Conference Programme
Decarbonising Transportation – Facilitating the Transition to Net Zero
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, The Maritime Standard is organising the second “Transportation and Climate Change Conference (TACCC).” Once again it will be held in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s primary ports and logistics centres, and a leader in tackling climate change issues across a range of industry sectors. The conference aims to update participants on progress being made in tackling climate change goals across the broad transportation industry, including shipping, ports, logistics, aviation, rail, road and intermodal.
It is well established that transportation contributes a significant proportion of emissions that are harming the environment and leading to the climate change emergency. It has been estimated that around a quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions are generated by transportation related activities. As such the transportation sector has a key role to play in delivering on global climate change targets and the drive to net zero.
While many measures have already been put in place to reduce the impact of transportation on our climate, there is much still to be done. And there is a pressing need not only to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate progress. The TACCC conference will hear from a number of expert speakers well qualified in their respective industry segments and who are responsible for framing policy and delivering operational and technology based solutions.
The event will cover a broad spread of topics, spanning ports and shipping; transportation technology; warehousing and logistics; aviation; rail; intermodal; insurance, financial and legal issues; and digitalisation. Discussions will take place in the context of ongoing commercial and geopolitical challenges and the need for participants in the industry to remain competitive and operationally efficient while making the transition to net zero.
Registration and refreshments
Welcome Address
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DAVID EADES Former Chief Presenter, BBC News |
Inaugural Address by Trevor Pereira, Managing Director, The Maritime Standard
Keynote Address
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Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World GCC |
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Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group |
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Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO, ADNOC Logistics & Services |
Session 1: Net-Zero Maritime Transport – Policy, Investment & Global Roadmap
This session explores how global and regional policies, financing strategies, emerging technologies, and AI-driven planning can advance the decarbonization of the maritime sector. It highlights key regulations, investment pathways, governance issues, and crosssectoral strategies to achieve net-zero goals in shipping and port ecosystems.
Topics will include:
- Navigating Maritime Environmental Regulations: From IMO to COP – Aligning Policy, Technology & Finance for Net-Zero Shipping
Overview of IMO MEPC developments, EU ETS expansion to maritime, UNFCCC policy implications, and strategic actions for the global maritime sector. - Carbon Pricing & Green Taxation in Shipping – Global Trends & Regional Impacts
Analysis of emerging carbon pricing mechanisms and maritime emissions trading schemes, including their economic implications and readiness of industry stakeholders. - Financing Maritime Decarbonization – Green Bonds, Climate Finance & PPP Models
Unlocking ESG investment opportunities, multilateral funding, and public-private partnerships for clean shipping corridors, green ports, and alternative fuel infrastructure. - Building Smart Ports & Maritime Logistics Through AI & Digital Innovation
Leveraging AI for emissions forecasting, vessel routing, and port energy optimization. Exploring how digital twins and automation support sustainable maritime logistics. - Geopolitical Implications & Global Governance in Maritime Climate Action
How climate policy, trade regulations, and supply chain security are reshaping maritime transport, and the role of global governance in ensuring coordinated progress. - Integrating Multi-Modal, Low-Carbon Trade Corridors with Maritime at the Core
Creating seamless logistics through green shipping, electrified rail, and smart road transport. Regional case studies and infrastructure strategies enabling decarbonized trade networks.
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Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC |
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Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group |
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Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO, ADNOC Logistics & Services |
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Dr Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO, ASYAD Shipping |
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Eirik Nyhus, Vice President, Director Environment – Maritime, DNV |
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Dr Ahmed Al Abri, CEO, Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard |
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Peter Marvin, Chief Officer, Logistics & Technical Services |
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Omar Alsebeyi, Deputy CEO, Etihad Rail Freight |
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Hemant Nandanpawar, Senior Director – Climate Finance & Stakeholder Management, Global Carbon Council |
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Tony Dagher, Managing Director, TMC Shipping |
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Fadi Al-Shihabi, Partner – Sustainability Solutions Leader, KPMG |
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Margabandhu Kumaraswamy, Technology & Innovation Manager – India Middle East & Africa, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore |
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Shahab-Al-Jassmi, Senior Vice President – Ports & Terminals Commercial – GCC, DP World GCC |
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Nawaf Abdulla, Executive Vice President, Container Terminals, DP World GCC |
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Jonathan Keyes, Head of Sustainable Solutions Group – Middle East, ING |
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David Eades, Former Chief Presenter, BBC News |
Refreshment Break
Panel Discussion
Q&A Session
Lunch
Session 2: Innovations & Technology for Decarbonized Mobility
This session showcases transformative innovations, alternative fuels, and enabling technologies driving the shift to low-carbon transportation. A special focus will be given to supporting sectors and industries that are critical to scaling maritime decarbonization.
Topics will include:
- AI & Automation in Sustainable Transportation
Smart fleet management, AI-driven logistics, real-time emissions monitoring, and predictive analytics to reduce emissions and optimize operations. - Electrification & Alternative Fuels – Expanding the Ecosystem
Progress in battery technology, charging/hydrogen infrastructure, and alternative fuels including biofuels and e-methanol for maritime and heavy transport. - Green Ports, Shipping & Terminal Operations – Innovation at Scale
Advancing electrified port operations, onshore power supply (OPS), energyefficient cargo handling, and zero-emission terminal logistics. - Decarbonizing Bulk & Container Shipping Through Emerging Tech
Innovations in carbon capture, fuel-switching, ship design, and digital transformation of shipping operations. - Enabling Ecosystems: Classification, Marine Engineering & Supply Chain Solutions
The role of class societies, shipyards, engine manufacturers, marine tech startups, and logistics providers in supporting the transition to net-zero. - Smart Infrastructure, Digital Twins & Blockchain for Maritime Sustainability
Use of digital twins, IoT, and blockchain for optimizing vessel operations, emissions tracking, and secure, verifiable carbon credit systems.
Session Chair -
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Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV |
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Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, CEO, Abu Dhabi Maritime & Chief Sustainability Officer, AD Ports Group |
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Dr Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Abri, VP Sustainability, SOHAR Port and Freezone |
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Imran S. Inamdar, Chief Operating Officer, Drydocks World |
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Theo Xenakoudis, Chief Commercial Officer, Managing Director, Piraeus office, International Registries Inc |
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Abdul Fahl, Director, TTMS (Gulf) |
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Katherine Yakunchenkova, General Manager, Al Safina Security |
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Dr. Alejandro Rios – Galvan, Independent Sustainability Consultant; Former Chief Research Scientist & Director of Bioenergy Research at Khalifa University |
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Kamran Ul Haq, Global Senior Vice President, Lloyd’s Register |
Refreshment Break
Panel discussion
Q&A Session
Summary and Closing Remarks
