External
Location: The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 1, Dubai
About the event:
This year’s SMN Dubai '26 conference focuses on the evolution of the maritime industry, highlighting key trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration. Industry leaders will come together to discuss the pivotal role of partnerships, standards, and technological innovation in driving progress.
Sessions will cover maritime standards, NextGen Maritime Command Centres, and workforce adaptation to digital tools and automation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, exploring the impact of greener practices, regulatory changes, and innovations such as alternative fuels.
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and roundtables, SMN Dubai '26 offers a dynamic platform for discussion, learning, and collaboration. Attendees will engage with industry pioneers, share insights, and explore actionable strategies that will shape the future of maritime operations.
Whether addressing the challenges of digital transformation, embracing sustainability, or forging impactful partnerships, the conference promises to equip participants with the tools and connections to drive the industry forward with innovation and confidence.
Panel 4: Maritime Decarbonisation in Practice
Owners and operators in the Middle East are moving from strategy to delivery on decarbonisation. This session focuses on what is happening at fleet level today and what is planned for the next five years.
Speakers will share concrete examples of LNG and alternative fuel projects retrofit and newbuild decisions, use of digital twins and voyage optimisation, and how regulations like CII and EU ETS are shaping commercial choices in the region.
Guiding points:
- Coatings and efficiency: what paint makers are doing in practice
- LNG and beyond - How LNG is used today and how owners are evaluating methanol, ammonia, biofuels and hybrid solutions
- Digital twins and data driven performance - How digital twins, IoT data and analytics are used to monitor hull, engine and voyage performance for specific vessels or classes
- Voyage and fleet optimisation - Using routing, speed management, weather and port call optimisation to cut fuel and emissions while keeping schedules and contracts on track
- Regulation and commercial impact - How CII, EU ETS and other rules are influencing chartering, deployment and contract structures for Gulf based fleets
- Working with ports and partners - The role of ports, terminals, fuel suppliers and technology partners in helping owners meet decarbonisation goals
- Real projects and decisions, not just targets - Examples of newbuilds, retrofits, fuel choices and operational changes already in motion
