Maritime Industry Briefing: Shipping Conference, Seafarer Crisis, and Decommissioning Contract

## Shipping Industry Gathers for Geneva Dry Conference With just 75 days to go, the 2026 edition of the Geneva Dry commodities shipping conference is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile industry gatherings in recent memory. According to Splash247, delegate passes are selling fast for the event, which will be held on April 28-29 at the Hotel President Wilson on the shores of Lake Geneva. The world's premier commodities shipping conference, Geneva Dry is readying for what organizers describe as its 'most high calibre gathering to date.' The event draws top executives, analysts, and decision-makers from across the global maritime supply chain, making it a must-attend event for those looking to network and stay ahead of industry trends. ## Seafarer Crisis Requires Nuanced Approach While the shipping industry faces an ongoing seafarer shortage, maritime HR expert Henrik Jensen cautions against framing the issue as uniquely worse than other sectors. In a commentary for Splash247, the CEO of Danica Crewing Services argues that recent warnings about a 'looming global seafarer crisis' deserve serious attention, but should be viewed in a broader labor market context. 'We should avoid the narrative that shipping is uniquely worse than other industries,' Jensen writes. 'Surveys suggesting that up to half of seafarers may leave the industry are concerning, but we need to understand the nuances.' He notes that factors like the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and competition from shore-based jobs all contribute to seafarer shortages across multiple industries. Jensen's analysis underscores the need for a measured, multi-faceted approach to addressing the seafarer crisis, rather than painting it as an isolated shipping problem. ## Decommissioning Contract Awarded in North Sea In other news, decommissioning specialist AF Offshore Decom has been awarded a contract by Ithaca Energy for the removal and recycling of a floating storage unit (FSU) in the UK sector of the North Sea. According to Splash247, the vessel weighs approximately 24,000 tonnes and will be delivered to AF Environmental's facilities for dismantling and recycling. The contract award highlights the growing demand for offshore decommissioning services as aging infrastructure in mature oil and gas basins like the North Sea reaches the end of its operational life. As energy companies work to responsibly retire these assets, specialized firms like AF Offshore Decom will play a critical role in the safe and sustainable decommissioning process.