World Ocean Forum recap

I had the honor of delivering a keynote address on “Navigating a Wave of New Blue Finance Opportunities” at the World Ocean Forum in Busan, South Korea last month 🌊

The Forum offered rich discussions spanning cooperation, innovation, finance, and sustainability in the global blue economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Themes: Cooperation, transformation, resilience, Arctic Sea Route potential, convergence of maritime actors, Busan as a maritime hub
  • Challenges: Investment gaps, geopolitical conflict, policy uncertainty
  • Strategies: Smart maritime infrastructure, digitalized supply chains, blue bonds, AI adoption, eco-designed ships, blue finance hub, fisheries innovation, blue carbon integration

Highlights:

  • Research & Innovation: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and international research hubs showcased cooperation in fisheries, ocean data, and regional capacity-building
  • Shipping & Ports: Focus on global supply chain disruptions, business continuity planning for high-risk routes, carbon intensity reduction, AI
  • Blue Economy & Finance: International APAC cooperation, information platforms, blue carbon credits, financing for startups/entrepreneurs
  • Fisheries: Challenges from climate change, real-time data collection, human resource gaps, long value chains
  • Maritime Finance: Addressing market, geopolitical, regulatory, and currency risks; innovative financial tools like Forward Freight Agreements; AI-driven prediction for risk management
  • Shipbuilding & Energy Transition: Arctic Sea route planning, icebreakers, next-gen fuels, nuclear, AI for operational efficiency
  • International Politics: Strategic positioning by regional powers
  • Urban & Regional Policy: Busan as a global maritime hub; Arctic transshipment vision; green shipping corridors; talent and innovation; satellite and water-related infrastructure
  • Sustainability & Decarbonization: IMO Net Zero framework, green propulsion methods, eco-friendly shipbuilding, digitization, long-term GHG reduction strategies

Overall, the Forum reinforced the importance of international collaboration, technology adoption, sustainable finance, and strategic policy in building resilient maritime ecosystems. It was inspiring to see how innovation, data, and governance converge to create a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready blue economy.

🔗 More about the World Ocean Forum here

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