🌊 Next-Gen Maritime: The Future of Resilient Supply Chains & Global Trade

​Global trade is at a crossroads – geopolitical tensions, climate risks, and rising consumer expectations are forcing a radical rethink of how we move goods across the globe. The maritime industry, long the backbone of global commerce, is now racing to adopt next-gen solutions that make shipping faster, greener, and smarter.

​Join us for a high-impact session as we bring together port authorities, maritime leaders, deep-tech startups, and AI pioneers to explore how innovation, autonomy, and advanced analytics are transforming global shipping and port operations.

​🔍 What We’ll Explore

​✅ Smart Ports & Maritime Innovation
How automation, AI, and IoT optimize cargo handling, docking, and customs clearance.
✅ Autonomous & Robotic Tech in Shipping
The rise of robotic cranes, autonomous ships, and drone-based last-mile delivery.
✅ Digital Trade Corridors
Blockchain and data platforms enabling real-time shipment tracking and paperless compliance.
✅ Sustainability in Shipping
Decarbonization, electrification, and circular supply chain models.
✅ Resilience Through Diversification
Nearshoring, cybersecurity, and multi-modal logistics strategies that reduce dependency and enhance agility.

​🎤 Featured Panel: 

​Next-Gen Maritime: Building Resilient Supply Chains & Global Trade

​Moderator:

• ​Desmond Tay, Consul (Maritime) & Regional Director (Americas), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

​Panelists include:

• ​Ann Carpenter, CEO | Braid Theory

• ​Davina Hurt, California Climate Policy Director | Pacific Environment

• ​Mitsutoshi Morishita, COO | MOL Switch

​👤 Speaker Bios

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​Ann Carpenter leads Braid Theory, a vertically integrated venture advisory firm focused on supporting science and engineering-driven companies in ocean/maritime, blue biotech, and energy sectors. As CEO, she forges strategic partnerships and advises startups across the blue economy. Ann is deeply involved in building global innovation ecosystems that address climate, sustainability, and supply chain resilience challenges.

​She also sits on the boards of Ocean Exchange, Smart Freight Centre, and Ocean Community, and has held civic roles such as Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Los Angeles (CD15) and Commissioner on the LA County Small Business Commission. Through her work, Ann is advancing sustainable maritime innovation on a global scale.

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​Davina Hurt is an attorney, former mayor, and seasoned public servant focused on advancing climate justice, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection. As California Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment, she leads statewide advocacy with a focus on maritime decarbonization and clean air initiatives. Davina has served on the California Air Resources Board and chaired the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, driving policy across the state’s clean energy transition. Her leadership spans roles in regional agencies and commissions related to transportation, emergency services, and waste management.

​She also brings extensive nonprofit and public policy experience, serving on the boards of the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Santa Clara University’s Government Ethics Council, and Samaritan House. Davina holds a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and a B.A. from Baylor University, and she studied human rights law at the University of Strasbourg. A senior fellow with ALF Silicon Valley and Global Urban Development, she continues to champion transformative, equity-centered solutions for California and beyond.

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​Desmond Tay is currently the Consul (Maritime) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), stationed in San Francisco. Prior to his current appointment, he was with the Innovation, Technology and Talent Development Division. He is responsible for catalysing MPA innovation initiatives such as PIER71™, the Smart Port Challenge and the Maritime Drone Estate etcetera.

​Desmond currently holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide and a first-class honours computing degree from Monash University. He has spent more than 15 years in managing and developing IT solutions for the maritime industry and MPA. Leveraging on his technical expertise and industry knowledge, he is passionate about working with marinetech start-ups to reimagine their solutions for maritime industry.

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​Mitsutoshi Morishita is the COO of MOL Switch LLC, the corporate venture capital arm of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), where he leads investments and business development in the clean energy supply chain sector. He joined the team in 2022 to help establish MOL Switch as a key player in driving green transformation within maritime and logistics. 

​Prior to this, Mitsutoshi spent around 15 years in MOL’s commercial division, specializing in dry bulkers and oil tankers. His deep industry experience combined with a forward-looking approach positions him at the intersection of legacy shipping operations and next-generation sustainable solutions.

​⚙️ Who Should Attend?

​✔️ Maritime & logistics professionals looking to future-proof operations
✔️ Deeptech & clean energy founders rethinking maritime value chains
✔️ Investors & ecosystem builders shaping global trade
✔️ Sustainability and policy leaders interested in maritime decarbonization
✔️ Anyone passionate about the convergence of AI, automation, and supply chain resilience

​💡 Why This Matters

​This isn’t just about automation. It’s about using innovation to empower people, optimize systems, and build supply chains that don’t break under pressure. If you’re curious about what the future of global shipping really looks like, and this is where the conversation starts.

​📢 Spots are limited — reserve yours today!

​In collaboration with

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​Singapore Global Network (SGN)

If you are curious to meet like minded people globally, join SGN's online vibrant community here today. By joining their network, you connect with a 130,000-strong community of professionals and friends seeking to deepen connections in Singapore and across the globe.

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​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.