Plymouth University was well represented during the inaugural London International Shipping Week.

In late July Paul Wright attended the launch of the LISW week at the prestigious Norton Rose – Fulbright Building on the South Bank of the Thames. The event was addressed by Stephen Hammond Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport and attended by leading figures of the maritime community, including Alderman & Sheriff Jeffrey Evans and Doug Barrow of Maritime London.

During LISW week representatives from Plymouth were active and contributed to the event. John Dinwoodie led the contributions with a paper presented at the Low Carbon Shipping Conference held at University College on day one of the week.

On Tuesday, Greenwich Maritime Institute hosted a conference on the topic of China’s growth as a Maritime Power at which Robyn Pyne presented a paper. Later in the day the Shipping Professional Network organised and evening event showcasing the talent of London’s next generation. The evening had strong Plymouth connections being held on board the ‘Golden Hind’ (a replica of Francis Drake’s ship) and sponsored by ‘Spinnaker’ the recruitment company founded Phil Parry (Honorary Doctor of Plymouth University and former PYNDA Chairman). It was attended by Paul Wright and Robyn Pyne.

The Wednesday programme was full, but arguably the key event was the International Chamber of Shipping Annual Conference held at the British Library and attended by almost 200 international delegates, including Paul Wright. Key speakers at the conference included Koji Sekimizu, Secretary – General of the International Maritime Organisation, Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation and Martin Stopford, President Clarkson research. Plymouth University alumni Richard Clayton, Editor of Fairplay and Andy Winbow, Assistant Secretary – General of the IMO participated in the conference. Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General of the ICS and a regular visiting speaker at Plymouth University chaired the conference. At its conclusion, Liverpool based ‘Bibby Ship Management’ hosted an evening reception at which many persons with Plymouth interests were present.

Thursday was the London International Shipping Week Conference and Gala Dinner. The conference ‘Propelling World Trade’ was addressed by high level Government and industry speakers who gave their views and opinions on shipping’s future and London’s role in helping shipping emerge from economic crisis. Thirteen maritime business students accompanied by Sarah Tuck and Robyn Pyne attended the conference. They were also present at the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association (PYNDA) Reception held at ‘The Sterling’ at the foot of the iconic Gherkin Building.

Feedback on the LISW has been very positive and it anticipated that it will be held again. Watch this space!