Copenhagen is once again set to become the global capital of shipping innovation and dialogue as the World Maritime Forum returns on February 17–18, 2026. Taking place at the Bella Sky Conference and Event Center, Denmark’s largest venue of its kind, this year’s gathering promises to be the most ambitious edition yet under the theme: “One event. World of maritime.”
More than 800 industry leaders will come together, representing shipowners, ship managers, ports, service providers, technology firms, regulators, classification societies, government bodies, and policy makers. Over the course of two days, they will explore the industry’s most pressing challenges and its boldest opportunities through an agenda unmatched in scale.
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At the heart of the 2026 program is an unprecedented lineup of 12 panel discussions:
- Scaling Maritime Decarbonization: What’s Proven, What’s Still Experimental;
- The Nuclear Option: Maritime’s Ultimate Game-Changer?;
- Alternative Fuels & Bunkering Infrastructure: From Fuel Choices to Supply Chains;
- The Invisible Enemy: Cyber Threats Sabotaging Global Fleets;
- From Crew Crisis to a Sustainable Future: Welfare, Skills & Collaboration;
- Innovation Meets Resistance: Cracking the Code of Shipowner Adoption — and Unlocking Real Fleet Solutions;
- Decarbonization Finance, Carbon Markets & Regulatory Mechanisms;
- Beyond Compliance: Maritime ESG and the Social License to Operate;
- The Digital Race: Front-Runners and Followers in Maritime Transformation;
- Trusting the Machine: Artificial Intelligence in Safety, Efficiency, and Compliance;
- The Wind Factor: Scalable Solution or Niche Technology?;
- Autonomous Fleets: Who Will Be in Charge When No One’s on Board?
In addition, the forum will host two high-profile one-on-one conversations on stage: Visions 2040+: Maritime Futures in an Era of Radical Change and From Shadow Fleets to Open Conflict: The Geopolitics of Maritime Risk.
The event will also place a heavy emphasis on networking, with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing services and technologies, alongside countless opportunities for business connections and collaborations. Attendees will also enjoy presentations on breakthrough technologies from some of the world’s most innovative companies, covering artificial intelligence, alternative fuels, and next-generation fleet solutions.
The first day will conclude with a gala cocktail party, offering participants the chance to continue discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
With its unparalleled program, influential speakers, exhibitor showcase, and diverse participation, the World Maritime Forum 2026 is poised to set a new benchmark for global industry gatherings.
