Getting the message out

SINGAPORE'S shipping sector is deservedly receiving plenty of attention at the the moment. Hard on the heels of last month's very successful Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) event comes the 9th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), starting on April 6.

APM was very much by the industry, for the industry. It was one of the most impressive trade shows I have seen. Think of just about anything to do with the technical side of shipping and it was there. The associated conferences covered a wide range of topics with many also focusing on the technical side of operations.

SMW is rather different. The emphasis is on activities for everyone, from the industry players to the general public. As has been the case since the first SMW in 2006, it is essentially the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) baby, though there are plenty of godparents, notably the Association of Singapore Marine Industries, the Singapore Maritime Foundation and the Singapore Shipping Association. This year's SMW comprises 29 events, making it the biggest show so far.