The Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law (IISTL) proudly hosted its 20th Annual Colloquium, marking two decades of thought leadership in the maritime, transport, and trade law sectors.
This flagship event, held on 10–11 September, once again brought together leading academics, top practitioners, and industry visionaries from across the globe for two days of dynamic discussion and debate.
Even during the pandemic, the IISTL maintained its tradition of fostering dialogue on cutting-edge legal challenges — and this year was no exception. Delivered in a hybrid format, the 2025 colloquium explored the timely theme of “Transport Law in the Digital Age,” reflecting the sector’s rapid evolution and the increasing influence of technology on global trade, shipping, aviation and logistic operations.
The event featured insightful presentations from IISTL’s own distinguished scholars — Professors Baughen, Leloudas, Soyer, Tettenborn, and Dr. Mammadzada — alongside a stellar lineup of guest speakers, including:
- Pietro Benintendi, Legal Counsel, Lufthansa Cargo
- Luci Carey, Lecturer, University of Aberdeen
- James Clanchy, FCI Arb, Full Member, LMAA
- Lucy England, Partner, Fox Williams LLP
- Filip Koscielecki, Senior Lawyer, Gard AS
- Ben Lynch KC, Fountain Court Chambers
- Peter McDonald-Eggers KC, 7KBW
- Gabriella Mifsud, Associate, Clyde & Co
- Ines Afonso Mousinho, Associate, Clyde & Co
- Craig Neame, Chief Investment & Legal Officer, Uniserve Group
- Frank Stevens, Associate Professor, Erasmus Law School
- Professor Xingguo Cao, Dalian Maritime University
- Tom Walters, Partner, HFW
- Shihui Yu, Lecturer, Dalian Maritime University
- Jingbo Zhang, Senior Lecturer, Aston University
Topics covered ranged from cyber risks in carriage and insurance contracts to digital solutions for trade documentation, digitalization in arbitration, and the transformative role of data across aviation, logistics, insurance, and trade.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Professor B. Soyer, Director of IISTL, shared:
“It has been a truly thought-provoking two days. The audience’s engagement, through their insightful questions and observations, confirmed the value of bringing together leading minds to tackle pressing issues shaping our field. I am deeply grateful to our speakers, participants, and colleagues — especially Angie Nicholas and Shreya Chowdhury — for their tireless support in making this event possible.”
Professor Soyer also extended appreciation to Informa Law for sponsoring the event and for agreeing to publish the proceedings as a book in 2026, ensuring the discussions reach an even wider audience.
The IISTL further thanks the session chairs, whose expertise helped shape vibrant and productive conversations: Michael Biltoo (Partner, DWF), Paul Dean (Global Head of Shipping, HFW), Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney (Former Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations, IMO), Neil Henderson (Gard), Michael J. Harakis (Triskelion Chambers), and Dr. Tabetha-Kurtz Shefford (IISTL).