Marine & Boat Events in United Kingdom

London International Shipping Week

London International Shipping Week: Where Global Maritime Leadership Meets Innovation

London International Shipping Week (LISW) has established itself as one of the most influential and anticipated events in the global maritime calendar. Known for its dynamic program and high-profile attendees, LISW draws thousands of international shipping leaders, policymakers, and innovators to the UK’s capital for a week of unparalleled networking, strategy, and collaboration.

Hosted in one of the world’s historic shipping centers, this event provides a timely stage to address both ongoing and emerging challenges in the industry. From sustainable shipping practices and digital transformation to investment, security, and future-proofing the global supply chain, the week-long agenda provides a truly comprehensive look at maritime issues through a global lens.

Why London? A Global Maritime Capital for a Global Industry

There’s no better place than London to host such a crucial event. The city is not only a historical maritime powerhouse but continues to play a vital role in international trade, finance, insurance, and shipping law. During London International Shipping Week, every corner of the city—from iconic buildings to riverside venues—becomes a hub for shipping and maritime professionals from all over the globe.

The week is not just about formal conferences and panel discussions. The vibrancy of LISW is also defined by the eclectic range of networking events held throughout the city. These gatherings range from breakfast briefings in modern skyscrapers to gala dinners in some of London’s most exclusive venues, blending business with culture and tradition.

A Diverse and Forward-Thinking Event Agenda

LISW offers a dynamic and diverse range of activities that reflect the complexity and innovation within the maritime sector. The week includes high-level forums, technical workshops, exhibitions, and policy dialogues—all carefully designed to engage every segment of the industry.

Key components of LISW include:

Flagship Conferences
Featuring global leaders from shipping companies, ports, government agencies, and NGOs discussing the state of the industry.

Maritime Innovation Showcases
Presentations from technology providers, AI startups, and automation leaders highlighting transformative solutions.

Sustainability and ESG Forums
Panels focused on decarbonization, green fuels, and environmental compliance in shipping.

Policy & Regulation Roundtables
Dialogues between regulators, legal experts, and industry representatives on emerging maritime laws and global standards.

Diversity & Inclusion Workshops
Conversations on making the maritime industry more inclusive and equitable for the next generation.

Unrivaled Networking Opportunities in Glamorous London Venues

With hundreds of individual events hosted by sponsors, partners, and stakeholders, London International Shipping Week is as much about making connections as it is about sharing insights. Competition among sponsors is fierce, with each striving to deliver the most memorable receptions, panel sessions, and private functions.

These social and business networking events are strategically hosted across some of London’s most iconic and luxurious settings, including:

The Shard Sky Lounge

Historic halls of the City of London

Thames riverside venues with live entertainment

Rooftop receptions overlooking Tower Bridge

Members-only clubs offering intimate executive gatherings

Whether you’re looking to spark a strategic partnership, sign a deal, or simply engage with colleagues across the industry, LISW provides the space—and the people—to make it happen.

Topics That Matter: Sustainability, Security, and the Digital Shift

In recent years, the maritime sector has faced growing pressure to reduce emissions, modernize operations, and embrace smarter supply chain solutions. LISW provides a structured platform for confronting these complex issues with clarity and cooperation.

Prominent themes at LISW this year include:

Sustainable shipping and carbon-neutral targets

Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure resilience

AI and big data in logistics and navigation

Global trade routes post-geopolitical disruptions

Workforce development and maritime education

These subjects are not discussed in isolation. Every session is framed with global perspectives, real-world case studies, and audience engagement, ensuring practical takeaways for all participants.

A Platform for Business, Policy, and Purpose

One of LISW's most defining features is the way it seamlessly merges the commercial with the strategic. Business opportunities arise from every event—whether it’s in the form of signed MOUs, technology adoption, or collaborative research initiatives. At the same time, London International Shipping Week has proven effective at facilitating meaningful policy discussions that influence international maritime governance.

Participants can expect:

Live demonstrations of next-gen port technologies

Meetings with regulators from the IMO, EU, and beyond

Access to investment discussions for green maritime infrastructure

Insight into government priorities for post-Brexit UK maritime strategy

Who Should Attend London International Shipping Week?

