Inmarsat’s LISW17 set stage for Digital future of Maritime

Inmarsat has announced plans in support of its diamond sponsor commitment for London International Shipping Week, 11-15 September 2017 (LISW17) by staging three key events focusing on the maritime industry’s digital future.

To coincide with the official launch of LISW17 on October 19th 2016, Inmarsat announced that its separate events would target: shipping’s response to digital disruption; the future of maritime safety; and maritime cyber security myth-busting. All three sessions will be held at Inmarsat Global HQ, London on 12-13 September, 2017.

Leaders from every sector of the global shipping industry will descend on London in September next year for LISW to celebrate and highlight London’s continuing role as the Capital City for world shipping. Inmarsat has been supporting LISW, as sole diamond sponsor, since its inauguration in 2013.

“LISW17 provides an ideal opportunity to take forward the dialogue on what the Internet of Everywhere means for shipping, following the 2016 launch of Inmarsat Maritime’s Fleet Xpress service,” says Ronald Spithout, President of Inmarsat Maritime. “The impact of always-on connectivity and data analytics is transformative for vessel efficiency and crew welfare, but also for safety, cyber security and shipping’s ability to respond to digital disruption.”

A two-hour breakfast briefing on 12 September, 2017 will focus on the future of safety at sea, with emphasis given to SafetyNET II – the framework supporting the next generation Global Maritime Distress Safety Service. Inmarsat is the only service provider whose maritime distress technology is approved by the International Maritime Organization.

Also on 12 September, Inmarsat will host ‘Digital disruption in shipping – What happens next?’ exploring how new digital technologies and business models are challenging the value proposition of conventional shipping.

One pressing digital challenge will be addressed separately on 13 September, between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm, in the ‘Dispelling the myth – The reality of cyber security in the shipping industry’ session. “Cybercrime is real and any device connected to the internet is vulnerable,” says Spithout. “This why Inmarsat is on schedule to launch a complete security solution for the maritime industry in H1 2017. But our event during LISW will address the parallel industry need to cut through fear based on lack of knowledge.” 

LISW17 will be the ‘must attend’ event of 2017, offering over 160 industry functions and unique networking opportunities for leaders across all sectors of the international shipping industry. “It is a highlight in the global maritime calendar,” Mr Spithout adds. “Being at the heart of a hugely successful event in London reflects our heritage at Inmarsat as a UK based organisation and the continued role of the UK as a hub for innovation.”