TMS Tanker Conference 2025 to Tackle Challenges and Drive Innovation

The 10th edition of The Maritime Standard (TMS) Tanker Conference will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. This major industry event will unite top tanker shipping leaders, maritime policymakers, technology experts, and global decision-makers for a full day of insight, networking, and innovation.

The 2025 conference theme, “Tanker shipping negotiates challenging market headwinds,” reflects the current reality of the global tanker sector. The industry is facing market uncertainty, environmental compliance challenges, and shifting geopolitical conditions, yet opportunities for transformation are also emerging.

A Decade of Impact and Maritime Leadership

For ten years, the TMS Tanker Conference has stood out as the region’s most important event for the tanker industry. It has become a trusted platform for sharing knowledge, setting new policies, and guiding maritime growth across the Middle East.

The 2025 edition comes at a time when tanker shipping is changing faster than ever. Companies are learning how to handle volatile markets while investing in green energy technologies. This includes biofuels, dual-fuel propulsion systems, carbon capture, and eco-friendly ship recycling.

Experts from classification societies, shipyards, and technology firms will showcase the latest solutions that make tanker operations more efficient and sustainable. The event will also explore how the industry can meet the IMO 2030 and IMO 2050 decarbonisation goals while keeping fleets profitable and competitive.

Session 1: Building Sustainable Strategies for an Uncertain Market

The first session, titled “Sustainable strategies: how best to overcome tanker shipping’s current uncertainties,” will open with keynote speeches by Shaikh Khaled Ahmad Al-Sabah, Acting CEO of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO of ASYAD Shipping.

They will focus on how tanker companies can stay strong, flexible, and forward-thinking in uncertain times. The session will be moderated by Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard, who will lead discussions with several senior industry figures, including:

• Abdul Bari Alzubaidi, Senior Vice President, Ship Management, ADNOC L&S
• Amir Maghami, CEO – Shipping & Transhipment, AD Ports Group
• Ali Abouda, Group CFO, Gulf Navigation Holding
• Nafeesa Moloobhoy, Managing Director, A.S. Moloobhoy Limited
• Navin Kumar, Director, Drewry Maritime Research
• Bard Poulsson, Senior Vice President and International Marine Lead, Lockton
• Captain Ankur Arora, Global Market Lead, Tankers, Bureau Veritas – Marine and Offshore
• Dipak Karki, Managing Director, DK2

The discussion will explore how shipowners can prepare for future risks, manage costs, and invest in sustainable operations while maintaining profitability.

Analysts are still optimistic about the tanker market, despite the global economic slowdown. Demand for oil and refined products remains steady, leading to growth in tonne-miles across major trade routes. However, geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and trade policy updates are shaping the future of tanker movements worldwide.

Fleet Renewal and Modernisation: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

The tanker industry is currently going through a major fleet renewal phase. The global newbuilding orderbook has jumped from below 5% to nearly 15% of the total fleet over the last two years.

This shows renewed confidence in the sector but also highlights challenges with aging ships nearing the end of their service life. Many of these vessels are being considered for decommissioning or recycling.

The conference will focus on how tanker companies can strike the right balance between expanding fleet capacity and maintaining energy efficiency.

Speakers will also discuss future investment strategies, ship design innovations, and how green shipbuilding can drive the next generation of environmentally friendly tankers.

Environmental Regulations and the Push for Decarbonisation

New environmental regulations are transforming how tanker operators run their fleets. With the IMO 2030 and IMO 2050 targets, companies must now commit to reducing emissions, cutting carbon intensity, and adopting alternative fuels.

At TMS 2025, experts will present practical ways for the industry to move toward zero-emission operations. Topics will include:

• The adoption of LNG, ammonia, and methanol as cleaner fuel options
• The use of carbon capture and scrubber technologies to meet emission standards
• Strategies for fuel efficiency and energy optimisation using smart systems
• Building compliance frameworks that align with international environmental goals

The conference will also highlight UAE’s role in promoting green shipping. Dubai’s maritime vision supports sustainability through innovation and collaboration with global partners.

Session 2: Improving Efficiency While Staying Green

The afternoon session, titled “Boosting operational efficiency while maintaining a focus on green shipping,” will dive deeper into the connection between technology, efficiency, and sustainability.

Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services at DNV, will moderate this session. Known for his deep maritime knowledge and engaging approach, he will lead discussions with experts from leading organisations, including:

• Richard De Vries, Vice President, Business Development, Lloyd’s Register
• Rajnish Kandelwal, CEO, JM Baxi Marine Services
• Han Ning, General Manager, shipbid.net Singapore
• Captain Gagan Dhillon, CEO (Dubai), West of England P&I Club
• Katherine Yakunchenkova, General Manager, Al Safina Security
• Captain Onur Yildrim, Global Marine Manager, Advanced Polymer Coatings
• Alessandra Burke, CEO, K2 Bunker Fuel Supply
• Roger Harfouch, Sales Director, Marlink Communications
• Captain Vikas Pandey, Founder and CEO, Shipfinex
• Ramee Rashid, Director, Seamaster Maritime Group

Together, they will discuss how digitalisation, data analytics, and advanced technologies can make tanker shipping more efficient and sustainable at the same time.

Technology and Digital Transformation in Tanker Shipping

Digital innovation is becoming the backbone of the tanker industry. From artificial intelligence (AI) to data-driven analytics, technology is reshaping how fleets operate.

At TMS 2025, experts will explore how AI-based predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and automated monitoring systems are helping shipowners improve safety and performance.

The use of big data helps tanker operators make faster and smarter decisions. It also helps predict equipment failures, manage fuel use, and cut emissions.

However, with increased digitalisation comes a rise in cybersecurity risks. Conference sessions will address how companies can strengthen data protection, reduce vulnerabilities, and train crews to handle digital threats effectively.

The Growing Importance of Safety and Security

Safety remains a top priority in tanker operations. In recent years, issues like piracy, cyberattacks, and political conflicts have increased risks for shipowners.

The TMS conference will highlight risk management, crew safety, and emergency response plans that protect both ships and seafarers.

Industry experts will share insights on how to maintain crew wellbeing, improve training programs, and build a safety-first culture on board. With shipping routes constantly changing due to global tensions, resilience and preparedness are more critical than ever.

A Global Platform for Collaboration and Growth

The TMS Tanker Conference 2025 will bring together tanker owners, operators, investors, and innovators from across the world.

Delegates can expect a rich day of knowledge-sharing and networking. The event’s interactive format—featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions—encourages open and meaningful dialogue between participants.

Dubai’s role as a global maritime hub makes it the ideal location for this milestone event. Hosting the conference at Atlantis, The Palm, reflects the city’s commitment to supporting maritime growth, innovation, and sustainability.

The UAE continues to lead the conversation on green shipping, smart technologies, and future-ready logistics. With global attention turning to environmental accountability, Dubai’s maritime initiatives set a strong example for others to follow.

The TMS Tanker Conference 2025 celebrates a decade of progress and collaboration. More importantly, it looks ahead to a future of sustainable, efficient, and secure tanker operations that support the world’s energy needs.