The countdown to London International Shipping Week 2017 (LISW17) officially began with an exclusive launch reception at Norton Rose Fulbright offices on London’s South Bank last week.
The launch reception brought together representatives from many of the maritime world’s leading organisations and figures from UK Government to learn of the aspirations, plans and opportunities that LISW17 will deliver between September 11-15, next year.

Addressing the guests, Jeremy Penn, Chief Executive of the Baltic Exchange and Chairman of the LISW17 Steering Group said that under an overarching theme of ‘Tomorrow’s Maritime World’, LISW17 will explore five key topics: Tomorrow’s Prosperity, Tomorrow’s Industry Professionals, Tomorrow’s Business Solutions, Tomorrow’s Environment and Tomorrow’s Partnerships. These themes will run throughout the week, culminating in high level debate at the  LISW17 Conference which will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on Thursday 14 September, 2017.

These themes will give the industry a platform for announcing, discussing and debating important issues and opportunities for the future of shipping; as well as generating genuine thought-leadership and innovation through the 160 or so LISW17 events expected to be held during the week.

Representing the UK Government, John Hayes, Minister of State at the Department for Transport and Shipping and Ports Minister, said: “London International Shipping Week’s importance to the industry is unquestioned, bringing together maritime leaders from across the world to look at the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. I’m proud the Government is once again involved, we look forward to working closely together and delivering an innovative and high profile week of events in 2017.”

David Dingle, Chairman of promotional body Maritime UK, said: “LISW is a fantastic global platform to showcase the UK as a world-class maritime centre. We look forward to welcoming leading industry figures from across the world to LISW 2017.”