LISW welcomes a diverse global audience. Its reach and relevance make it a magnet for key players across the maritime spectrum. Whether you are in operational logistics, law, investment, or technology, LISW has something for you.

Typical attendees include:

Shipping company executives and fleet managers

Port authorities and logistics providers

Shipbuilders and classification societies

Legal and insurance professionals

Maritime startup founders and innovators

Trade body representatives and diplomats

The event serves as a cross-sector meeting point, where legacy institutions and disruptive newcomers can share the same space to shape the future of shipping.

What Sets LISW Apart from Other Maritime Events?

While many countries host maritime events, LISW is unique in its scale, scope, and influence. Its location in London—combined with its strategic scheduling, prestige, and sheer volume of high-level participation—make it an unmatched event for maritime professionals globally.
Here’s what makes LISW truly stand out:

A city-wide celebration of shipping across more than 200 events

Strong backing from UK government, maritime authorities, and international bodies

Multi-sector involvement, from finance and tech to legal and energy

Glamorous, well-curated events that blend tradition with innovation

A powerful sense of community and shared vision for the industry

An Unmissable Week for the Global Maritime Community

The London International Shipping Week is not just an event—it's a movement that defines where the global shipping industry is headed. Through impactful discussion, innovative showcases, and high-level networking, LISW acts as both a mirror and a map: it reflects where we are and guides us toward where we need to go.

For those serious about shaping the future of maritime trade and logistics, there is no better place to be. Whether you're launching a product, discussing regulatory frameworks, or building lasting partnerships, LISW offers the people, the ideas, and the environment to make it count.

M&CEE EXPO - MARINE & COASTAL CIVIL ENGINEERING

In the heart of Southampton, UK, amidst the rhythmic sway of the ocean, lies a gathering unlike any other. The M&CEE EXPO, a beacon for the marine and coastal civil engineering industry, sets sail in June, offering a voyage into the realm of innovation and expertise.

Dedicated solely to the maritime domain, this event stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of those who shape our coastal landscapes and navigate the vast expanse of our oceans. Against the backdrop of Southampton's historic maritime heritage, exhibitors from across the globe converge to unveil their latest solutions, equipment, and infrastructure for marine and coastal projects.

At the M&CEE EXPO, attendees embark on a journey of discovery, navigating through a comprehensive overview of the industry's latest advancements. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable solutions, every corner of the expo hall pulsates with the energy of innovation. Here, industry professionals exchange insights, forge partnerships, and chart the course for future endeavors.

For exhibitors, the M&CEE EXPO is more than just a showcase; it's a stage to demonstrate expertise and cultivate relationships with potential clients. Against the backdrop of Southampton's bustling harbor, exhibitors seize the opportunity to spotlight their products and services, leaving an indelible mark on the industry landscape.

But beyond the bustling expo floor lies a deeper current—a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that transcends borders and boundaries. In Southampton, the maritime community finds common ground, united by a passion for excellence and a commitment to safeguarding our coastal ecosystems.

As the sun sets on another successful M&CEE EXPO, its legacy endures—a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation that propels the marine and coastal engineering industry forward. In Southampton, the tides of change bring new opportunities, and the M&CEE EXPO stands ready to navigate the course, anchoring excellence in every wave.

UK Ports Conference

The UK Ports Conference: Unlocking Growth and Innovation in the Port Industry

In today’s rapidly evolving transport and trade landscape, ports are not just logistical gateways—they are becoming strategic hubs that can shape the future of commerce, energy, and technology. The UK Ports Conference stands as a premier industry event that dives deep into the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities facing port operators and stakeholders across the United Kingdom.

As the maritime sector braces for both disruption and innovation, this two-day conference serves as a pivotal platform where industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gather to address core issues such as future fuels, supply chain evolution, and port infrastructure development. More than just an industry meeting, the UK Ports Conference is a forward-looking dialogue on resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Building Infrastructure for the Future: Ports at the Center of Transition

One of the key focuses of the UK Ports Conference is the strategic role of ports in adapting to change and enabling new economic growth. With shipping patterns shifting and global trade priorities evolving, UK ports are being challenged to not only remain competitive but also lead the way in offering sustainable and smart infrastructure.

