Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 brought global maritime leaders and industry captains together to discuss key issues and developments in the sector.
The annual flagship event, held 24-28 March, welcomed more than 20,000 attendees from 80 countries and showcased the latest technologies and innovations, while facilitating networking and collaboration among stakeholders.
Graham Candy, Head of UK Shipping Concierge and Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services, held ten meetings with large ship owners, operators, and management companies based in Singapore, as well as with the MPA.
Meetings aimed to promote the UK Flag, update on recent developments at the MCA, and highlight the UK's strengths in maritime business, innovation, and decarbonisation.
Highlights of SMW 2025
The official opening of SMW 2025 was marked by speeches from notable figures including Singapore Minister of State Mr. Murali Pillai, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
This year, the conference shifted focus from decarbonisation to geopolitics, addressing the global impact of US and China trade policies, tariffs, and the war in Ukraine. A ministerial panel featuring maritime ministers from France, India, Norway, the Netherlands, and Portugal further enriched the discussions.
A VIP reception at the iconic Flower Dome provided an excellent opportunity for senior industry representatives to engage and network.
The MCA's active participation
Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritimes Services, delivered a presentation on the modernisation of seafarer training, focusing on upcoming amendments to the seafarer training syllabus in the UK.
Set to be implemented in September 2025, the changes will enhance simulator training and training on future fuels, benefiting shipping companies by providing seafarers with advanced skills.
The MCA team updated clients on the UK's maritime offer, emphasising future technologies and the revision of UK cadet training.
Lars said: “Singapore Maritime Week 2025 successfully facilitated discussions on critical maritime issues, showcased technological advancements, and strengthened international collaborations.
“The MCA's active participation and engagement with industry leaders and stakeholders significantly enhanced our visibility and influence in the global maritime sector, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements.
“Constructive meetings were held with companies such as MISC Group, Union Marine Management Services, Cyan Renewables, Anglo American, POSH Fleet Services, Ocean Infinity, Swire Shipping, Anglo-Eastern, and Eastern Pacific Shipping.”
Hong Kong follow-up event
Following SMW, Lars Lippuner and Graham Candy continued onto Hong Kong to present on the UK's modernisation of seafarer training at an event hosted by the British Consulate General.
The event, attended by 45 registered participants including ship operators, management companies, law firms, and representatives from the Hong Kong Bureau for Transport and Logistics and Hong Kong Ship Owners Association, offered excellent networking opportunities and firmly established the UK as a leading nation in seafarer education and training.
