• The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in collaboration with the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong (TLB) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), will host the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit on 16 November 2026.
• The event will convene prominent figures from the international shipping industry, government officials, and regulatory bodies to discuss how maritime trade can adapt to an increasingly challenging operating environment.
• Hong Kong Maritime Week will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary from 16-20 November 2026.

13 October 2026, London: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in collaboration with the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong (TLB) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), will host the third edition of the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit on 16 November 2026.

The event will convene prominent figures from the international shipping industry, government officials, and regulatory bodies to discuss how maritime trade can adapt to an operating environment defined not by isolated shocks, but by overlapping and persistent crises that require coordinated, practical and investable responses. Amid a time of continued heightened geopolitical tension, contested trade routes, climate-related disruption, cyber risk and growing fragmentation in the global economy, trade resilience has become a strategic imperative for governments and industry alike. It is for this reason that the theme for this year’s summit is aptly titled ‘Navigating Risk – Partnering for Resilience’.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Chan Mo Po, Paul, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Ms Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• John Denholm, CBE, Chairman, International Chamber of Shipping
• Richard Hext, Chairman, Hong Kong Shipowners Association

Ms Mable Chan JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, commented:

“Marking the 10^th anniversary of Hong Kong Maritime Week, we are proud to co-host the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit for the third consecutive year. Amid geopolitical flashpoints and fragile supply chains, collective action is our greatest strategic strength.  Safeguarding sea trade corridors demands decisive, cross-territorial collaboration and cross-sectoral solidarity.  Being the premier maritime super-connector, Hong Kong endeavours to support the hosting of this high-level Summit for aligning government policy with industry action, anchoring multilateral resilience across global trade.”

John Denholm, CBE, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, added:

“We are caught in the eye of the storm of an increasingly challenging operating environment, and we look forward to convening in Hong Kong for the Global Trade Summit to discuss the tactical necessity of collaboration to navigating risk and ensuring trade resilience. A safe and efficient supply chain is the pillar to global trade, and we must work in partnership to ensure a healthy and resilient industry, not only for the global economy but also for our seafarers who continue to be in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions. Hong Kong, as a leading global maritime hub, is the perfect location for these talks to take place.”

Richard Hext, Chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) commented:

“Despite geopolitical and climate-related challenges, growth in seaborne trade and shipping to carry it continues; shipyard orderbooks are full and ship owners are generally optimistic. That said, steering the right path requires ship owners and maritime players to remain alert and flexible.   The Hong Kong Global Trade Summit offers a great opportunity for frank and open discussions on how best to cooperate and remain robust so as to support our growing business.”

The high-level summit will be held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, ahead of the formal opening of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2026 (16 – 20 November 2026), which is celebrating its tenth successful year. To register your interest to attend and to find out more on the event please click here.

For the full list of sponsors and partners, who are making it possible for the high-profile summit to take place, please click here.

Notes to editors

About ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet – www.ics-shipping.org.

About HKSOA

The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) is a major organization representing the Hong Kong maritime community and a respected voice in the national and global arenas. Founded in 1957, the Association has about 200 corporate members including ship owners and managers and various service providers in ship finance, marine insurance, maritime arbitration, agency and brokerage, equipment and energy supply, ship survey, and maritime training and education. It is a founding member of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and hosts the ICS China Liaison Office.