CMA Shipping Conference - Day 1| The Business of ShippingTuesday, 10 March 2026

This comprehensive opening session provides a strategic overview of the maritime industry's current state and future trajectory within the global trade ecosystem. Senior industry leaders will examine macro-economic trends, evolving trade patterns, and structural shifts reshaping shipping markets. Key discussion points include decarbonization imperatives, digital transformation acceleration, supply chain resilience requirements, and geopolitical fragmentation effects on traditional trade routes. Panellists will address regulatory harmonization challenges, infrastructure investment priorities, and emerging market opportunities while analysing how technological innovation, environmental compliance, and changing consumer demands are redefining operational strategies.

Industry leaders will analyse the impact of ongoing conflicts on key shipping routes, assess how tariff structures influence cargo flows and vessel deployment strategies, and evaluate evolving maritime regulations affecting US-flag operations. Discussion will cover Red Sea diversions, sanctions compliance challenges, Jones Act implications, environmental regulations, and supply chain security requirements. Panellists will explore risk mitigation strategies, operational adaptations, and cost implications while providing insights on navigating regulatory complexity, managing geopolitical exposure, and positioning for resilience in an increasingly fragmented global trading environment.

This session examines the cruise industry’s multi-billion-dollar economic footprint across ports, shipyards, and supply chains, alongside demand trends and investment signals shaping the industry’s direction. It addresses the policy, infrastructure, and decarbonization decisions now confronting US operations and how those choices will shape capital planning, operational readiness, and long-term viability across the cruise ecosystem and the broader maritime economy.

This essential session examines the critical business infrastructure supporting maritime operations, focusing on capital availability for vessel acquisitions, infrastructure investments, and green technology adoption. Key topics include environmental liability considerations, cyber security insurance requirements, and alternative financing structures.