Industry leaders gather in Singapore to discuss digitalisation, sustainability and the future of global shipping
The Singapore Maritime Week 2026 (SMW) was officially launched by Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance of Singapore, marking the event’s 20th edition.
Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the annual event runs from 20 to 24 April 2026 and brings together more than 20,000 participants from nearly 80 countries and regions. Ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders and maritime professionals are gathering to exchange views on the future of global shipping and maritime cooperation.
At the opening ceremony, Mr Siow announced the launch of OCEANS-X, a new data and Application Programming Interface (API) exchange platform developed by MPA. The platform is designed to enable secure system-to-system connectivity across the maritime ecosystem and enhance the efficiency of port services, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global maritime hub.
During the event, Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, delivered the Singapore Maritime Lecture. In a fireside discussion moderated by Yong Hsin Yue of the Kuok Group, he addressed key challenges facing the maritime sector, including geopolitical shifts, global trade fragmentation, digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Source: Singapore Maritime Week
Among the prominent speakers at SMW 2026 is Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, who will share insights on advancing collective outcomes for global shipping despite differing national priorities.
The conference programme also features the Ministerial Roundtable chaired by Mr Siow, bringing together maritime ministers and leaders from ten countries to discuss sustainability, digital transformation and regulatory cooperation.
A major highlight of the week is EXPO@SMW, held from 21 to 23 April, which showcases emerging technologies and innovations shaping the maritime industry. The exhibition includes the Maritime SG Showcase themed “From Research to Reality: Reimagining Ports and Ships”, featuring projects such as the Maritime Digital Twin Live Simulation Platform and research initiatives led by the Singapore Maritime Institute.
Innovation and entrepreneurship will also take centre stage with the launch of the 10th edition of the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, a global competition inviting startups to develop solutions addressing key challenges in the maritime sector. The event will be officiated by Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Transport.
Youth engagement remains a key focus, with initiatives such as Youth@SMW and the Talent Pavilion providing students and young professionals with insights into maritime careers through industry talks, learning journeys and networking opportunities. The programme will be opened by Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State for Transport.
Beyond the conference, public engagement activities will take place from 25 to 26 April at the Singapore Maritime Gallery and the HarbourFront Cruise Centre. Visitors will have the opportunity to view various vessels, including Singapore’s first fully electric harbour tug EON, built by PaxOcean and owned by the Kuok Maritime Group.
Celebrating two decades of dialogue and innovation, Singapore Maritime Week 2026 continues to serve as a key global platform for shaping the future of maritime trade, sustainability and digital transformation.
Source: Singapore Maritime Week
