Summary - Energy Market Outlook: Rotterdam

As Europe's largest energy gateway and a critical hub for global commodity trading, Rotterdam sits at the crossroads of the world's energy flows.

From crude oil, refined products and LNG to emerging low-carbon fuels, developments in Rotterdam often provide an early signal of broader shifts in global energy markets.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade patterns, growing energy security concerns and accelerating decarbonisation efforts, understanding how global supply chains, fuel markets and demand centres interact has never been more important.

Hosted by S&P Global Energy and LSEG, this exclusive executive session will bring together industry leaders, market participants and energy experts for a timely discussion on the forces shaping energy trade, pricing and investment decisions. Through a combination of market analysis, expert insights and panel discussion, the event will explore how shipping, LNG, power markets and regulation are influencing the future of global energy markets—and what these developments mean for businesses operating across Europe's energy ecosystem.

What You'll Learn:

Shipping, Bunkers & the Energy Transition
Explore how geopolitics, sanctions and changing trade routes are impacting tanker markets, freight economics and maritime fuel demand. Gain insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, including RED III, FuelEU Maritime and Mediterranean ECA requirements, and assess the outlook for alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia and biofuels.
LNG & Gas Markets in the Shadow of the Middle East Conflict
Explore how escalating tensions in the Middle East are reshaping global LNG and gas market dynamics. Assess the impact of export disruptions on LNG prices and demand, the implications of the US-Iran conflict for global supply and trade flows, and the challenges facing Europe's gas storage targets ahead of winter. Gain insight into whether upcoming LNG liquefaction projects can provide meaningful supply relief and improve market balance by 2027.
European Power Markets and the Future of Gas Demand
Assess the outlook for gas-to-power demand in Europe, including fuel-switching potential, power sector responses to market volatility, and the role of weather, renewables and energy security in shaping future gas demand.
Expert Panel Discussion
Hear from leading industry voices as they discuss the rebalancing of global energy markets, the interaction between shipping, LNG, power and oil markets, and the implications for trading, procurement and risk management strategies.

Agenda

08:30 – 10:00 - Registration, Breakfast & Networking
10:00 – 10:10 - Opening Remarks
10:10 – 11:05 - Shipping, Bunkers & the Energy Transition: Navigating Geopolitics, Regulation and Alternative Fuels

How geopolitical tensions, sanctions and trade rerouting continue to reshape tanker demand and freight markets
The growing importance of energy security in global crude and product trade flows
Fuel oil barge and bunker market developments: pricing, supply and market dynamics
RED III, FuelEU Maritime and Mediterranean ECA: the evolving regulatory landscape for marine fuels
Alternative fuels through the lens of emissions abatement and compliance pathways
Progress in the adoption of alternative marine fuels, particularly methanol, ammonia and biofuels
Emerging RED III-driven markets for biofuels and their implications for marine fuel demand
How decarbonisation and geopolitics are simultaneously influencing investment decisions and the future of tanker shipping

Speakers: Fotios Katsoulas, Director, Head of Tankers Freight & Alternative Fuels Research, S&P Global Energy, Charlie Wright, Manager, EMEA Residual Fuels, S&P Global Energy, Chris To, Global Lead Specialist, Alternative Marine Fuels, S&P Global Energy

11:05 – 11:30 - LNG & Gas Markets in the shadow of the Middle East Conflict

Impact of the current disruption of exports on LNG pricing and global LNG demand
Outlook for global LNG supply and demand amid the US/Iran conflict
Implications for Europe's gas storage targets this winter
Any relief from new LNG liquefaction capacity in 2027?

Speaker: Olumide Ajayi, Senior LNG Specialist, LSEG

11:30 – 12:00 - European Power Markets and the Future of Gas Demand

How will the power sector respond to a volatile gas market in light of the ongoing Middle East conflict?
European gas-to-power demand outlook for 2027 and beyond

Speaker: Nathalie Gerl, Research Lead, European Power Team, LSEG

12:00 – 12:45 - Panel Discussion: Rebalancing Global Energy Markets: Competition, Security and Price Formation

How Asia may respond to a prolonged Middle East supply disruption
Europe versus Asia competition for LNG cargoes
Interactions between gas, power, freight and oil pricing
Implications for trading, hedging and procurement strategies
The interplay between energy security, decarbonisation and global trade flows

Panelists: Olumide Ajayi, Senior LNG Specialist, LSEG; Fotios Katsoulas, Director, Head of Tankers Freight & Alternative Fuels Research, S&P Global Energy; Bart van der Pas, Senior Energy Analyst, EqoLibrium; Thuan Zampagli, Global Trading & Shipping Process Leader, Braskem Trading & Shipping B.V.

Moderated by: Nathalie Gerl, Research Lead, European Power Team, LSEG

12:45 – 13:00 - Closing Remarks
13:00 – 14:30 - Networking Lunch