Geneva Dry, the world’s premier commodities shipping conference, returns for its fourth edition on April 27–28, 2027, adding two entirely new sessions to its agenda and drawing senior decision-makers from across the dry bulk value chain, according to organizers.
The conference will take place at the Hotel President in Geneva, building on a reputation established since its 2024 launch. The 2027 programme will retain its signature sector-by-sector structure with dedicated panels on minor bulks, agri-commodities, coal, and iron ore. Joining them for the first time will be a Bauxite Blitz session, reflecting the growing commercial significance of bauxite—the feedstock for aluminum—to dry bulk owners. A Dry Bulk Investment Masterclass is also being introduced, aimed at giving delegates deeper insight into capital flows and asset values heading into the late 2020s.
Confirmed speakers announced so far include:
- Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura
- Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill Ocean Transportation
- Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO of Seanergy Maritime Holdings
- Lars-Christian Svensen, CEO of 2020 Bulkers and Himalaya Shipping
- Ernst Meyer, CEO of Torvald Klaveness
- Basile Aloy, CEO of EBE
- Ivar Hansson Myklebust, Chair & CEO of Belships
- Karim Coumine, Head of Commercial Shipping for Minor Bulk at Anglo American
Organizers said the roster will expand significantly in the coming months.
Geneva Dry has built its reputation on a deliberately unconventional format: sessions run without set speeches or PowerPoint presentations, relying instead on extensive audience participation and moderator-led panel structures designed to provoke genuine debate. Last year’s third edition drew 825 delegates from more than 40 countries.
"Every year we ask delegates what they wished we’d covered, and bauxite kept coming up louder and louder,” said Grant Rowles, co-founder of Geneva Dry, according to Splash247. “It’s become too significant a trade to leave bundled in with the minor bulks conversation, so we’ve given it its own stage. The investment masterclass is the other piece – owners and financiers have been telling us for two editions running that they want more room to talk capital structure and asset values, not just freight and fixtures. We’ve listened, and Geneva 2027 reflects that."
New Sessions in Focus
| Session | Description |
|---|---|
| Bauxite Blitz | Dedicated to the bauxite trade, reflecting its growing importance for dry bulk owners. |
| Dry Bulk Investment Masterclass | Focus on capital flows and asset values, complementing traditional freight and fixtures discussions. |
Implications for Logistics Professionals
For freight forwarders, ocean carriers, and shippers involved in dry bulk commodities, the conference offers direct access to the decision-makers shaping the market. The addition of the Bauxite Blitz signals that bauxite has become a distinct trade lane requiring its own strategic attention, particularly for aluminum supply chains. The Investment Masterclass will provide insights into vessel valuations and financing trends that affect chartering decisions and contract negotiations. The conference’s participatory format ensures that attendees can raise real operational challenges directly with industry leaders.
Watch List
- Further speaker announcements expected in the months leading to the event.
- Potential impact of bauxite trade dynamics on minor bulk shipping capacity and rates.
- Registration details and agenda updates available at www.genevadry.com.
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