Global Trends in Shipping and Impact on Port Cities

MPA Academy, the training arm of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) jointly organised its inaugural lecture on the maritime industry titled “Global Trends in Shipping and Impact on Port Cities” on Wednesday, 19 February.

Prominent maritime economist, Dr Martin Stopford, President of Clarkson Research Services Limited, addressed about 270 maritime professionals, students and executives from the private and public sectors at the Ministry of National Development Auditorium this afternoon. Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, was the moderator for the session.

After 50 years of relatively stable growth, the shipping industry is facing major changes. Dr Stopford, also a renowned economist within the maritime industry, shared his insights on the implications of developing mega-trends on port cities such as Singapore. The trends include globalisation, the changing geopolitical scene and mechanisation – a big driver of the last fifty years that is facing diminishing returns with rising fossil fuel prices and environmental costs.

“Given the future challenges facing the maritime industry, we are pleased to partner with CLC to invite experts as Dr Martin Stopford to provide insights into how port cities like Singapore can face up to the competition. We need to keep ourselves abreast of changes if we want to be a premier global port and international maritime centre providing good jobs and opportunities for all in Singapore,” said Mr Andrew Tan.

Executive Director of CLC, Mr Khoo Teng Chye said, “CLC is glad to gather urban and maritime practitioners today as part of CLC’s mission to share knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities. Many cities originate and continue to be important port cities, and some have developed a strong marine industry. Singapore is one of them”.

Prior to his current presidency post, Dr Stopford was the Managing Director of Clarkson Research in 1990, then on the Board of Clarksons PLC in 2004. Before joining Clarkson, Dr Stopford helmed Lloyds Maritime Information Service as Chief Executive, directed Business Development at British Shipbuilders and was a Global Shipping Economist with Chase Manhattan. Dr Stopford is also the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner of the Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2010.

MPA, February 21, 2014