The Maritime Standard has confirmed the lineup of expert speakers and session themes for Session 1 of the third edition of the Transportation & Climate Change Conference (TMS TACCC), taking place on Thursday, 25th September 2025, at the Saadiyat Rotana Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Session 1, titled “Net-Zero Maritime Transport – Policy, Investment & Global Roadmap,” will convene senior figures from across the global shipping, logistics, port operations, finance, and climate sectors to explore the multifaceted approach required to decarbonize maritime transport.

The session will feature contributions from prominent leaders including Mr. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC; Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of ASYAD Shipping & Drydocks; Mr. Eirik Nyhus, Vice President and Director Environment – Maritime at DNV; and Dr. Ahmed Al Abri, CEO of Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard. They will be joined by Mr. Omar Alsebeyi, Deputy CEO, Etihad Rail Freight, Mr. Hemant Nandanpawar, Senior Director of Climate Finance and Stakeholder Management at the Global Carbon Council; Mr. Tony Dagher, Managing Director of TMC Shipping; Mr. Fadi Al-Shihabi, Partner and Sustainability Solutions Leader at KPMG; Mr. Margabandhu Kumaraswamy, Technology & Innovation Manager - India Middle East & Africa at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Mr. Jonathan Keyes, Head of the Sustainable Solutions Group – Middle East at ING.

Session 1 will focus on the role of policy frameworks, finance mechanisms, and technological advancements in accelerating the maritime industry’s net-zero ambitions. Discussions will include updates on international environmental regulations and how they are influencing regional action, with specific reference to IMO MEPC resolutions, the EU ETS framework for maritime, and broader climate targets under the UNFCCC. Panelists will explore the emergence of carbon pricing and green taxation in shipping and how these tools are reshaping operational and financial planning across the sector.

Another key area of focus will be the growing demand for climate-aligned investment in port infrastructure, clean shipping corridors, and alternative fuel technologies. Speakers will delve into the potential of green bonds, public-private partnerships, and multilateral funding as tools to accelerate innovation and low-carbon infrastructure deployment. The integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms in maritime logistics will also be covered, showcasing how these technologies contribute to emissions reductions and energy optimization.

Session 1 will further examine the geopolitical and governance implications of maritime climate action, analysing how supply chains, trade regulations, and cross-border collaboration can either support or hinder sustainability objectives. The conversation will extend to the development of integrated, multi-modal transport corridors that place green shipping at their core, offering case studies on regional infrastructure strategies that aim to deliver a cleaner and more connected future for global trade.

The Maritime Standard TACCC 2025 continues to grow in scope and relevance, reflecting the urgent need for collaborative, sector-wide efforts to address climate change. Session 1 will set the stage for practical discussions and solution-oriented exchanges that aim to chart a realistic and actionable course toward net-zero maritime transport.

For more information about the conference programme, confirmed speakers and how to register to attend, please visit the website https://tmstaccc.com/.