On May 13–14, 2026, Szczecin will once again become the center of debate on the future of the maritime economy. The 12th International Maritime Congress will bring together leading representatives from government, business, international organizations, and the scientific community, who will jointly address the most critical challenges facing the sector. The event’s agenda makes it clear: this year’s edition will be dominated by opinion leaders and practitioners shaping global trends.
Global leaders in shipping and regulation
Right at the opening of the Congress, participants will have the opportunity to hear from Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping—one of the most important organizations representing global shipowners. He will be joined by, among others, Claudia Vella Casagrande (Malta International Shipowners’ Association), Francesco Gargiulo (International Maritime Employers’ Council), Mikki Koskinen (European Community Shipowners’ Association), and Marcin Talwik (Polish Shipowners’ Association). This group of experts will discuss the balance between IMO and EU regulations, the competitiveness of European shipowners, and the importance of the national flag for the security and sovereignty of states.
Baltic Security and NATO’s Role
Security issues are a major focus of this year’s Congress. The debate on the Baltic Sea will feature, among others, Brig. Gen. Dr. Mieczysław Bieniek, Col. Maciej Konopa (Polish Armed Forces General Staff), Tero Jokilehto (NATO), Łukasz Winny (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Wojciech Zdanowicz (Maritime Office in Szczecin). The discussion will focus on the protection of critical infrastructure, the resilience of the maritime economy, and the growing role of ports in the security system of the state and the alliance.
: Global authorities on the transport marketGlobal supply chains will take center stage. One of the keynote speakers will be Tim Power, Managing Director at Drewry—a renowned shipping market research firm. He will be joined by representatives from the business and academic communities, including Łukasz Januszewski (Bank Pekao), Jacek Wiśniewski (Euroafrica Shipping Lines), Prof. Jarosław Witkowski (University of Economics in Wrocław), and Prof. Jacek Szołtysek (University of Economics in Katowice). The experts will analyze the impact of geopolitics, digitalization, and automation on the future of transport and the resilience of supply chains.
Leaders of Poland's maritime economy
The second day of the Congress will feature a strong representation of national decision-makers and industry practitioners. Panelists will include Piotr Redmerski (Polish Baltic Shipping), Tomasz Pietruszewski (Polish Ocean Shipping), Dr. Marek Grzybowski (Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster), and Arkadiusz Wójcik (Unibaltic). The debates will focus on the operations of shipowners in a turbulent environment and the impact of conflicts and environmental regulations on the market.
Ports, Infrastructure, and Geopolitics
The event will also feature leaders from the largest ports and logistics operators: Piotr Gorzeński (Port of Gdynia), Dariusz Stefański (PCC Intermodal), Wojciech Szymulewicz (BCT), and representatives from the ports of Gdańsk and Świnoujście. Experts will discuss the role of ports as a foundation of economic and military security and their significance within NATO and EU critical infrastructure systems.
Shipbuilding and Offshore Industry
A strong delegation from the industrial sector will include, among others, Radosław Kowalczyk (Stocznia Szczecińska Wulkan), Monika Kozakiewicz (Nauta Repair Shipyard), Marcin Ryngwelski (PGZ Naval Shipyard), and representatives from Kongsberg Maritime and the offshore sector. Discussions will focus on the future of the European shipbuilding industry and the role of new technologies, including autonomous vessels.
Energy, Raw Materials, andthe "
"TransitionEnergy and raw materials will also be a key focus. Speakers will include Daniel Betke (Naftoport), Jakub Budzyński (Polish Chamber of Offshore Wind Energy), Janusz Gajowiecki (PSEW), and representatives from PERN and the fuel sector. Experts will discuss raw material security, the development of offshore wind, and the role of ports in Europe’s energy transition.
International cooperation and innovation
The congress will also attract researchers and leaders of international projects, such as Prof. Mustafa Taner Albayrak (Piri Reis University) and representatives from DLR, HELCOM, and European universities. Their participation underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation and innovation in the development of the “blue economy.”
A platform for dialogue on the future:
The 12th International Maritime Congress promises to be one of the most important events in the maritime industry in Central and Eastern Europe. The presence of such a diverse group of speakers—ranging from global shipping leaders to military officials and policymakers, as well as market and scientific experts—guarantees a high-level debate and a tangible impact on the future direction of the sector’s development.
Szczecin will once again become a hub where experience, expertise, and strategic decisions for the maritime economy of the 21st century converge.