Industry Insights, In Conversation with Maritime Economist Martin Stopford

Welcome to HFW Industry Insights: a series of discussions with clients and other leading figures from across our sectors.

In this instalment, our Global Senior Partner Giles Kavanagh speaks with Martin Stopford, a leading maritime economist and one of the shipping industry’s most respected voices.

Martin charts shipping’s evolution over his five decades in the industry and explains what he calls “the beginning of the end of globalisation” – and how this shift is reshaping trade patterns and business models.

He also examines the regulatory and technical challenges of achieving net-zero emissions in shipping, outlining the reasons the path to decarbonisation will be long and complex.

Looking ahead, Martin considers market volatility and argues that traditional shipping structures are “creaking at the joints” in an age of real-time connectivity. He shares insights on emerging opportunities in digital systems, integrated logistics, and alternative financing – and emphasises that adaptability and technical expertise will be critical for the next generation of shipping leaders.