Grain Forum & Maritime Days in Odessa 2015

The multi-forum “Grain forum and Maritime Days in Odessa 2015” was held in the sea capital of Ukraine – Odessa on May 28-30. Total number of delegates reached the record number exceeding 500. Besides traditional sessions, organizers also provided unique opportunities for delegates to participate in thematic round tables and case-study.
First day participants discussed trends of the global grain production and the global freight market forecast for 2015/16 MY. The second part of the day was devoted to the grain market of Ukraine. The participants discussed the following topics: the grain production forecast and trading prospects of the season-2015/16, the market of forage crops, the market of niche crops, results of agrarian reforms and results of six-month work of the new Government, peculiarities of companies’ work on the grain market of Ukraine under the conditions of the economic recession and the new agricultural policy.
Second day traders and experts in logistics participated in three sessions:
1. “River logistics. Results of 2012-2014. Short-term development prospects for 2015-2017”. It included comparative analysis of river logistics in the USA, Europe and Ukraine and panel discussion about primary steps on river navigation renewal in the Dnieper and foreign experience adoption.
2. “Sea leg of grain transportation”. Reports were followed up by the panel discussion – “Features of marine transportation in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions” which answered many hot questions.
3. “Ports infrastructure”. This session was devoted to issues of grain shipment infrastructure and port project financing.
On the second day, also, were held two round tables “Main features of vegetable oils transportation” and “Recent trends in development of container traffic in Ukraine”. The second round table was organized by the Association of Container Lines of Ukraine (ACLU).
In the evening, the fifth traditional Annual Odessa Shipping Dinner gathered 350 maritime business professionals in Otrada Beach Club, served in Ukrainian style.
Third day traditionally brought football teams at the Annual Odessa Shipping Cup in Otrada sponsored by Endofa, UAE. After hard matches between 10 teams the united team of Endofa- Dolphins won the cup.
We thank all participants, speakers, co-organizers, partners, media partners and associations who helped to make all “Grain forum and Maritime Days in Odessa 2015” events bright and interesting. Variety of hot topics made this forum the most remarkable event in Black Sea region for professional networking.
See you next year in Odessa!