Global trade is no stranger to turbulence. But in an era marked by embargoes, supply chain realignments, cyber threats, and energy conflicts, even seasoned shipping professionals are being forced to reevaluate what resilience looks like.
That’s exactly what the Association of Maritime International Commercial Interests and Expertise (AMICIE) set out to do at its recent seminar, “Weathering Geopolitical Risks for International Shipping and Trade,” held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Bringing together leading voices from shipping, trade, logistics, legal, and regulatory domains, the seminar proved to be a timely and thought-provoking platform for dialogue, strategy, and industry alignment..
About AMICIE
AMICIE, derived from amicus curiae or “friends of the court,” was founded in 2017 and registered in 2018 in Chennai, India.. Positioned as a neutral think tank and activist body, AMICIE champions policy reform, operational transparency, and commercial integrity across global maritime supply chains..
What makes AMICIE distinctive is its cross-disciplinary membership — comprising shipowners, operators, charterers, pilots, marine insurers, legal professionals, logisticians, and public sector veterans.. Their collective aim is to build a stronger, smarter, and more self-regulating shipping ecosystem..
The Singapore Seminar – Perspectives, Perils, and Purpose
The seminar in Singapore marked AMICIE’s first major global foray — and the response was resounding.. With attendees from across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., the event featured deep dives into the commercial, operational, technological, and strategic dimensions of geopolitical risk..
AMICIE’s President, Capt. Suresh Amirapu opened the session by urging industry stakeholders to move beyond reactive risk management and embrace long-term strategic foresight..
Vice President Capt. R. Venkat, who also moderated key sessions, championed the importance of scenario planning, referencing the timeless maritime mantra — “hope for the best, plan for the worst..”
The topics explored were as wide-ranging as they were urgent:
- How sanctions and tariff wars are distorting global supply chains..
- How piracy, cyber threats, and chokepoint blockades are testing the limits of vessel and crew safety..
- The future of AI in maritime risk prediction — and where human judgment must still prevail..
- The rise of alternative fuel solutions like bio-methanol and the global race for sustainability compliance..
And threading through it all was a quote by AMICIE’s Founder-President Capt. Sury Pullat that lingered in many minds “Half the world will freeze and the other half will perish, if not for shipping”
This wasn’t just metaphor — it was a reminder of the shipping industry’s existential role in enabling life, trade, and economic balance across the globe..
Articles that spoke volumes – Highlights from the AMICIE Souvenir
The event’s official souvenir, published in collaboration with Marex Media, brought together a powerful collection of essays, poetry, and practical insights from industry leaders and maritime professionals.. Here are some of the standout contributions:
- “Geopolitical Risks in Shipping” by Capt. Amit Joshi — An incisive breakdown of modern threats from cyberattacks to chokepoint vulnerabilities, and the tactical responses shipping companies are adopting..
- “Beyond Borders” by Capt. Rajesh Tandon — A focused look at India’s seafarer economy and the evolving employment landscape amid geopolitical upheaval..
- “Bio-Methanol: The Ideal Fuel for Short Sea Shipping” by N.R. Krishnakumar — A compelling case for sustainable, scalable fuel alternatives that can drive compliance and lower emissions..
- “When the Waters Darkened” by Capt. R. Janardhanan — A gripping account of the 2024 oil spill in Singapore and the emergency salvage efforts that followed.. A real-world testament to resilience and rapid coordination..
- “Geopolitical Shifts and Maritime Trade” by Capt. Ramji Krishnan — A deeply analytical take on trade disruptions, Africa’s maritime crossroads, and India’s oil diversification strategies..
- “Geopolitical changes and its impact and risk on global trade,” by Hariesh Manaadiar offers a practical and global lens on how tariffs, conflicts, and infrastructure limitations are forcing businesses to rethink their sourcing and shipping strategies..
“As businesses look for ways to remain agile in an increasingly uncertain world, this seminar provides critical insights on how to adapt, mitigate risks, and leverage new opportunities in global trade..”
Looking ahead – AMICIE’s expanding footprint
Following its successful global launch in Singapore, AMICIE is set to host its next event in Mumbai on World Maritime Day.. Plans are already underway to bring AMICIE to other international shipping hubs — with the goal of creating a networked community of maritime professionals committed to reform, innovation, and resilience..
Whether you’re a shipowner, charterer, port operator, regulator, or marine lawyer — AMICIE invites you to join this growing collective of industry minds.. Because navigating through geopolitical volatility isn’t just about reacting — it’s about redefining the rules of the voyage..
