghafi cautioned that these changes might slow sustainability efforts and pose challenges for maritime decarbonisation. Emphasising that sustainability is no longer an aspiration but a necessity, she called for innovative solutions, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative action to ensure the industry’s long-term resilience. Adopting sustainable financial models Following the welcome address, Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of ASYAD Shipping, delivered a keynote speech titled “Driving Growth and Innovation in Maritime Logistics: A Vision for the Future.” He underscored the evolving role of the maritime sector in global trade, shaped by major disruptions such as the pandemic, the Suez Canal crisis, and geopolitical uncertainties. Dr. Al Nadhairi stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable financial models and innovation-driven strategies to secure long-term success. “The next decade will be defined by how we finance, innovate, and collaborate in maritime logistics,” he stated, reinforcing the need for adaptability and forward-thinking approaches. Advancing the transition to greener shipping practices Al Shaiba highlighted that sustainability is no longer optional but imperative for the maritime industry The discussion on sustainability was further strengthened by Capt. Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, who addressed the financing of green shipping solutions in his keynote address. He highlighted that sustainability is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for the maritime industry. “Collaboration is key to strengthening resilience and driving sustainable maritime solutions,” he emphasised, urging financial institutions, governments, and private sector stakeholders to support decarbonisation efforts. He also pointed to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as critical financial instruments in advancing the transition to greener, more efficient shipping practices. Maritime networks and financial innovation Building on these insights, the conference sessions delved into critical discussions on sustainable maritime networks and financial innovation. The first session, Supporting the Development of Sustainable Shipping, Ports, and Maritime Networks – Strategies for Success, was moderated by Nawal Al-Maghafi and featured prominent industry experts. Daniel Richards, Senior Economist at Emirates NBD, opened the discussion with a macroeconomic perspective on sustainability-driven maritime growth. Martin Aarup, Group CFO at AD Ports Group, discussed financial frameworks supporting green shipping initiatives, while Tony Dagher, Managing Director of TMC Shipping, explored the role of private sector investments in maritime sustainability. First session of speakers The session featured Lee, Head of Research at FertiStream, analysing the impact of sustainability Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services at DNV, highlighted regulatory advancements for greener shipping practices, and Ambrish Bansal, Senior Vice President – Business Advisory & Consulting at Lloyd’s Register, examined risk assessment in financing sustainable projects. Adam Shaikh, Head of Sale & Purchase at Tomini Shipping, provided insights on fleet modernisation and eco-friendly ship investments, while Ali Abouda, Group CFO at Gulf Navigation Holding, spoke on sustainable financial models in shipping. The session also featured Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research at FertiStream, analysing the economic impact of sustainability in global supply chains, Tien Tai, Partner at HFW, addressing legal challenges in implementing sustainability regulations, and Aneel Sabir, Director of MENA at Enigio, highlighting the role of digitalisation in sustainable shipping solutions. Second session of speakers The second session, Developing Financial Solutions – The Need for Innovation and Change, chaired by Ali Shehab, explored the growing need for financial innovation in maritime trade. Niall Nolan, CFO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, discussed capital investment strategies for sustainable shipping, while Tim Coffin, CEO of Tristar Eships, examined innovative financial structures for green maritime initiatives. Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur, Vice President Middle East / Regional Director at International Registries (U.K.) Limited – Dubai Branch, addressed financial compliance and regulatory requirements, and Chris Peters, Senior Executive Officer at Montfort Capital Ltd, analysed private equity investments in the maritime sector. Dr. Mohamed Alhosani, Heat Transfer and Sustainability Research at Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, focused on sustainable energy solutions for shipping. The session continued with Shailesh Bhala, COO of Best Oasis Limited | SPM Shipping, examining the financial viability of ship recycling and sustainability, and Michael Savva, Partner at Watson Farley & Williams, addressing legal and financial risk management in maritime finance. Knut Mathiassen, Managing Director of Oceans 8 Consulting FZ LLP, explored ESG-compliant financial structures, while Souren Gharnagharian, Investment Manager – East at Australis Maritime, concluded the session with insights on innovative capital-raising approaches for green shipping. Transition toward an advanced shipping industry The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference 2025 reaffirmed its role as a pioneering platform for industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, strategize for the future, and drive financial innovation and sustainability. With a strong commitment from global pioneers, the event underscored the urgent need to reshape maritime finance, strengthen industry resilience, and accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced shipping industry.

