Tanker Summit Programme - 21 May 2026
27 February 2026
Session 1 (09:30 – 11:00):
The Hormuz crisis: global consequences for tanker shipping
The Tanker Summit opens with a strategic assessment of the Hormuz crisis and its far-reaching implications for global tanker shipping. Bringing together the perspectives of charterers, insurers, regulators and industry stakeholders, this session examines how disruption in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints is reshaping trade flows for crude, gas, chemicals and refined products.
With freedom of navigation under pressure and new constraints emerging around transit, routing and commercial relationships, the panel will explore how politics is influencing operational decision-making and long-term market dynamics. As the situation continues to evolve, this session sets the scene for a day of frank discussion on an industry adapting in real time to a rapidly changing trading environment.
Moderator:
Lori Ann LaRocco, Author
President, LaRocco Consulting
Former CNBC Global Supply Chain Reporter and Senior Editor of Guests
Panel:
Emily Koo, Group Managing Director,TCC Group
Metaxia Psalti, COO, Neda Maritime Agency Company and Chair, INTERTANKO Commercial and Markets Committee
YC Yaw, Director - Research, Wood MacKenzie
Andrew Rigden Green, Partner, Watson Farley & Williams
Huaqing Ma, Correspondent, TradeWinds
Coffee Break (11:00 – 11:30)
Session 2 (11:30 – 13:00):
Operating through disruption: the practical realities for tanker owners
Building on the strategic overview, this session puts the human and operational dimensions of the Gulf region conflict firmly centre stage, examining the immediate and practical challenges for tanker owners arising from the crisis.
From crewing pressures and seafarer welfare to the complexities of certification, vetting, insurance, charterparties and legal exposure, panellists will share insights on operating under heightened risk and uncertainty. The session will also address navigation challenges in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the implications of evolving military and regulatory controls on transit.
Grounded in real-world Member experience, this panel discussion provides a timely forum to exchange lessons learned and consider how best to maintain safe, compliant and commercially resilient operations in one of the most challenging operating environments the industry has ever faced.
Moderator:
Cichen Shen, APAC Editor, Lloyds List
Panel:
Capt Rajalingam Subramaniam, Chief Executive Officer, Fleet Management
Phillip Belcher, Marine Director, INTERTANKO
Tommy Olofsen, Group Managing Director, OSM Thome
Patrick Chan, Head of FDD, Vice President, Skuld Hong Kong
Lunch (13:00 - 14:00 and close of event)
Further details, including speakers, will be updated in due course.
