LONDON 24 Aug 2025 — Salama Fikira today announced its attendance at London International Shipping Week 2025, returning to the global forum after first taking part more than a decade ago at the inaugural and following events. The company’s participation underscores a 20-year track record supporting shipping and, by extension, the freedom of passage on and over international waters.
“Shipping is the original and most demanding form of transport—the behemoth of global trade,” said Conrad Thorpe, founder and Chairman of Salama Fikira. “Without the sea, 90% of international trade would cease. Our prosperity and connectedness as human beings exist because of the sea and our clever use of it.”
Thorpe’s relationship with the ocean is lifelong and hands-on. “My first passage on a ship was from Mombasa to Southampton as a small child in 1967, with my mother,” he said. “Since then, I’ve operated on the surface, sub-surface, and even above it. I’ve parachuted into it, dived, swum, surfed, fished, and snorkelled in it—sailed and slipped through the dark to save and release crews held hostage on it. I love the sea, and I respect it.”
For two decades, Salama Fikira has supported vessel owners, managers, and operators across some of the world’s toughest geographies and most perilous conditions. The company’s work is rooted in deep respect for the officers and crews who wear multiple hats and sail under many flags.
“As an active open-water swimmer who’s played, operated, and swum in all the primary oceans, that affinity with the global seas isn’t abstract—it’s practical,” Thorpe added. “It lets us connect with shipping companies because we share the same stake in the sea: safety, continuity, and freedom of movement.”
Returning to London in 2025, Salama Fikira looks forward to engaging with the people and organisations for whom shipping has primacy—especially marine vessel owners, managers, and operators. Thorpe and the leaders of Salama Fikira’s maritime team will attend.
About Salama Fikira
For 20 years, Salama Fikira has supported the shipping community and safeguarded freedom of passage on international waters. The company’s teams have operated alongside crews in challenging environments worldwide, bringing pragmatic experience and an unwavering respect for the sea and those who sail it.
