COPENHAGEN, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 — The Global Maritime Forum has announced that its Annual Summit 2026 will be held on 21-22 October in Shanghai.
Boasting many of the world’s largest ports and nearly two-thirds of the global shipbuilding market, China’s maritime scale, innovation, and leadership make it an ideal place to bring together decision-makers from across geographies and the maritime value chain for two days of debate, fresh perspectives, and agenda-setting.
The Shanghai event marks the first time that the Global Maritime Forum will hold its Annual Summit in mainland China. It has previously been held in Hong Kong, Singapore, London, New York, Athens, Tokyo, and Antwerp.
One of the key themes to emerge at last year’s Summit, held in Antwerp in October 2025, was the need for new maritime alliances following the breakdown in discussions that led to the delay of the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework. Many participants highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation between the EU and China on maritime climate and innovation initiatives, as well as the potential of developing regions like Africa to become emerging centres of supply and demand for zero-emission fuels.
“The world looks very different today from when we held our inaugural Summit eight years ago and has even changed markedly since our last gathering in Antwerp just four months ago,” Global Maritime Forum Chief Executive Officer Johannah Christensen said. “The maritime industry is grappling with what the geopolitical shift away from implicit multilateralism and a rules-based order will mean for its future. The Annual Summit in Shanghai will explore this difficult question in all its complexities, focusing on how collaborative, cross-industry efforts are crucial to overcoming sector-wide challenges.”
The Annual Summit 2026 will be held in conjunction with the North Bund Forum and is supported by Shanghai Maritime University and the People’s Government of Hongkou District.