IBLAC insight: Royal Vopak CEO on the role of AI in energy infrastructure

english.shanghai.gov.cn| October 11, 2026

The 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council (IBLAC) for the Mayor of Shanghai opened on Oct 11. Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO of Royal Vopak Dick Richelle said that while AI is digital, it depends on reliable energy and resilient infrastructure. He said that in critical infrastructure, AI should help identify risks earlier, improve decisions, and support safer, more reliable operations while preserving clear accountability.