On September 3 and 4, 2025, Varna will once again host the International Maritime Forum Global Compass under the theme "Beyond Horizons: Advancing Maritime Innovation, Safety, and Responsibility."
The forum is organized by the Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA), in collaboration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping and SHIPPOSSIBLE, under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and with the support of Varna Municipality.
Global Compass 2025 will bring together leading maritime experts, business representatives, maritime administrations, universities, and educational centers from over 15 countries in Varna. Among them will be representatives from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and companies such as RightShip, Gallagher Marine Systems, Grimaldi Group, Cargill, Oldendorff, Gulfnav, Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Unity, MTG Dolphin, Eleen Marine, IHB, European Maritime Pilot Association - EMPA, P&I Clubs, Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Propeller Club Venice, Naval Academy - Varna, Nautical Institute Greece, Barcelona School of Nautical Studies (FNB), Propeller Club Genoa, Pilot Station Varna, DNV, Turkish Shipbrokers Association, and many others.
“Global Compass is a platform for meaningful dialogue between business, administration, and academia. Our goal is to align our compass with global trends and strengthen the role of Bulgaria and Varna as a leading international maritime destination,” - shared Capt. Stanislav Stoyanov, Chairman of BSMA.
The forum will be covered by leading TV and radio media, online maritime platforms such as Maritime.bg, Maritime Global, Freight.bg, as well as organizations like the Nautical Institute, East Med Maritime Conference (EMMC), and others.
A new highlight this year will be the participation of innovative startups, which will take the stage to present their high-tech solutions for the maritime industry.
The forum will feature four thematic panels that will explore key challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector over two days:
- Maritime Technologies - smart systems, autonomous vessels, drones, green technologies, and cybersecurity;
- Geopolitics and Trade - trade conflicts, sanctions, marine insurance, maritime law, market cycles, and maritime security;
- Ports and Terminals - smart ports, decarbonization, multimodal logistics chains, and more;
- Crew and Maritime Education - focusing on legal protection, human rights, training, and maritime safety.
Last year’s edition attracted over 100 participants from the maritime industry, many of whom were international guests and speakers. Among them were representatives of the International Group of P&I, Windward Maritime AI, Hill Dickinson LLP, MedCruise, Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Grimaldi Group, MAN Energy Solutions, Paris MoU, Black Sea MoU, and others.
Some of the participants shared:
“Great event in Bulgaria. There is a solid maritime ecosystem there and it was great to get together for 2 days.” - Ron Crean, Windward Maritime AI
“It was an excellent and very enjoyable event. Everyone from the Bulgarian shipping community was very welcoming and friendly and Varna was very special and memorable too.” - Simon Bennett, International Chamber of Shipping.
“It was a real pleasure to be part of this event. It was carefully planned and attracted people from all areas of the maritime industry, and we could all learn from different sectors. It was a great success! Congratulations!” - Zaloa Sanchez Varela, University of Split.
Join leading experts and industry leaders and be part of the shared mission for a more innovative, safer, and sustainable maritime future.
All details available at: www.globalcompassforum.com
