Posidonia 2026 conference programme kicks off early with geopolitics dominant in industry agenda in Hellenic Shipping News 06/05/2026 From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia 2026 conference programme highlights an industry actively reshaping itself in response to geopolitical disruption and structural change. This year’s programme, set to begin weeks ahead of the exhibition itself, reflects a shipping industry navigating one of its most complex operating environments in decades, where war, sanctions, tariffs, insurance premiums, shifting trade routes and regulatory pressure are redefining both risk and opportunity. The first events begin in early May, underlining how Posidonia has evolved into a multi-week platform for dialogue rather than a single exhibition moment. “Posidonia has always been more than an exhibition. It is a platform where the industry comes together to address real-world challenges and shape its future direction,” said Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. “This year’s conference programme reflects the urgency of the issues facing shipping today, particularly the impact of geopolitics, energy transition and technological change. The discussions taking place, even before the exhibition officially opens, highlight how critical collaboration and dialogue have become for the industry.” Kicking off the calendar, Marine Insurance Greece (6-7 May) will address how the insurance market is responding to escalating geopolitical tensions and operational risks. With sessions covering sanctions, the rise of the “dark fleet”, US policy shifts and war risk dynamics, the conference will explore how the sector is adapting to an increasingly volatile global landscape. “With recent geopolitical events, shipping is most definitely back in the spotlight, highlighting once again just how dependent the global supply chain is on the shipping sector,” said the event’s organiser Daniel Casey, Managing Director, Cannon Events. Closely following, on May 7, the RightShip Conference titled Redefining Maritime Safety Through Data, Trust, and Collaboration will turn attention to data, transparency and collaboration as key enablers of safer and more sustainable shipping. “Behind every data point is a human outcome; a safer voyage, a more sustainable decision, a seafarer returning home safely,” said Steen Lund, CEO, RightShip. “As an industry, we have a responsibility to harness data not just for insight, but for impact. By working together, we can build a more transparent, connected and trusted maritime ecosystem that raises standards for everyone.” On 20 May, the Naftemporiki Shipping Conference, “Shipping Between Global Powers: Where Geopolitics, Energy & Climate Shape the Future”, will further elevate the geopolitical theme, examining how global power dynamics, energy security and climate policy are reshaping shipping. The theme of this year’s event reflects this variability, focusing on the geopolitics of the sea, Greece’s role as an energy hub, the challenges of decarbonisation and developments in ports, shipbuilding and key market sectors. “We live in a time when shipping is not just affected by developments, it is at their center,” said Georgios Melissanidis, Publisher, Naftemporiki. “Shifting geopolitical balances and the accelerating energy transition are shaping a new, more demanding environment.” Once Posidonia week begins, the conference programme