Geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks are creating connected security risks for international shipping. At BIMCO’s Maritime Security Symposium 2026, participants agreed that preparedness, trusted information sharing and closer co-operation are essential to protect ships, seafarers and global trade.
The symposium brought together representatives from shipping, governments, navies, international organisations, law enforcement, academia and security providers at BIMCO House just outside Copenhagen on 21-22 September.
Topics included geopolitical competition, the conflict in the Black Sea, maritime drug trafficking, security in the Red Sea and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions took place under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to speak openly about emerging threats and operational challenges.
A clear message emerged: maritime security risks cannot be assessed in isolation. Events in one region can quickly affect shipping routes, commercial decisions and risk assessments elsewhere.
Geopolitical competition was a central theme. Speakers considered how tensions between major powers are changing the operating environment for international trade and may influence shipping routes, markets and security planning in the years ahead.
Black Sea
In the Black Sea, the continuing conflict has changed trading patterns and increased operational risks. Participants discussed how shipping companies can strengthen resilience, manage risk and maintain commercial operations as conditions change.
Organised crime
The session on maritime drug trafficking highlighted the scale and complexity of organised crime. Criminal networks increasingly divide tasks and buy specialist services from other groups, rather than controlling the entire supply chain. This makes threats harder to identify and disrupt.
Red Sea
In the Red Sea, speakers reviewed the continuing threats from piracy and attacks on commercial shipping. They stressed the value of practical co-operation between the shipping industry and military forces.
Strait of Hormuz
The closing session focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Participants considered regional security dynamics, the operational pressures on shipping companies and the importance of reliable information when making decisions about vessels in the area.
The symposium showed the value of bringing together people with different expertise and operational experience. Although individual contributions remain confidential, the discussions reinforced a shared view that effective maritime security depends on collaboration, situational awareness and trusted information sharing.
As threats continue to evolve, shipping companies need to stay prepared, test their resilience and maintain strong links with governments, military forces, law enforcement and security specialists.
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