Venue: Hilton Post Oak Hotel, Houston, Texas, USA
This Mare Forum USA 2008 conference builds on a previous Mare Forum energy transportation conferences held in Houston in November 2003 and New York in November 2006. International and United States energy costs continue to push record high levels, the volume of energy cargoes continues to grow and marine transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, LNG/LPG, coal and other energy products is ever more essential to worldwide availability of energy for domestic and industrial use. This Forum will examine the financial, regulatory and economic issues that may potentially influence the way in which the energy and maritime industries will attempt to meet demand worldwide with a focus on the United States. The dynamic financial, political and economic climates give rise to a number of questions, such as:

• Are current global energy demand projections realistic? Have traditional energy sources peaked? What are potential alternative energy sources and what would be their impact on shipping? What is the potential of Arctic energy reserves?
• Do the international energy and maritime industries have the capacity and sufficient available financing to meet global demand? What is the danger of oversupply of vessel tonnage and its potential impact?
• Within the U.S., is there an optimal achievable balance between barges and tankers in the coastwise trade with imported products carried in foreign flag tankers? Should U.S. energy policy limit the amount of imported energy? Can U.S. and international vessel manning challenges be met?
• How will recent decisions in manning of lng carriers calling in the U.S. impact the market?
• Is LNG really the energy source of choice for the future when balanced against available technology and safety, security and environmental concerns? Is LNG terminal licensing progressing at a rate to meet projected demand?
• Overall, what are the priority financial, economic and political/regulatory issues most affecting marine transportation which must be managed together by government and the private sector, to meet current and long-term energy transportation needs?

The unique Mare Forum format that emphasizes debate and discussion will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about, debate and influence the resolution of such issues with policy makers from industry and government.