The highly anticipated
5th SAFETY4SEA London Forum is set to take place
on Thursday, 18 September 2025, at the ICS Maritime Hub in London, UK. Organized as a non-profit event, the Forum is expected to welcome around 200 participants representing over 100 organizations, including professionals from Safety, Technical, and Marine departments of shipping companies, as well as other key maritime stakeholders.
The forum returns at a time when London continues to be recognized as the world’s leading maritime professional and financial services hub, according to the latest Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index. With its enduring historical significance and strategic strength, the city remains home to globally influential institutions such as the International Maritime Organization, major maritime insurers, classification societies, and shipbroking firms.
Importantly, this year’s Forum is a co-located event of the London International Shipping Week (LISW) - one of the most prominent global maritime gatherings, which celebrates its 12th anniversary in September 2025. With thousands of international industry leaders expected to attend hundreds of official events throughout the week, the SAFETY4SEA Forum will provide a key platform for dialogue on the evolving challenges facing seafarers and the maritime industry at large.
Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, will serve as event host and panel moderator, guiding discussions centered around the human factor, including crew welfare, soft skills development, training, and the latest MLC and STCW amendments. The agenda will also delve into strategies for promoting a sustainable and attractive maritime industry, with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and areas for improvement.
“As the maritime industry continues to navigate rapid regulatory, technological, and operational changes, it is more important than ever to place human factors at the forefront of the safety conversation,” commented Apo Belokas. “The SAFETY4SEA London Forum offers a unique platform for industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and advance meaningful progress on issues such as crew welfare, competency development, and sustainable practices.”
He added: “We are proud to once again host this event during London International Shipping Week and look forward to fostering open dialogue that supports a safer, smarter, and more resilient maritime future.”
Focus areas and agenda highlights
This year’s SAFETY4SEA London Forum will feature panel discussions, expert presentations, and networking sessions, offering attendees actionable insights and best practices. Key discussion topics include:
1.
Crew welfare and mental health: Examining the ongoing impact of seafarer fatigue, isolation, and mental wellness, with solutions for sustainable crew care.
2.
Soft skills & competency development: Addressing the growing importance of leadership, communication, and critical thinking in the digital era.
3.
MLC & STCW amendments: Understanding the implications of the latest regulatory updates and compliance strategies.
4.
Human error & safety culture: Exploring practical methods to reduce incidents through training, behavioral change, and leadership engagement.
5.
ESG & sustainability: Highlighting all components of ESG in the maritime industry and how human-centric operations contribute to long-term industry resilience and sustainable growth.
The program is now available on the event’s official webpage. The following distinguished speakers will be sharing their insights:
·
Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association (IWSA)
·
Sara Baade, CEO, Sailors’ Society
·
Capt. Trevor Bailey, President, The Nautical Institute
·
Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA
·
Marie Cooper, Director of Crewing, Zodiac Maritime Ltd.
·
Rob Gale, Head of Training, IMEC
·
Anthony Gardner, Loss Prevention Manager, Britannia P&I Club
·
Dr. Kostas Gkonis, Director / Secretary General, Intercargo
·
Ajit Gokhale, General Manager, Columbia Ship Management UK LTD
·
Erik Green, CEO, Green Jakobsen
·
Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Odfjell SE
·
Fanny Lossy, Senior Director, Climate, Environment & Maritime Safety, European Shipowers | ECSA
·
Peter Schellenberger, Director, Novamaxis Pte Ltd
·
Dr. Jens Tülsner, Founder & CEO, Marine Medical Solutions
Attendance is completely free of charge for all delegates, underscoring SAFETY4SEA’s ongoing commitment to industry-wide engagement, knowledge-sharing, and professional development. Thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, all associated costs are fully covered, ensuring broad accessibility for maritime professionals from all sectors and levels of experience.
Find details about the 2025 SAFETY4SEA London Forum at
https://events.safety4sea.com/2025-safety4sea-london-forum/
