Marintec Innovation 2026: Driving the Energy Transition, Backed by International Supporters

HONG KONG, 22 October 2026 — Marintec Innovation 2026 will convene maritime industry leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers at the St. Regis Shanghai on 3–4 December 2026, addressing the most pressing challenge facing global shipping: achieving net-zero emissions whilst maintaining the operational and economic viability of an industry that moves over 80% of world trade.

Backed by International Supporters

Marintec Innovation 2026 is proud to be backed by a distinguished group of international supporters whose involvement underscores the global significance of the conference and the urgency of the energy transition conversation within maritime trade. The event is supported by Danish Export Marine & Offshore China, the Norwegian Business Association Shanghai, the Consulate General of Panama in Shanghai, Business Sweden and the United Kingdom's Department for Business and Trade. Their backing reflects the cross-border collaboration essential to tackling shipping decarbonisation, bringing together trade promotion bodies, diplomatic representation, and government departments that together reinforce the conference's credibility and its relevance to policymakers and industry stakeholders worldwide.

Confirmed Panellists

This international backing is matched by an equally impressive roster of confirmed panellists. To date, nineteen organisations spanning thirteen countries have confirmed their participation, representing classification societies, technology providers, industry associations, fuel specialists, and academic institutions. Confirmed panellists include ABB (Switzerland), Alfa Laval Marine Fuel Supply System (Denmark), Berg Propulsion (Sweden), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (France), China Classification Society (China), Copersucar (Brazil), DNV Group (Norway), IBIA–The International Bunkers Industry Association (United Kingdom), International AI Hub Alliance (United Kingdom), the International Organisation for Standardisation Technical Committee 8 on Ships and Marine Technology (China), IWSA–The International Windship Association (United Kingdom), Kongsberg Digital (Norway), Maritime Battery Forum (Netherlands), MEMA–Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (Singapore), Panama's Maritime Authority (Panama), RINA Italy Classification Society (China) Co Ltd (Italy), Seatrade Maritime News (United Kingdom), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), and Ulstein Group (Norway). This diverse line-up reflects the breadth of expertise required to address the conference's agenda, spanning regulatory and classification bodies, fuel technology innovators, academic research, and maritime trade media. Additional panellists are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, with the full speaker line-up announced alongside the detailed programme by the end of October 2026.

The Conference Programme: Navigating the Three Horizons

Marintec Innovation 2026 adopts a unique "Three Horizons" framework, examining decarbonisation solutions across immediate, mid-term, and long-term timeframes. Horizon One looks at the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where human-AI collaboration, digital twins, and autonomous systems are delivering measurable efficiency gains today. Horizon Two addresses the mid-term challenge of designing flexible ship architectures and modular platforms capable of adapting to multiple energy carriers, from battery electric and hybrid systems to methanol and ammonia, without costly retrofits. Horizon Three turns to the nuclear frontier, examining the regulatory, classification, supply chain, and workforce ecosystems required to make nuclear-powered merchant vessels commercially viable by 2050. The conference closes with Marintec Exchange, a working session that converts insights into measurable, time-bound commitments and concrete next steps for industry-wide collaboration.

Two Days of Connection and Collaboration

Beyond the formal sessions, Marintec Innovation 2026 is designed to maximise opportunities for delegates to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting industry relationships across its full two-day programme. Each day begins with refreshments to welcome delegates and set an energised tone before the morning sessions commence, followed by dedicated breaks that give attendees space to continue conversations sparked by the panel discussions. A sit-down lunch each day offers a more relaxed setting for delegates to network across sectors, from classification societies to fuel technology innovators and academic researchers. The first day concludes with an evening reception, bringing together speakers, supporters, and delegates for informal networking against the backdrop of the St. Regis Shanghai. The programme culminates on the second day with a formal dinner, providing a fitting close to the conference and a final opportunity for delegates to cement the connections and collaborative initiatives identified during the Marintec Exchange session.

Looking Ahead

Detailed programme information and the confirmed speaker line-up will be available by the end of October 2026.

For registration, visit www.marintecchina.com or contact [email protected].