Unlocking Opportunity in a Shifting Maritime Landscape
SPEAKERS:
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- Brian Ingpen, Marketing Director – Maritime author
- Louis Niemand, Investment Director at Ninety One of NinetyOne
Our most recent EWC event brought into sharp focus the untapped potential of Cape Town’s port and maritime economy, set against an increasingly uncertain global backdrop. With insights from shipping expert Brian Ingpen and Louis Niemand of Ninety One, the discussion highlighted both the scale of the opportunity and the urgency required to unlock it.
Brian Ingpen emphasised the significant economic potential of attracting even a small number of additional vessels into port, particularly for bunkering and related services. Beyond fuel, these ships create broader value through repairs, provisioning, and other support services—provided the right infrastructure and operational capacity are in place.
Adding to this, Louis Niemand unpacked the shifting global economic environment, pointing to rising oil prices, geopolitical instability, and increasing inflationary pressures. For South Africa, these external shocks present real challenges, reinforcing the need for resilience and strategic positioning in global markets.
Closing the discussion, EWC Chairman Terry Gale reiterated a key message: while global uncertainty may be beyond our control, our local response is not. By improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and acting decisively, Cape Town can position itself to fully benefit from the opportunities at hand.
A powerful and timely conversation, reminding us that growth will not happen by chance—but through focused action and collective effort.
