Geopolitical developments, shifts in international trade and the energy transition are reshaping the future of global shipping, creating new challenges for the industry. Economic uncertainty, security concerns and changing trade flows are influencing shipping companies’ strategic decisions, while the availability of alternative fuels, infrastructure development and the investments required are shaping the industry's path towards decarbonisation.
These developments will take centre stage in two key panel discussions, “Energy Security and Shipping Fuel Transition” and “Geopolitics and the Future of Global Shipping”, taking place as part of the CSC Global Shipping Minds Summit, organised by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber on 27 November 2026 at Parklane Resort in Limassol.
The first panel, “Energy Security and Shipping Fuel Transition”, will focus on energy security, the availability of alternative fuels, infrastructure readiness, regulatory developments and the investments required to support the shipping industry's sustainable transition towards decarbonisation.
The second panel, “Geopolitics and the Future of Global Shipping”, will explore international relations, economic uncertainty, security concerns and evolving trade dynamics that influence the operations and strategic direction of global shipping.
Both discussions form part of the overarching theme of the inaugural Global Shipping Minds Summit, “Where Geopolitics, Regulation and Maritime Decarbonisation meet”. Through keynote presentations and high-level discussions, the Summit aims to highlight the strategic, commercial and energy-related challenges shaping the future of global shipping, while providing valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking among leading industry representatives.
The following distinguished figures from the international shipping, energy and economic sectors will participate as speakers in the two panel discussions.
The “Energy Security and Shipping Fuel Transition” panel discussion moderated by Mr. Richard Meade, Editor in Chief of Lloyd’s List and Senior Advisor, Maritime Intelligence Unit, will feature:
- Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill Ocean Transportation
- Mark Cameron, Former COO of Ardmore Shipping
- George Mangos, Head of Interunity Group, Co-Founder and Director of SOKANA
- Mikki Koskinen, CEO of ESL Shipping
The “Geopolitics and the Future of Global Shipping” panel discussion moderated by Mr. Sotiris Danezis Journalist of ERTnews and Communications Strategist of Danezis Stories, will feature:
- Dr. Richard D. Wolff, Economist, Academic, Author and Public Intellectual
- Richard Hext, Chairman of Vanmar Shipping Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Anglo-Eastern Univan Group
- Pankaj Khanna, CEO of Heidmar Maritime Holdings Corp
- Thomas Rehder, Managing Director and Owner of Carsten Rehder (GmbH & Co.) KG
- Christos Stylianides, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Former European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management and Former Minister
The Summit will also feature a special live virtual interview with Mr. Søren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, offering valuable insights from the perspective of one of the world’s leading shipping companies. In addition, Dr. Richard Wolff will join live from the United States to deliver a keynote address entitled “Hormuz in the Context of Historical Anti-Colonialism: The Future of the Shipping Industry”, bringing a broader historical and geopolitical perspective to the discussions on the future of global shipping.
Attendance is strictly by personal invitation only.
Cyprus Shipping Chamber
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) is the representative body of the Cyprus shipping industry and one of the world’s leading national shipping associations. The Chamber comprises approximately 200 major shipowning, shipmanagement, chartering and shipping related companies based either in Cyprus or abroad and plays a leading role in promoting the interests of Cyprus Shipping and its Members both nationally and internationally, and further the reputation of the Cyprus Flag.
Through Global Shipping Minds, the Chamber further strengthens its commitment to fostering international dialogue, promoting thought leadership, and positioning Cyprus at the forefront of discussions on the future of global shipping.
For more information regarding the CSC Global Shipping Minds Summit, click here.
Organiser: Cyprus Shipping Chamber
Coordinator: IMH
Gold Sponsor: Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
Silver Sponsors: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Ancoria Insurance Public Ltd, Bank of Cyprus, Cablenet Cyprus, Chrysses Demetriades & Co LLC, Cyta Business, DNV, Eurobank Cyprus Ltd, EY Cyprus, Gravity Private Wealth Ltd, Invest Cyprus, KPMG Cyprus, Lloyd's Register (LR), PwC Cyprus, Steamship Mutual, UK Defence Club (UKDC)
Media Sponsors: GOLD magazine and IN Business magazine
