• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
According to speakers at the 74th Annual Conference and General Assembly of The Heavy Lift Group (THLG), greater collaboration, agility, and investment in next-generation professionals are fundamental to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the supply chain. THLG President, Elisabeth Cosmatos, set the tone in her opening address with the launch of the THLG NextGen Initiative, which aims to train the next generation of leaders in the heavy transport, project cargo, and logistics industry.
Under the theme "From Uncertainty to Opportunity: The Next Era of Global Trade," the event brought together members and guests from across THLG's global network and the broader project logistics and heavy lift sector in The Hague.
THLG NextGen, an idea conceived by young THLG members, has evolved into a structured program supported by a founding charter, a governance framework, and a roadmap for its development. This strategic initiative will also work to secure the future of the network itself.
"Every successful organization must think beyond the present. NextGen is not just about supporting young professionals; it's about ensuring that the values, expertise, and collaborative spirit that have defined THLG for decades continue to thrive in future generations. We are not simply creating a committee. We are investing in the future leadership of our industry," stated Cosmatos.
According to the president, the same dynamism was needed to face the current operating environment. While uncertainty may be influencing global trade, she stressed that it is also creating opportunities for those with resilience, ingenuity, and a solution-oriented mindset.
Collaboration and agility to adapt to change were also fundamental, and these themes permeated the conference agenda, which included thought-provoking discussions on the complexities of international trade and project logistics today.
Highlights of the program included a keynote address by Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General of the Waterborne Technology Platform, which reflected the reality faced by companies in an era of intense supply chain disruptions.
Notable presentations included a Middle East market analysis by Laurance Langdon, Managing Director of Modern Freight Company, and a case study on a transcontinental wind energy logistics project spanning over 10,500 kilometers, from China to the Caucasus, presented by Ildus Bariev, Managing Director of Globalink Logistics.
Also of great interest was the informal chat between Grant Bell, Partner and COO of NMT Projects, and Janesh Gulati, Managing Director of Total Movements, who offered regional perspectives from Australia and India on the evolution of trade over the years and their future outlook.
Panel discussions focused on collaboration as a catalyst for sector growth, geopolitics, regulation, and how to create opportunities in times of transition.
During the Annual General Assembly, Donald Kinsella, President of KBB Transport, was elected to the Executive Committee, while Colin D'Abreo stepped down as Treasurer after four years of dedication. Members also re-elected Elisabeth Cosmatos and Alessio Bianchi, who will continue to serve as THLG President and Admissions Officer, respectively.
The group's growing geographical reach was also evident with the admission of six new members to THLG, confirmed during the Annual General Assembly after a rigorous application and voting process. The new members are Dolezych (Germany), Mohab Logistics (Tunisia), Ultrabulk (Denmark), Tauruna (Indonesia), Hacklin International (China), and RORO Shipping Company (Uruguay).
