AntwerpXL (AXL) 2024 has once again demonstrated its position as a premier event for the breakbulk, project cargo, heavy lift, and RoRo industries. Drawing nearly 4,000 attendees from 58 countries and featuring more than 100 exhibitors, the event offered a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and industry innovation.
This year’s edition delivered an impressive lineup of industry sessions, insightful discussions, and unique networking opportunities. Standout events included the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Tour, the BusinessRun, North Sea Port’s popular Oyster Party, and the ceremony celebrating the 2024 “40 Under 40” winners. Attendees also enjoyed the Innovation Zone, a Recruitment Day, and a Chartering Course, further broadening the scope of the event.
The Main Deck conference sessions explored the industry’s most pressing global challenges, such as shipping logistics, sustainability, and the ongoing energy transition. These sessions highlighted the growing role of AI, digitalisation, and green technologies in the sector. Notably, Sharanya Kumaramurthy from the Energy Industries Council kicked off the event with an insightful keynote on the future of the global energy landscape, stressing the need for cross-sector collaboration.
The two-day conference also featured discussions with thought leaders like Siddhi Garodia from Ørsted and Bill Dobie from Sedna, who explored strategies for building sustainable supply chains. Dominique Gijbels from GTT Automotive led an engaging session on logistics challenges in the Benelux, while a panel including Christel Pullens from PortXL and Fulko Roos from Royal3D examined how partnerships between startups and established firms could drive innovation.
RoRo specialist Gabriele Banchio of IMT Terminal summed up the event’s relaxed yet productive atmosphere, noting that AXL offers a “great way to have proper discussions.”
Sustainability took center stage, with a strong focus on maritime decarbonisation. Gavin Allwright of the International WindShip Association discussed the role of wind-powered vessels in meeting IMO’s decarbonisation goals, while leaders like Gudrun Janssens from BIMCO and Joe Bettles from Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping weighed in on regulatory frameworks and investment in sustainable vessels.
Looking toward the future, AntwerpXL celebrated emerging talent through the “40 Under 40” awards and dedicated a session to recruitment strategies. Industry experts like Emma Nash from Tuscor Lloyds UK and Gina Panayiotou from Oceans Arena shared insights on attracting the next generation of professionals to the sector. AXL Job Day further solidified the event’s focus on professional development by connecting recruiters with new talent.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Jelle Schepens, Senior Port Wind Specialist at Vesta Wind Systems, highlighted the event’s ability to bring together key decision-makers and foster conversations around innovation and sustainability. Igor Alves from Hitachi Energy praised the opportunity to exchange experiences and prepare for the challenges ahead.
With AXL 2024’s success, excitement is already building for AntwerpXL 2025, set to take place from November 4-6 at the Antwerp Expo.
