Shipping people are “eternal optimists”, according to A. Burak Akdemir, the managing director of Range Shipping, a gold sponsor at Geneva Dry, and one of the more than 30 owner/operators confirmed coming to the event.
“In a world where unpredictability stemming from global events has become the norm, shipping has to rely on a forward-looking and optimistic approach and agility in the decision-making processes,” Akdemir says.
London-headquartered Range Shipping was founded in 2017. It focuses on handymaxes and ultramaxes.
Range Shipping is anticipating healthier markets by the start of the third quarter of 2024, observing the potential positive impact of China’s recovery, changing interest rates, and the existing low orderbook.
The evolving nature of the regulatory landscape highlights the need for the industry to stay abreast of and adhere to changing compliance requirements, something that will be discussed when Geneva Dry convenes in May.
“Adaptability will allow shipping companies to not only achieve tick-box compliance, but change their corporate culture and management practice, which will allow long-term change to take place,” Akdemir argues.
Akdemir was quick to see the value proposition of Geneva Dry and was an early sign-up to the show.
“Despite Switzerland being landlocked and lacking direct access to the sea, Geneva has managed to establish itself as a significant hub for commodity trading,” he says.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, Akdemir explains, such as the city’s central location as a convenient meeting point for traders from various regions and having a robust financial infrastructure, including a well-established banking sector and financial services which is crucial for commodity trading.
There are currently around 500 cargo owners located in Switzerland, and with a market share of 25%, Switzerland is the biggest commodities trading hub in the world boasting some incredible statistics such as how 40% of the global coal trade is brokered through this mountainous country.
Taking place at the Hotel President Wilson on the shore of Lake Geneva on May 2 and 3 next year, the high-level Geneva Dry is designed to get every rung of the dry bulk supply chain involved.
Panels will bring together analysts, miners, traders and shipowners to discuss where the markets are headed. Sessions include minor bulks, agri-commodities, coal, iron ore, decarbonisation, and an entire afternoon dedicated to digital.
To find out more about Geneva Dry, click here.