A host of expert speakers have been confirmed for the TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference, which takes place on Tuesday, 18th February, at the Taj Exotica Resort, the Palm Dubai. The Conference, which has the theme of Financing Green Shipping Solutions, is the seventh conference in this series and looks set to be the best one yet. Development of shipping Nawal Al-Maghafi, an award-winning journalist and documentary maker, will moderate this session Keynote addresses will be made by Dr Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of Asyad Shipping and Capt. Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO, Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group. These important presentations by two pioneering industry figures will be followed by Session 1, which will look at supporting the development of sustainable shipping, ports and maritime networks, and strategies for success. Nawal Al-Maghafi, an award-winning journalist and documentary maker, will moderate this session. Confirmed speakers for a panel discussion Confirmed speakers include: Daniel Richards, Senior Economist, Emirates NBD; Martin Aarup, Group CFO, AD Ports Group; Tony Dagher, Managing Director, TMC Shipping; Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV; Ambrish Bansal, Senior Vice President – Business Advisory & Consulting, Lloyd’s Register; Adam Shaikh, Head of Sale & Purchase, Tomini Shipping; Ali Abouda, Group CFO, Gulf Navigation Holding; Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research, FertiStream; Tien Tai, Partner, HFW and Aneel Sabir, Director, MENA, Enigio. After presentations from these speakers, there will be a short break followed by a panel discussion and an opportunity for a Q&A session with the audience. Need for innovation and change Session 2 will look at growing financial solutions and the need for innovation and change in this context After lunch, Session 2 will look at developing financial solutions and the need for innovation and change in this context. Ali Shehab will chair this session, with speakers including: Niall Nolan, CFO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group; Tim Coffin, CEO, Tristar Eships; Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur, Vice President Middle East/Regional Director, International Registries (U.K.) Limited – Dubai Branch; Chris Peters, Senior Executive Officer, Montfort Capital Ltd; Dr. Mohamed Alhosani, Heat Transfer and Sustainability Research, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and Hussam Alkokhon, Head of Trade Finance, CQUR Bank.  Feature presentations In addition, this session will feature presentations from Shailesh Bhala, COO, Best Oasis/SPM Shipping; Michael Savva, Partner, Watson Farley & Williams; Knut Mathiassen, Managing Director, Oceans 8 Consulting; and Souren Gharnagharian, Investment Manager – East, Australis Maritime.  This will adopt the same format as the morning session, with presentations followed by a short break and then a panel discussion and a chance for questions. Latest trends, challenges, and solutions Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in greenship finance.  The conference provides a platform to connect with industry experts, network with leading decision-makers and financial professionals, and discover actionable strategies that will pave the way for sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference will be held on February 18th at the Taj Exotica Resort on the Palm, Dubai and several top-quality speakers have now been confirmed as the exciting conference programme takes shape.  The overall theme of the conference will be ‘Financing green shipping solutions.’  Keynote presentations Proceedings will get underway with keynote presentations by two industry figures, Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of ASYAD Shipping, and Capt. Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO, Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group.  After these opening addresses, Session 1 of the Conference will look at ‘Supporting the development of sustainable shipping, port, and maritime networks – strategies for success’. Already confirmed for this session are: Daniel Richards, Senior Economist, Emirates NBD; Tony Dagher, Managing Director, TMC Shipping; Martin Aarup, Group CFO, AD Ports Group; Ali Abouda, Group CFO, Gulf Navigation Holding; Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV; and Tien Tai, Partner, HFW. Further high-profile names will be added in the next few weeks.  Panel discussions Session 2 will assess ‘Developing financial solutions – the need for innovation and change.’  A broad spectrum of views on this topic will be presented by speakers including Tim Coffin, CEO, of Tristar Eships; Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur, Vice President Middle East / Regional Director, International Registries (U.K.) Limited – Dubai Branch; Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy; Mohd Haniff Bin Mohd Adnan, CEO, SBI Brunei; and Shailesh Bhala, COO, Best Oasis Limited | SPM Shipping.  After the presentations in each session, there will be a short coffee break, followed by a panel discussion, with speakers being invited back on stage to give their perspectives on key issues raised by the moderator. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions from the floor and engage in debate with the panel members.