Bureau Veritas Brings French Maritime Leaders Together to Address Industry Transformation

Bureau Veritas convened senior leaders from across the French maritime industry for its 27th French Committee meeting in Paris, focusing on the sector’s transformation amid evolving market dynamics, technological disruption, and accelerating decarbonization.

Opening the session, Committee Chair Christine Cabau-Woehrel, EVP Assets & Operations at CMA CGM, highlighted recent developments in the maritime industry, setting the scene for the day’s discussions.

In her address, Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas, outlined how a rapidly evolving global environment — shaped by rising energy demand, increasing supply chain complexity, re-industrialization, and an intensifying technology race — is transforming client expectations. She emphasized the growing need for assurance, risk mitigation, and trust across both physical and digital assets.

Against this backdrop, she highlighted Bureau Veritas’ strategic transformation under LEAP | 28, driven by a more customer-centric approach, the evolution of its core businesses, and the development of capabilities in high-growth areas such as energy, data infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Digitalization and artificial intelligence are central to this shift, enabling new services, modernized operations, and enhanced performance across the Group.

Hinda said: “We are operating in a world of profound transformation, where energy transition, digital acceleration, and supply chain complexity are reshaping our clients’ needs. Our ambition is to support them with trusted, data-driven and innovative solutions that enhance performance while enabling a more sustainable future.”

Alex Gregg-Smith, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, addressed the challenges facing the maritime sector as it adapts to evolving regulations, market uncertainty, and the transition to new fuels and technologies. He said: “The maritime industry is entering a decisive decade of transformation. Our role is to support clients with the expertise, innovation and digital tools they need to navigate uncertainty while advancing safety and sustainability.”

Market dynamics were further explored by François Cadiou, Managing Director of BRS Paris, who shared insights into shipping, chartering, and shipbuilding trends, offering a forward-looking perspective on the sector.

Energy transition remained at the heart of the discussions. In his keynote address, former COP24 President Michal Kurtyka highlighted the growing importance of resilience and energy security in a shifting geopolitical and energy landscape.

Innovation also featured prominently, with Olivier Cartier, Technical Vice-President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, showcasing how classification is evolving to support next-generation technologies—from alternative propulsion systems to advanced digital tools, including augmented and 3D-enabled inspection solutions that enhance survey efficiency and operational performance.

Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in active and in-depth discussions, reaffirming the French Committee’s role as a key forum for dialogue between Bureau Veritas and the maritime community.

By bringing together industry leaders to exchange perspectives and priorities, the Committee continues to support collective progress toward a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable maritime sector.