Capital Link is organizing on an annual basis Shipping Forums in New York, London, and Athens that bring together influential C-level executives of US and foreign listed shipping companies, analysts, commercial and investment bankers, industry participants and investors. The Shipping Forums in New York and London are primarily focused on the global investment community, attracting large numbers of institutional investors, financial planners, financial advisors, private bankers, securities analysts, retail & institutional brokers and financial press & media.

This time the forum examined the macroeconomic issues that are shaping international shipping, provided investors with a comprehensive review and outlook of the various shipping markets through a series of company presentations and panel discussions and addressed topics of critical importance for shipping today, such as access to capital for survival and growth, pure-play versus diversified fleets, vessel recycling, the value of classification to financial institutions and owners, etc.

Capital Link’s President Mr. Nicolas Bornozis outlined the firm’s commitment to serving as a link between investors and shipping globally and highlighted the evolution and the key role of the Capital Link Shipping Forums and Webinars in the industry. The New York Shipping Forum in particular, which is in its 4th year, has been established as a major event for the industry.

The Luncheon keynote speaker, Mr. Clay Maitland, Managing Partner, International Registries, Founding Chairman of NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) addressed the audience on “Forecasting the Future: Shipping and Financial Markets.” In his keynote speech, Mr. Maitland stated that “we should bear in mind that while Chinese construction contracts are being ‘cancelled,’ there is a time when the word cancelled should not be taken literally. Many if not most of these ships will probably be built, and delivered to Chinese owners. These may then be sold on to other purchasers, and may or may not be maintained in accordance with the highest standards. We also need to ask whether these ships will be built in accordance with the standards of the International Association of Classification Societies. There is no way of knowing this at the present time. So the oversupply of tonnage can have a major impact on quality, and safety.”
Capital Link is a New York-based Advisory, Investor Relations and Financial Communications firm. Over the years it has the largest provider of Investor Relations and Financial Communications services to international shipping companies listed on the US and European Exchanges. Capital Link's headquarters are in New York with a presence in London and Athens.