Popular demand has encouraged Greenwich Maritime Institute (GMI), part of the University of Greenwich, and ShipShape International to build on the success of their September 2004 Conference with yet another event that seeks to help deliver value and innovation to the ferry industry. Unlike other, more commercialised events, the Conference, entitled ‘Challenges in 21st Century Passenger & Freight Transport - Delivering Value & Innovation in the Ferry Industry’ will provide a stimulating blend of the academic analysis and commercial experience. The Conference will be held on Wednesday 22 June 2005 in the historic location of the Old Royal Naval College, University of Greenwich.

Professor Sarah Palmer, Director of GMI says: ‘The ferry industry continues to produce a mix of challenges and poor returns. Near constant reference to competition from no-frills, low-cost airlines is not the only issue depressing results and ferry executives alike. The event will attempt to demystify the trends and challenges prevalent in the passenger and freight sectors of ferry transport and identify prospects and opportunities for the industry at large’.

A distinguished panel of speakers from the academic world as well as passenger and freight transport will share their expertise on a range of issues affecting the ferry industry. The programme will include a paper that will examine new ways of seeing the marketing challenge, since in stark contrast with the airline sector much of the industry’s struggle rests with the travelling public’s perception of high cost and sometimes questionable service.