By: Dr.Adal M.Hussain,Phd (AKA) Dr. Abbey, Editor @ Large for World Liberty TV

Celebrating its 37th year, Marine Money Week remains the premier event for global ship finance professionals.

This annual gathering in New York City is a hotbed of activity, packed with productive meetings, insightful sessions, and endless networking opportunities.

From exclusive private meetings to lively industry discussions and unforgettable social events, Marine Money Week packs a lot in. Build lasting relationships, stay ahead of market trends, and close deals in a dynamic and efficient environment.

Marine Money Week 2025, the largest annual gathering of the most active dealmakers in global ship finance.

The days are filled with private meetings, chance encounters and the industry’s most engaging, high level plenary sessions.

The nights are busy with drinks, dinners and deal making all over the amazing island of Manhattan.

Some of the panels that took place over the three days, alongside world renowned speakers from the Marine world. Opening remarks by Ted Jadick Jr., President and CEO DNB Markets, Inc. Keynote speaker included, Senator Mark Kelly.

Wilbur L. Ross, Former United States Secretary of Commerce, before becoming Donald Trump’s Secretary of Commerce in 2016, Wilbur Ross had a legendary career as an advisor and strategic investor. Among many other accomplishments, he was the founder of WL Ross, the private equity firm that controlled more than 100 vessels through stakes in Diamond S Shipping, Navigator Gas and, together with fearnley, the Transport Recovery Fund (TRF).

In session, hear Mr. Ross’s views on how the new Trump administration policies will affect ship owning, investment and finance.

Ship owner Summit: U.S. Flag in Foreign Trade panel took place, from vehicle carriers to oil tankers, gas carriers to containerships, the SHIPs for America Act will kick off a once-in-a-generation revitalization of the U.S. marine industry. In this session, a mix of ship owners discuss and debate strategies and tactics for the months and years ahead.

Panelists included: Ryan Lynch, Vice President, Commercial Shipping, Hanwha shipping, Erik Hanell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk AB, Joshua Shapiro, President & CEO, Liberty Marine Time Corporation and William Woodhour, President & CEO Maersk Line Limited.

Another interesting discussion was a panel titled: Stakeholder Summit: The Jones Act. Robust new U.S. Maritime Policy will have a profound impact on the Jones Act.

In this session, a mix of Jones Act stakeholders share their view of the opportunities and challenges. Panelists included: Dan Thurgood, President & CEO, Fairwater, Samuel H. Norton, President & CEO, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.

Benjamin G. Bordelon, President & CEO, Bollinger Shipyards LLC, Captain. John Konrad, Co-Founder & CEO, gCaptain, panel was moderated by Hugh B. Eden, Managing Director , Investment Banking Maritime, Jefferies LLC.

Global Investor Day was a special gathering where the most active public and private ship owners, investors, analysts, asset managers and investment banks come together to determine the state of the Industry. So many other panels, meetings, dinners and VIP receptions took place through the three days.

I have been covering Marine Money conferences for close to Fifteen years, I friended James R. Lawrence, Chairman & Founder of Marine Money Magazine and Conferences, a truly wonderful man, who gave me the opportunity to cover his conferences to showcase to our World Liberty TV, Business audience.

Every time I would attend the conference, I would see my friend Jim, at the opening wearing his trademark white suite, he would come up to me and have a good conversation, about life, humanity and ask how my family was doing and what great events I have covered throughout the year for my World Liberty TV.

Truly a person who I can call a friend, who deeply cared for people, spend time with them made them feel important. As I write this blog, I am trying to hold my emotions back. Jim you will never be forgotten, I will always remember you and every year when I attend Marine Money Conference, I will wear your favorite tie to honor your legacy. Rest in Peace my friend, we will all be coming your way in the near future.You will never be forgotten.

My deepest Condolences to his wife Jill Owesny Lawrence, and his two daugthers, Dr. Katharine Lawrence and Alexa Chia.

Below I am adding Mr. James R. Lawrence, Chairman & Founder of Marine Money Magazine and Conferences Obituary, for people to read and remember this wonderful man for years to come.

James R. Lawrence 1954 – 2025: James R. Lawrence, 70, died on Sunday, June 1, in Mount Kisco, New York. He was with family and loved ones. His passing came after a months-long battle with cancer.

Jim was born in New York City in August 1954 to Richard and Starr Lawrence. The family moved from Manhattan to Mount Kisco in 1955. Jim attended the Rippowam Cisqua and Harvey schools and later Milton Academy and Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1977.

After college he moved back to New York City, where following a stint at Art in America magazine he embarked on what would be a lifelong career in international shipping — starting at Lloyd’s List before going on to found the publishing and events company Marine Money, the Connecticut Maritime Association, and the crisis communications company MTI Network. He loved his work, the many people he worked with, and all the travel the jobs entailed.

Some other things Jim — Jimmy, Jingo — loved: his countless friends, his beautiful home in Mount Kisco, projects of any kind, Block Island, his dogs, swimming and body surfing, Parcheesi and hearts. He climbed some of the tallest mountains in Asia, Africa, and North America.

He kept bees and chickens, and made jams and pies and maple syrup for friends and neighbors and strangers. His gardens were a bounty of flowers and vegetables, which were regularly donated to local families in need through Neighbors Link. He took his mother to church every Sunday.

He walked 10,000 steps every day. He painted a watercolor every day. His pool was open from April to November, and for those months he swam every day. He loved the Christmas season, decorating his house in elaborate light displays, attending holiday celebrations around the world, and ensuring everyone’s stocking was bursting with gifts.

He was a world traveler, with favorite spots in Japan, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Jamaica that he would visit year after year. He was a lifelong Yankees fan. He built an impressive wine collection in his basement. He maintained a weekly tennis group at Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club for over 30 years. He coached Bedford Youth Soccer and was a Girl Scout leader for his daughters. He loved his family more than anything. He filled his life to the brim.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Owesny Lawrence, and two daughters, Dr. Katharine Lawrence and Alexa Chia, as well as his two brothers, Richard and Philip Lawrence; his mother, Starr Oliver Lawrence; and his four grandchildren, Oliver James and Robinson Chia, and Starr and Lazar Tatarinov, who will remember Baba every time we have an adventure.

See Exclusive interview which I did with James R. Lawrence during Marine Money’s 18th Annual Ship Finance Forum 2017-NYC by clicking here.

About Marine Money:  Relied upon by ship-owners, financiers, investors, ship managers, brokers, lawyers and accountants for the past 30 years, Marine Money International is constantly bridging the gap between ship-owners and the international capital markets.

Our publications, forums, books and other services are driven by a set of common goals: to make you money, save you money and provide you with access to investment opportunities and capital. To learn more about Marine Money Magazine and conferences, click here.

See More About Marine Money in our World Liberty TV Business Channels by Clicking here.