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Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit to return for third edition

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 10th 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.