The Leading Event for the Project Cargo and Breakbulk Industries in the Middle East

Fleet Under Pressure: Capacity, Costs, and the Crew Crisis

Global shipping is grappling with a perfect storm: shipyard slots are scarce, newbuild prices have skyrocketed, and offshore fleets face aging vessels with poor ROI on replacement. At the same time, a widening talent gap – exacerbated by rising crew costs and a new generation less willing to go to sea – is leaving operators short-handed. This session examines how these pressures are reshaping vessel supply, crew dynamics, and project cargo flows, with a regional lens on the Red Sea, tariff shocks, and political instability.


Wednesday 04 February 14:30 - 15:15 Main Stage

Add to calendar 02/04/2026 14:30 02/04/2026 15:15 Fleet Under Pressure: Capacity, Costs, and the Crew Crisis

Global shipping is grappling with a perfect storm: shipyard slots are scarce, newbuild prices have skyrocketed, and offshore fleets face aging vessels with poor ROI on replacement. At the same time, a widening talent gap – exacerbated by rising crew costs and a new generation less willing to go to sea – is leaving operators short-handed. This session examines how these pressures are reshaping vessel supply, crew dynamics, and project cargo flows, with a regional lens on the Red Sea, tariff shocks, and political instability.

Main Stage Asia/Dubai
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