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Tuesday & Wednesday, March 2 & 3, 2021
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CAPITAL LINK'S VIRTUAL INITIATIVES - KEEPING THE INDUSTRY CONNECTED
Innovating & Adapting to Current Reality - Constant pulse on the market & environment
Quickly adapting to the unique challenges brought by the pandemic, Capital Link was the first organization to initiate full scale digital conferences in 2020 keeping the information flow uninterrupted and the industry connected - through live panel/presentation sessions & real-time video networking among delegates. Our virtual conferences are now integrated into our digital product line, along with our webinars, podcasts, and dedicated maritime website - adding a unique and complementary benefit to all our industry partners.

In 2020, we hosted 9 full scale global digital conferences and 20 webinars, boasting a total of 202 virtual sessions, that featured industry experts and thought leaders. Attracting 28,500+ delegates from all over the world, we also held over 700 1x1 or small group on-line meetings, a unique track record, growing our extensive investor network.



Agenda


SAILING INTO RECOVERY

 

 

DAY ONE
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Forum is in Eastern Standard Time

 

  Download Agenda

8:00 – 8:10 AM

OPENING REMARKS

 

 

 

   

8:15 – 8:35 AM

A US EQUITY MARKET UPDATE


With a new administration in the US and the world transitioning out of the pandemic, the presentation will focus on the US and the global economies and the on the investment outlook in the US equity markets.

 

Mr. Tobias Levkovich, Managing Director – Citi

 

 

   

8:40 – 9:25 AM

DRY BULK SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK

 

Moderator:
Mr. Arlie Sterling, President & Co-Founder – Marsoft Inc. 

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

9:30 – 10:20 AM

GEOPOLITICS, GLOBAL ECONOMY & COMMERCE – HEADING INTO A NEW ERA

 

With vaccines becoming more widely available, economies and societies are expected to gradually open-up, which translates into more robust economic and commercial activity around the world. A new administration in the US is expected to follow different policies when it comes to international relations, global trade and commerce and environmental regulations. Access to global markets is key for shipping in fulfilling its vital role as the artery of global trade. Over 90% of global trade is transported by ships. This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the new phase the world is entering and what it means for shipping.

 

Moderator: 
Mr. John Keough, Partner – Clyde & Co 

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

10:25 – 11:15 AM

ADDRESSING THE CREWING CRISIS - MOVING FROM DISCUSSION TO RESULTS

 

Shipping reaffirmed its vital function as the artery of global trade, when during the pandemic ships continued to move cargo and kept the supply chain open for the benefit of societies and economies around the world. This could not have happened without the endurance and sacrifices of the crews that faced unprecedented challenges including much longer than anticipated stay onboard. There is a humanitarian crisis raising, among other, safety concerns. There has been a huge amount if discussion and progress has been made in terms of facilitating crew changes but still the problem remains. The recent Neptune Declaration which has been signed by more than 400 companies and organizations brings the issue again to the spotlight and creates a unified industry demand – to address and resolve the issue, which needs the cooperation of all stakeholders – international organizations, national governments, shipping companies, charterers and more. This panel will focus on practical recommendations and strategies in terms of addressing the issue.

 

Moderator:
Mr. Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO  – American P&I Club


Panelists:

 

 

   

11:20 – 12:00 PM

LPG SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK


The panel will discuss the latest trends, developments and outlook in the LPG shipping sector focusing, among other, on demand and supply fundamentals, the global energy markets, operational and commercial issues, freight rates, asset values, and more.

 

Moderator:
Mr. Ben Nolan, Head of Maritime Research – Stifel

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

12:05 – 12:45 PM

LNG SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK


The panel will discuss the latest trends, developments and outlook in the LNG shipping sector focusing, among other, on demand and supply fundamentals, the global energy markets, operational and commercial issues, freight rates, asset values, and more.

 

Moderator:
Mr. Randy Giveans, Group Head of Energy Maritime, Shipping Equity Research – Jefferies

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

12:50 – 1:35 PM

SHIP FINANCE

 

Moderator:
Mr. John Imhof, Shareholder – Vedder Price

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

1:40 – 2:30 PM

RAISING CAPITAL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

 

This panel will discuss the practical implications of adherence to ESG & Sustainability standards. From bank finance to bonds, there has been an abundance of activity that enables qualifying companies to reap the benefits of raising capital with attractive and competitive terms. This panel will discuss the criteria, structures and relevant issues for companies, lenders and investors.

