Recognised as the world’s premium biennial gathering for the industry, ITS 2026 comes at a time of profound change, with operators navigating increasing regulatory pressure, evolving environmental expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and the need to invest in resilient, future-ready fleets.
The three-day conference will bring together industry leaders, owners, operators, regulators, salvors and technology providers to address the most significant business, technical, commercial and operational challenges facing the global tug, towage and salvage sector.
Recognised as the world’s premium biennial gathering for the industry, ITS 2026 comes at a time of profound change, with operators navigating increasing regulatory pressure, evolving environmental expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and the need to invest in resilient, future-ready fleets.
The conference programme has been developed by leading industry experts and covers a broad range of topics, including fleet adaptation, alternative fuels, emergency response and salvage operations, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, port collaboration, propulsion technologies and strategic planning for long-term investment.
Sessions will explore how global events are influencing operational decision-making and future-proofing strategies across the sector.
Programme highlights include market outlooks and strategic pathways to 2035, case studies on fleet modernisation and sustainable propulsion solutions such as hybrid, battery, methanol and biofuelled tugs, and insights from pioneering projects including Uzmar Shipyard’s methanol-powered tug.
Delegates will learn from major salvage operations, bridge clearance and fire-fighting cases, as well as developments in smart vessel integration, simulation tools and pilot-tug collaboration. The programme features keynote addresses, technical presentations, panel discussions and audience Q&A sessions, designed to encourage open dialogue and knowledge sharing.
There will be dedicated networking refreshment breaks, kindly sponsored by Rolls-Royce, and Uzmar Shipyard, providing further opportunities for delegates to connect and exchange ideas.
The conference runs alongside the industry-leading exhibition, offering a platform for technology providers, designers, shipbuilders and service companies to showcase the latest innovations and solutions to a targeted audience of senior technical and commercial executives from across the towage and salvage industry. The live exhibition will run over the course of 3 days.
ITS 2026 event itinerary includes a full programme of social and networking events, such as a day of golf, Opening Drinks Reception, client functions, the Tug Presentation Technical Tour and the highly anticipated Gala Dinner & Awards, celebrating excellence across the tug, towage and salvage sectors.
The success of the ITS 2026 conference is underpinned by the expertise of its advisory panel, made up of senior industry figures whose insights have shaped a forward-looking programme addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Sponsors and supporters of the ITS 2026 Convention include Baudouin, Berg Propulsion, Bureau Veritas, Damen Shipyards, Kongsberg Maritime, Med Marine, Rolls-Royce, Robert Allan Ltd, Sanmar Shipyards, Schottel and Uzmar Shipyard. Supporting organisations include the European Tugowners Association and the Workboat Association.
