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Cost-cutting strategies will be the main focus of the 9th Annual Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference in Los Angeles on March 2nd and 3rd, 2009. Entitled “Taking costs out of the supply chain”, the event will offer a probing analysis of the global energy picture and what can be expected in 2009 in regard to bunker prices.

Energy expert Paul Michael Wihbey [pictured], President of GWEST LLC. (Global Water & Energy Strategy Team) - a Washington-based firm specializing in the geopolitics of strategic resources such as oil, gas and water - is scheduled to give a luncheon address entitled "The Global Energy Situation and its Impact on Transport" on March 2nd at 12.30 pm.

In his speech, Wihbey is expected to offer predictions on fuel and bunker prices and the shifting global context in which energy politics are being played out. He will relate the changing energy situation to the issues faced by container shipping companies and their customers.

On March 3rd, a session entitled "Implementing a 'green' supply chain" will look at the forecast for diesel fuel costs and what the impact will be on green supply chain strategies. The effect of federal, state, and local greenhouse gas emission legislation on supply chains will also be examined.

For further information regarding the 9th Annual Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference, please visit the following address: www.joc.com/conferences/tpm