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WELCOME
EFFECTS OF WAR ARE FAR REACHING The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to dominate everyone’s thoughts
T
he war in Ukraine shows few signs of ending anytime soon. Despite Russian gains in the east and south of the country, there are indications that the tide could eventually turn. This would auger well for Ukraine’s ability to recover its position as the major exporter of grain it previously was. In the meantime, as Bulk Terminals International goes to press, Turkey and the United Nations have said that Russia and Ukraine have signed a deal to reopen Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports – releasing dozens of stranded ships and some 20m tonnes of grain stuck in silos at Odesa. The war will be not be far from our thoughts as we meet in Latvia from 11-12 October as guests of our host port, the Freeport of Riga Authority and local organiser Rīgas Brīvostas Padome – Association of Stevedores in the Port of Riga. The high-value programmes for the annual ABTO Bulk Terminals Conference are designed for all those involved in the transportation, storage and handling of bulk commodities. The conference always sets the scene with an analysis of bulk
BULK TERMINALS
markets. It continues with a full programme focused on the concerns of operators, each year offering sound practical solutions for improving safety, streamlining operations and ensuring environmental protection. Digitalisation, the cyber threat, development opportunities and, naturally, the ongoing effect of covid19 on bulk terminal operations will also be covered. Given the importance to Latvian and other Baltic ports of transit cargoes, rail and transport connectivity will be covered as well in Bulk Terminals Riga 2022 – especially given the impact the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had. In June, Lithuania – implementing sanctions imposed by the EU – has banned the transit of coal, metals, construction materials and advanced technology through its territory from Russia to the Kaliningrad enclave. Similarly, China’s dispute with Lithuania has regional and EU implications. China – as we know from its issues with Australia – is prepared to use its massive clout when it comes to trade and commodities in pursuance of political objectives.
international | SUMMER 2022
Beijing has denied ordering a trade boycott, but the European Commission says it has evidence that China is refusing to clear Lithuanian goods through customs, rejecting import applications and pressuring EU companies to remove Lithuanian inputs from their supply chains. In January, the EU launched a case at the World Trade Organisation, which could take some time to resolve. Time will tell what outcome of the war in Ukraine and trade disputes with China will be. Bulk Terminals Riga 2022 will examine the fallout, regionally and internationally. A not-to-be-missed panel will debate “conflict and the effect the pursuit of political objectives has on bulk trades – international, regional and EU implications”.
a warm welcome
As well as terminals and ports, we welcome equipment and service suppliers, professional advisors and academics to the conference. Indeed, ABTO feels strongly it is only through the interaction with others that bulk terminals will achieve increased operational efficiencies, together with safety and environmental compliance.