From accommodating larger vessels to investing in digital port management systems, the pressure is on ports to deliver both efficiency and environmental stewardship. The conference highlights how these infrastructural investments are essential for long-term viability and regional development.

Key topics explored during the event include:

Planning and funding next-generation port facilities

Integrating automation and real-time data systems

Collaborating with local authorities and freight stakeholders

Managing environmental regulations and community relations

These discussions help set the framework for developing flexible, future-ready port ecosystems.

Navigating the Shift Toward Future Fuels

As the world moves closer to net-zero emissions targets, ports must prepare to support low-carbon and alternative fuel solutions. The UK Ports Conference brings this crucial conversation to the forefront, with insights into how ports can become enablers—not just adopters—of green shipping technologies.
Discussions around future fuels include:

Infrastructure requirements for hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels

Retrofitting existing terminals for fuel flexibility

Collaborating with fuel suppliers and energy networks

Aligning with government net-zero policies and timelines

Lessons learned from early adopters in Europe and Asia

These sessions underscore the importance of ports not only as transport nodes but also as critical enablers of the energy transition.

Adapting to Supply Chain Transformation

Post-pandemic realities, Brexit-related trade adjustments, and the digitization of logistics have caused widespread changes in global and regional supply chain dynamics. At the UK Ports Conference, experts from across sectors unpack how ports can respond proactively to new demands in cargo handling, customs processes, and multimodal transport integration.

Attendees can expect to hear case studies and best practices that showcase:

The evolution of port-centric logistics zones

Improvements in freight visibility and real-time cargo tracking

Strategies to reduce dwell time and streamline border operations

Building resilient, agile supply chains that can respond to disruption

By fostering conversations on these topics, the conference ensures that UK ports remain vital, efficient, and globally competitive trade facilitators.

Exploring Growth Sectors: New Opportunities for UK Ports

While traditional shipping and container operations remain core to port operations, emerging growth sectors offer a compelling avenue for expansion and diversification. The UK Ports Conference highlights several promising areas where ports can play a leading role in the coming decades.

Some of these growth sectors include:

Offshore renewable energy logistics, including wind farm components and service vessels

Bulk material exports and imports to support the UK’s construction and manufacturing sectors

Freeports and special economic zones, which can drive investment and create jobs

Cruise and ferry services, especially in post-pandemic tourism recovery plans

Digital trade facilitation hubs, harnessing data to enable smoother cargo flows

Exploring these sectors allows stakeholders to reimagine the role of ports beyond traditional cargo handling, reinforcing their relevance in a dynamic global economy.

Connecting People and Ideas: Networking and Collaboration

While informative sessions are at the heart of the UK Ports Conference, its value goes beyond the agenda. The event offers valuable networking opportunities, enabling attendees to build partnerships, discuss collaborative projects, and share innovations face-to-face.

Opportunities for engagement include:

Roundtable discussions with local authorities and port operators

Panels featuring major logistics providers and infrastructure planners

Interactive Q&A sessions with regulators and environmental bodies

Exhibition areas showcasing the latest port tech and services

Informal networking receptions and delegate luncheons

This emphasis on connection ensures that participants leave not only with knowledge but with actionable relationships to drive their projects forward.

A Platform for Progress in the Maritime Sector

What sets the UK Ports Conference apart is its clear commitment to driving meaningful change in the maritime industry. Rather than focusing only on current operations, the event pushes stakeholders to think ahead—about digital transformation, climate resilience, talent development, and policy reform.

Themes such as:

Innovation through collaboration

Navigating regulatory change

Supporting economic growth through port modernization

The digital port of the future

Environmental and social responsibility

are central to every session and discussion, ensuring that each topic connects back to creating a smarter, greener, and more inclusive port industry.

Shaping the Future of UK Ports

As the maritime world faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the UK Ports Conference is the place where strategic conversations become concrete actions. With its broad scope—from infrastructure and innovation to energy and environment—the conference gives attendees the tools and insights they need to lead confidently into the future.

Whether you're a port executive, a logistics manager, a government official, or a technology provider, this event delivers critical value. It fosters the kind of informed, dynamic, and connected thinking that’s essential for tackling the changes ahead.