Intermodal Asia 2017 to highlight new developments and industry momentum

There have been unprecedented changes and challenges within the industry over the last few years but the new year brings with it fresh hopes for recovery. With the global container fleet market forecast to grow 3.19% between 2017-2021, the need for companies to develop strategies to help cut costs and improve efficiency is more prevalent than ever.
Intermodal Asia will bring global intermodal professionals to Shanghai from 21– 23 March 2017 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center (SWEECC). Going into its fourth edition, the annual exhibition has cemented its position within the container, transport and logistics industry gathering 7,000 international decision-makers from more than 80 countries, including over 200 leading exhibiting companies and 60 speakers. The event will also showcase the world’s largest exhibition container park, displaying a wide range of units including dry box, reefer, special, tank, chassis and modular.
“The Intermodal Asia Exhibition will become a platform for Chinese enterprises to embrace the world economy, a platform for overseas enterprises to understand China and integrate into China and a platform to share the results of China’s rapid economic development,” explains Mr Bo Liang Mai, Chairman of the CCIA, CEO & President of CIMC. Organised by Informa Exhibitions in partnership with the CCIA (China Container Industry Associates) and the Integrated Transport Federation of the China Communications and Transportation Association (ITF), Intermodal Asia also benefits from the full support of the world’s largest container manufacturer, CIMC (China International Marine Containers).
“We have a number of exciting new initiatives for the 2017 event which will provide attendees with an enhanced exhibition experience. Our aim each year is to provide a platform here in Asia for the industry to come together, do business and receive high-level business insight from our varied conference streams,” explains Sophie Ahmed, Event Director.
New for 2017, Intermodal Asia will be launching the Industry Leaders Strategy Summit (ILSS); a conference featuring high level industry speakers exploring the wider strategy and perspectives within the Intermodal Industry. Speakers include representatives from: Maersk Group, ABN AMRO, Global Shippers Forum, Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI), European Shippers’ Council, BIC, Drewry, Grisons Peak Investment Bank, Maritime Strategies International, Ports and Shipping – International Transport Forum, SeaIntel Maritime Analysis, Port of Hamburg and Beijing University.
In addition, Intermodal Asia will also host two free-to-attend conference streams – the Innovation Theatre and the Technology Theatre – which will bring together a wide range of leading experts to discuss the innovative solutions and technological advancements which are driving forward developments that will shape the future of the industry over the coming year.
The Innovation Theatre will feature the latest innovations in intermodal transport including Container Weighing, Changing Business Models in the Container Supply Chain and the @tco Tank Container Forum. Within the Technology Theatre, there will be a focus on the technologies available to enhance intermodal solutions including; Innovations and Developments in Box Technology Forum, Smart Shipping: Big Data and The Internet of Things, Environmental Protection Forum and the Shanghai Logistics Forum.
Also new for 2017, Intermodal Asia will launch the “Intermodal Logistics Zone”; a designated area which will bring an increased number of exhibitors and visitors within the ports, railway and road sectors.
“There is much to look forward to for the upcoming Intermodal Asia 2017 in March and we are excited to provide this important platform in Asia to facilitate and encourage new discussions and business,” explains Sophie Ahmed.
As well as the launch of two new show features for 2017, there are multiple events confirmed to take place over the three days of Intermodal Asia. The Port of Shanghai Tour will take place once again, free to all registered visitors to Intermodal Asia, on Wednesday 22 March. Those who attend will have the opportunity to see first-hand the cargo handling operations inside the world’s largest container port.
Intermodal Asia will continue to work closely with and receive support from a number of additional industry associations and organisations including the Asian Tank Container Organisation (@tco), the Container Owners Association (COA), the Container Traders and Innovation Association (CTIA), the Hong Kong Logistics Association (HKLC) and the Chinese Ports & Harbours Association.