Breakfast Debate

As sponsors of London International Shipping Week, we hosted a complimentary breakfast debate ‘London - the global shipping service centre in 2050?’ on 9 September 2015.

The debate comprised ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments from key industry figures, followed by a vote to canvas views on London’s future position in the shipping services market. 

Chairing the debate was Mr. Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief, Tradewinds.

Dr. Martin Stopford, non-Executive President at Clarkson Research Services and British economist and Ms. Inga Beale, CEO of Lloyd’s of London represented the campaign 'for' London being the global shipping service centre in 2050; and Ms. Sabrina Chao, Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Ltd and Mr. Esben Poulsson, President of the Singapore Shipping Association represented the campaign 'against'.

The event was attended by representatives from the global shipping industry and the audience were asked to vote at the beginning and end of the session to show their view of the motion. At the first vote, there was clear support for London with a wide majority 90% voting ‘yes’ to London remaining the global shipping service centre in 2050. However after the panel debate, 34% voted ‘no’ to the motion.

Attendees received a video address from Boris Johnson, MP, Mayor of London.

The event was covered in various publications including the Evening Standard and TradeWinds, see articles to the right of this page.

The event took place at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, 3 More London Riverside SE1 2AQ.  If you have any questions about the event please email standardclubevents@ctplc.com.