Planning a new tank project? Meet all the right shipping and logistics partners at AXL this October
Taking place place in Antwerp, Belgium, on 8-10 October 2024, AXL is Europe’s high-quality, focused breakbulk and project cargo event. Cargo owners such as those planning new storage tank or wind turbine projects can expect an insightful conference tackling the most difficult-to-answer questions, as well as plenty of networking opportunities to connect with a variety of logistics partners that will help get your components from A to B, easier, faster, and with less hassle.
Energy Update
‘The AXL conference programme is shaping up to be a jam-packed agenda, offering a wealth of learning opportunities,’ says Margaret Dunn, portfolio director at AXL. ‘We are thrilled to bring together industry leaders and innovators who will inspire fresh perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of maritime logistics.’
On the morning of 9 October, AXL’s conference will kick off with a keynote speech from the Energy Industry Council’s market intelligence manager, Sharanya Kumarumurthy. Taking a deep dive into energy policy across the globe (and how certain events might see this change) she’ll be examining how different policies will determine demand for various components. Kumarumurthy will then moderate a discussion between the S&P’s Susan Oatway and Drewry’s Peter Molloy about how these different energy policies will impact shipping routes, vessel demand and supply chains.
‘The global pursuit of decarbonisation is driving substantial investment in the ocean and renewable energy sectors,’ explains Kumaramurthy. ‘Offshore wind projects, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies are becoming more prevalent, adding complexity to the market and presenting significant opportunities.’
Wind energy will be a big topic at AXL this year, with Orsted and Vattenfall joining the programme in intimate fireside chats, speaking to the AXL team in detail about the challenges facing wind projects. Similarly, Hitachi Energy’s Igor Alves will be sharing insights from a complex project transporting a large, fragile reactor from India to the USA. ‘We encountered numerous geopolitical, environmental, and financial challenges, including the Red Sea Crisis, political uncertainty in the US, and the tragic collapse of the Baltimore Bridge,’ says Alves.
Logistics & Supply Chain Navigation
Beginning with a drinks reception on the evening of 8 October, AXL is primed to connect shippers and forwarders with the people in need of their services.
Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy multiple opportunities to connect with exhibitors, including happy hour at the networking bar (sponsored by North Sea Port) as well as a late-night after- party in the centre of Antwerp, hosted by Konecranes.
The opportunity to meet with logistics partners on site and discuss projects in person will help foster a greater collaborative environment. Logistics partners should work with customers on innovative solutions, such as a new packaging method, to help reduce risks and address budget and safety challenges. Internally, navigating geopolitical instability and the upcoming US elections has accelerated shipment demands, necessitating clearly defined budgets and fixed-price agreements. This requires close cooperation between sales, forwarders and logistics teams to manage risks, consolidate cargoes, and involve engineers and different ports.
Tank owners and builders visiting AXL will have the opportunity to ask
questions to logistics partners, discover how their projects can be delivered and find new innovations in the shipping and transport industry.
