The topic for discussion was the Future of Maritime and our panel of experts comprised of:
Fran Collins, CEO Red Funnel
Alastair Welch, Port Director ABP Southampton
John Trenchard, UK Commercial and Supply Chain Director DP World
Fiona Robson, Managing Director Solent Stevedores
Brian Clark, Head of Membership, Research & Public Affairs British Marine
Philippa Langton, Partner Lester Aldridge
Decarbonisation and the skills gap were the key issues vexing the panel and Alastair Welch explained the Port of Southampton is exploring the option of interruptible power to meet the growing energy needs of the port. Philippa Langton said AI had a role to play in future maritime and transport jobs, while Fiona Robson said more needed to be done to change the perception of docks being dirty, male dominated spaces.
John Trenchard said the options for future energy sources were myriad and ultimately it would be down to all business leaders present to make the energy transition.
“We have to try the alternatives and I would ask the business leaders across the economy to lean-in and try something new,” he said.
Fran Collins said tackling the issues required collaboration and we need to consider the end-to-end journey.
“Now is the opportunity and we need to go to government with well-structured answers,” she said.
Many thanks to British Marine and Patrick Fraser, Head of Southern Region at Grayling for hosting the panel.
Photo credit: British Marine
