Posted On: 10/21/2026, 8:37:55 AM
Last Update: 10/21/2026, 8:37:55 AM
The global shipping industry is turning its attention to Manila this week as Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2026 begins on October 20 and continues until October 22 at the Shangri-La The Fort. This event is recognised as the foremost international gathering focused on maritime crewing, training, and seafarer welfare.
The three-day conference aims to bring together over 750 maritime professionals, with support from headline sponsor Malaysia Airlines. It will focus on significant industry challenges such as geopolitics, technological advancements, and important updates to STCW regulations.
Group Director at Seatrade Maritime, Chris Morley, highlighted the event's essential contribution to fostering collaboration on pressing issues like crew shortages and the energy transition.
A central focus of this year's conference is the review and discussion of the initial findings from the “Sailing Through Uncertainty” project. This initiative, which is a collaborative effort between Seatrade Maritime and the Diversity Study Group (DSG), spans a year and aims to address a significant data shortfall in the maritime industry.
Specifically, it investigates the effects of increasing geopolitical instability, changes in regulations, and technological disruptions on the mental health, job performance, and retention rates of seafarers. The project is essential for understanding these dynamics and their implications for the workforce in maritime sectors.
Further, the project is centred around a global seafarer survey compiled and analysed by DSG. The upcoming event will feature interactive workshops and focused sessions that delve into the lived experiences of seafarers.
Founder & CEO of DSG, Heidi Heseltine, along with significant supporting organisations such as the Mission to Seafarers, ISWAN, InterManager, IMEC, Sailors' Society, and ITF Seafarers' Trust, aims to leverage the Manila platform for producing actionable recommendations for shipowners and managers to implement immediately.
This year's conference showcases a remarkable assembly of over 85 distinguished speakers and thought leaders in the maritime industry. The event is co-chaired by Andreas Nordseth, an International Maritime Leader and Advisor, and Guy Platten, Chairman of the Mission to Seafarers.
Among the notable figures participating are Fabrizio Barcellona, the ITF Seafarers Section Coordinator, and Julia Anastasiou, Chief Crew Management Officer at OSM Thome. The conference panels will tackle critical issues affecting the sector, including the challenges of the “dark fleet,” seafarer abandonment, crew recruitment, and the impact of technostress on workers in the maritime field.
Furthermore, the pinnacle of the three-day event is the prestigious Crew Connect Global Awards 2026 gala dinner scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, October 21. This gala is evaluated by a panel of independent and distinguished maritime judges and aims to honour the standard-setters across the maritime workforce.
In conclusion, the evening will culminate in two noteworthy awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Seatrade Editorial Board, and the Industry Champion Award, chosen by the audience.
Maritime Online Courses address disruptions in crew operations and safety due to geopolitical issues and regulatory updates. They highlight seafarer welfare through the “Sailing Through Uncertainty” survey, discussing retention factors and technostress. Strategies from DSG, ISWAN, and ITF are provided to improve working conditions, mitigate crew shortages, and promote governance and technological integration in shipping.
