Event programme
Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit
Forging Partnerships for Resilience
23rd June 2026, Rome, Italy
08:00-09:00 Registration and Networking
09:00-09:15 Welcome
Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
Welcome Addresses
Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman, International Chamber of Shipping; Managing Director, Grimaldi Group, Italy
Mario Zanetti, President, CONFITARMA; CEO Costa Crociere SpA, Italy
The Hon. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy
09:15-09:45 Opening Panel
Moderator: Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
The Hon. Dr Chris Bonett, Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Malta
The Hon. Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus
The Hon. Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Greece
Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, Administrator, Panama Canal Authority, Panama
09:45-10:15 – Fireside Chat
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General, International Maritime Organization
In conversation with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
10:15-11:00 Providing Stability in an Unstable World
At a time of continued heightened geopolitical uncertainty and growing strain on the international rules-based system, the need for cooperation between governments and international organisations is critical. This session will discuss the findings of the International Chamber of Shipping 2025-2026 Maritime Barometer Report and explore how shipping, trade and policy leaders are developing new strategic partnerships that offer resilient pathways to connectivity and cooperation.
Key Themes:
- Launch of the ICS 2026 Maritime Barometer Report
- Geopolitical framing of global trade, break-down in rules-based order
- How to create resilience in the face of disorder
- Establishment of new, localized geopolitical alliances
- Examples of initiatives such as the India Middle East, Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a route to economic and trade stability
Moderator: Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
Panel:
Nick Brown, CEO, Lloyds Register, UK
John Denholm, Chairman Designate, International Chamber of Shipping; Chairman, J&J Denholm Limited, UK
Johanna Hill, Deputy Director General, World Trade Organization
Valerie Picard, Head of Trade, International Chamber of Commerce
Amb. Francesco Maria Talò, Special Envoy of Italy to the India Middle East, Europe Economic Corridor, Italy
11:00-11:30 Networking Break
11:30-11:45 – Fireside Chat
Qu Dongyu, Director-General, UN Food and Agriculture Organization
In conversation with Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
11:45-12:30 – Initiatives to Support Resilient Supply Chains
Diversification of trade routes, including the creation of alternative trade corridors, is critical to building resilience against disruption. This panel will explore how stronger trade and transport linkages can support economic growth and long-term resilience. The discussion will focus on the role of regional economic corridors in strengthening supply chains, improving connectivity, and reducing vulnerabilities arising from geopolitical and economic disruptions.
Key Themes:
- Regional economic corridors as a route to supply chain resilience
- Economic growth and diversification
- Supply chain diversification and security
- Catalysing infrastructure initiatives to build up resilience
Moderator: Filippo Fasulo, Head, Geoeconomic Centre, Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), Italy
Panel:
Antonio Brunacci, Director, Strategy, Innovation and Digital, FS Logistix, Italy
Carl-Johan Hagman, Chief Officer, Japanese Shipowners’ Association; President & CEO, NYK Group Europe; United Kingdom
Morten Lerø, Managing Director and Vice President, DNV Maritime Advisory, Norway
Doris Martetschläger, Supply Chain Operations Manager, Inter IKEA Supply, Switzerland
Marie-Estelle Rey, Senior Advisor, Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
12:30-12:45 Fireside Chat
Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission, USA
In conversation with: Bud Darr, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
12:45-13:30 Finance, Infrastructure and Innovation – The Key Enablers
Investment in resilient infrastructure has become a strategic priority for building robust and flexible supply chains. This session will examine how governments, investors and industry can work together to mobilise the finance needed for large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance connectivity, mitigate risk and support long-term economic growth.
Panellists will explore how the current global environment is influencing investment decisions and discuss innovative approaches to attracting capital for critical transport, logistics and energy infrastructure.
Key Themes:
- Generating finance for large-scale infrastructure projects
- How does current global instability impact investment decisions?
- Collaboration – How can national and local governments, ports, shipping and multi modal logistics companies work together to deliver globally important projects that improve energy and food security and deliver economic growth?
Panel:
Line Dahle, Executive Vice President, Industry Impact, GARD, Norway
Kenneth Lam JP, Founder & CEO SeaKapital, Hong Kong SAR & ICS Board Member, Hong Kong, China
Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission, USA
Ugo Salerno, Executive Chairman, RINA, Italy
13:30 – Conclusions and Outcomes
Peter Foster, World Trade Editor, Financial Times
13:45 Close of Summit
John Denholm, Chairman Designate, International Chamber of Shipping; Chairman, J&J Denholm Limited, UK
14:00 Lunch, Networking, Bilateral Meetings
15:00 Close
To find the Summit Outcomes, please click here.