The ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment is the key quality that London must maintain in order to remain competitive as a global maritime centre, according to a survey of young professionals in the city.
The Shipping Professional Network in London's (SPNL) survey also identified freedom of movement as the most important issue in negotiations for the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Results from the survey, which was conducted by shipping accountancy firm BDO, were announced at SPNL's Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Shipping event, held as part of London International Shipping Week.
Competition, demand trends and the cost and availability of finance were identified by respondents as the three leading factors most likely to affect their business performance over the next 12 months.
Some 61% of respondents expected finance costs to increase over the coming year, compared to the 55% who thought likewise in September 2017, the last time SPNL ran the survey.
“A number of our respondents complained that there are not enough shipowners in London," said Zeb Bhatty, SPNL'S treasurer.
"The truth is that there have never been enough shipowners in London when judged against London’s place in the overall scheme of things. That has never been a problem before, and is unlikely to become one now or in the future."
Awards for female academics
The SPNL event also recognised academic achievements by women with awards.
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers put forward TradeWinds reporter Holly Birkett to receive the SPNL Next Generation of Women in Shipping Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Chartering, presented by Katharine Czupryna from DNVGL.
Cass Business School nominated Roza Karra-Kallidromitou from its Shipping, Trade and Finance MSc programme to receive the finance award.
The award was presented by Catherine Hall, Shell Shipping & Maritime's general manager of commercial and strategy.
Myrsini Fergadioti received the engineering award, which was presented by Helen Buni from the IMO and Women in Maritime Programme.
Fergadioti has been studying towards her MSc in maritime operations and management at City University.
The law award went to Ioanna Tolia from the University of Southampton's master's course in maritime law.
The gong was presented by: Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive UK Chamber of Shipping.