 

Moderator:
Mr. Anthony Salgado, Partner – BLANKROME 

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

2:35 – 3:35 PM

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFSHORE WIND VALUE CHAIN


The quest for Alternative, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Sources turns to the construction of wind farms in deeper waters, as higher wind speeds offshore translate into higher power generation at competitive costs. There has been strong investment interest in the sector with several projects already announced around the world, including a major one in New York opening up new opportunities for the energy and maritime industries. This panel will discuss the fundamentals of the offshore wind market, the commercial outlook for projects around the world, as well as the capital raising, finance and investment opportunities in this sector.

 

Opening Presentation: Considerations for the Financing of Offshore Wind  
Mr. Daniel Pilarski, Partner – Watson Farley & Williams 

  Presentation/PDF

 

Moderator:
Mr. Turner Holm, Head of Equity Research – Clarksons Platou Securities

 

Panelists:

 

 

 

END OF DAY ONE

 

 

 

 

DAY TWO
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Forum is in Eastern Standard Time

 

   

8:30 – 8:50 AM

REFLECTIONS OF AN INDUSTRY VETERAN – ONE-ON-ONE DISCUSSION WITH PETER GEORGIOPOULOS


Peter G will reflect on his own path through Wall Street and the global shipping industry. He will also share his insight on the industry’s evolution and transformation since the 1990’s when he founded and led General Maritime Corporation, the first of the five public companies he has led. Resilient and resourceful, after having experienced significant ups and downs, Peter G, and long-time associate Leonidas Vrondissis, is back in the news with the acquisition of the chemical fleet of Dubai headquartered United Arab Chemical Carriers and with his foray into the green energy market.

 

  • Mr. Peter Georgiopoulos, President – United Overseas Group 

in discussion with 

 

 

   

8:55 – 9:40 AM

CRUDE OIL TANKER SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK

 

Moderator:
Mr. Christian Wetherbee, Managing Director, Transportation & Shipping Research  – Citi Research

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

9:45 – 10:35 AM

PRODUCT TANKER SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK

 

Moderator:
Mr. Randy Giveans, Group Head of Energy Maritime, Shipping Equity Research – Jefferies

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

10:40 – 11:20 AM

CAPITAL MARKETS & SHIPPING

 

Moderator:
Mr. Keith J. Billotti, Partner, Co-Head of Capital Markets Group – Seward & Kissel LLP 

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

11:25 – 12:05 PM

THE FLEET RENEWAL CHALLENGE – OPTIONS FOR THE EXISTING FLEET & BUILDING THE SHIPS OF THE FUTURE

 

Fleet maintenance and fleet renewal are key issues shipowners deal with today, while observing environmental regulations and expectations set by their charterers and trading partners. At the same time, there is no clarity or certainly on optimal fuel and engine types and vessel designs for the ships of the future. Furthermore, increased competition among shipyards offering attractive packages adds to the newbuilding dilemma. This panel will discuss options and alternative strategies available to shipowners, as well as initiatives developed by fuel producers and charterers. 

 

Moderator:
Mr. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO – DNV Maritime

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

12:10 – 12:55 PM

CONTAINER SHIPPING: SECTOR TRENDS & OUTLOOK

 

Moderator:
Mr. Christian Wetherbee, Managing Director, Transportation & Shipping Research  – Citi Research

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

1:00 – 1:40 PM

“SHIPPING – FINANCE – TECHNOLOGY IN THE POST COVID-19 ERA:  WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME – WHY WE CAN BE OPTIMISTIC” – A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

 

This panel will discuss how shipping and finance are expected to benefit from the eventual return of the world to normality, as societies, economies and markets gradually open-up. Shipping and finance have been two areas undergoing significant transformation, the speed of which has accelerated as the result of the pandemic, technological innovation and environmental pressures. Capital and credit markets are gradually re-opening for shipping and sector fundamentals remain positive across most sectors. At the same time, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding fuels, ship designs and fleet renewal decisions putting to the test shipowners, financiers and technology providers.”

 

 

 

   

1:45 – 2:30 PM

INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION AND M&A 

 

Moderator:
Mr. Greg Chase, Partner – Reed Smith 

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

2:35 – 3:10 PM

INDUSTRY & CAPITAL MARKETS STRATEGY FOR SMALL CAP COMPANIES


Shipping, one of the most competitive global industries, is known for its fragmentation. Smaller and mid-sized companies can compete on equal footing with larger companies. The panel will discuss the business development strategies of publicly listed small cap shipping companies and their strategy to leverage their public listing to raise capital and grow.

 

Moderator:
Mr. Tate Sullivan, Research Analyst – Maxim Group LLC

 

Panelists:

 

 

   

3:15 – 4:00 PM

ANALYST ROUNDTABLE

 

Moderator:
Mr. Nicolas Bornozis
, President – Capital Link, Inc. 

 

Panelists:

 

 

 

 

END OF DAY TWO

 

 

 

 




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