Spotlighting maritime solutions for tomorrow at APM 2024

The 18^th APM, Southeast Asia’s largest and most recognised shipbuilding and marine exhibition and conference, will be held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The three-day event will play host to more than 1,400 international brands from 60 countries, joined by 14,000+ trade visitors from across Asia.

More than 80 global industry leaders will lend their international perspectives on key issues including innovation, sustainability, and personnel. Decision makers, end-users, and all other maritime players in the region will get a glimpse of the industry’s agenda for the decades to come, understanding new approaches to retain competitiveness in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam’s economy grew at the fastest pace in Asia in 2022, and its maritime sector has also shown remarkable growth, resilience, and adaptability. In the same year, the volume of container cargo through its seaports was estimated at over 25 million TEUs, an increase of 5 per cent compared to 2021.

Of this, the international volume of import and export goods across the nation's shipping fleet increased by 10 per cent (about 1.3 million tonnes) compared to 2021. Vietnam's shipping industry aims to expand its international routes, becoming the gateway for maritime traffic in Southeast Asia.

Shipping is responsible for 90 per cent of Vietnam’s import and export cargo volumes and is the lifeblood of the country's transport and distribution systems. Hiep Khuong, business director and head of Project Management at Royal HaskoningDHV, said that Vietnam’s growing export-oriented economy and its role in global supply chains have caused many of its ports to operate at or near full capacity.

"Coupled with a relatively underdeveloped road and rail infrastructure, this has led to congestion, delays, and increased logistics costs. To future-proof Vietnam’s maritime sector, every local business needs to play its role in tapping into innovation and digitalisation, enabling the country to reach its full potential," said Hiep.

“Vietnam is an active member of the International Maritime Organization, and the country’s 2050 net-zero commitment includes an ambitious plan for a green port, making it an exciting and challenging time for its maritime industry. To achieve these goals, there is a need for the entire sector to learn about the strategic necessities,” he added.

As Asia continues to maintain its foothold in the global economy, it is necessary to remain attuned to the industry’s needs by bringing in prominent players to share insights and inspire dialogues. APM 2024 will play a pivotal role in combining high-powered conferences, cutting-edge exhibitions, and networking sessions.

Yeow Hui Leng, group project director at RX Singapore (the event organiser) said, “Vietnam’s maritime industry is well positioned to rise in importance, and we’re excited to welcome the Vietnamese community to APM 2024. I trust that the APM exhibition in Singapore will facilitate discussions and relationships with international stakeholders who are keen to collaborate with Vietnam.”

APM 2024 will be the largest maritime exhibition in Southeast Asia, spanning 27,000 square metres. It will enable international suppliers to connect with buyers from the region. It is an Approved International Fair event, affirming its significance to Singapore’s trade show and maritime industries.

The exhibitors will include well-known companies including Alphatron, AsiaSat, CMD Chugoku, ClassNK, Codar, Damen, Ditel, Furuno, Garmin, GISBIR, Jotun, KVH, Marlink, Marine Jet Power, Nabtesco, Niigata, Nippon Paint Maine, Otesat, Speedcast, Teignbridge, Tersan Shipyard, Twin Disc, Volvo Penta, Wartsila, Weichai, and many more, who will be using APM 2024 to showcase their latest innovations, products, and services.

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