Smart Maritime Network Houston Conference 2025

Panel discussion 3 at 15.45:

BEYOND COMPLIANCE - RETHINKING MARITIME’S GREEN TRANSITION FOR A CHANGING SOCIETY

The maritime industry’s sustainability journey is often framed around regulations, targets, and compliance. But what if we flipped the script? What if the real driver of change isn’t just IMO deadlines or ESG pressure, but a fundamental societal shift in expectations?

This panel challenges the industry to rethink why it is transitioning and to recognise that systemic change cannot happen in silos. It will explore:

• The growing societal and market demand for greener shipping - how consumer sentiment, investor expectations, and regulatory landscapes are evolving.
• The system of systems needed for genuine transformation - what needs to change holistically in policy, technology, financing, and workforce culture.
• Lessons from aviation’s decarbonisation journey - what maritime can learn from their successes and struggles in balancing economic and environmental priorities.
• The evolving role of maritime leaders - how leadership must shift from a compliance mindset to economic-environmental stewardship.
• The role of collaboration as a catalyst for transformation - how partnerships across sectors (shipping, energy, finance, technology, logistics) can drive systemic change.

Hosted by David H. Cummins, President & CEO, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition

Panellists include:

• Capt. Matthew Glass, 2nd Officer (VP), Houston Pilots
• Rafael Riva, Vice President of Client Relations, International Registries, Inc
• Rajith Aykkara, Line Vice President, Bahri
• Thomas Damsgaard, Head of Americas, BIMCO