HKSOA hosted its annual analyst luncheon event on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, featuring shipping experts Apostolos Zampelas and Sal Arora from McKinsey & Company.

The event titled “2025 – Evolution of Trade and Cargo Flows” was very well attended by HKSOA members.

Key insights from the presentation included:

– Global trade remains near peak historical levels, with all regions heavily dependent on international supply chains.
– Trade patterns are shifting, with the US diversifying to other Asian countries.
– Hydrogen demand is expected to grow 2-4 times by 2050, with North America leading supply and demand by 2030.
– Over 800 new vessels will be required by 2050 to transport hydrogen-based commodities and CO2.
– Shipping companies can win in this new era by embedding macro scenarios in business planning, strategically deploying fleets to capture high-value flows, creating partnerships for new vessel segments, and developing data-driven insights.

The presentation highlighted the complex interplay of geopolitics, energy transition, and shifting trade flows shaping the future of shipping. This annual event continues to provide crucial insights for strategic decision-making in the maritime industry.

We thank the speakers from McKinsey & Co for their continued support of the Association.