Kingsadone Phetdaoheuang, Director General of the Foreign Trade Department under Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce, emphasized that the forum’s objective was to translate existing bilateral cooperation agreements into tangible actions. She detailed Laos’ strategic vision to transition from a landlocked nation into a pivotal regional connectivity hub, linking the Mekong sub-region and the broader ASEAN economic community. This transformation is intended to unlock new avenues for industrial growth, agricultural development, and enhanced cross-border trade.

To achieve this ambitious vision of trade and transport connectivity, Laos is actively implementing its Trade and Transport Facilitation Action Plan for 2025–2030. This plan outlines specific targets designed to expedite trade processes, including a minimum 40% reduction in import-export licensing times and a 50% decrease in customs clearance durations at border crossings. Furthermore, the plan aims to boost the national Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by at least 40% and eliminate a substantial portion of redundant checkpoints along domestic transport routes. In pursuing these goals, Laos is seeking Vietnam’s expertise and support in enhancing logistics infrastructure and transport routes. Laos is prioritizing 12 strategic measures under the guidance of its National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee, with a particular hope for Vietnam’s contributions in sharing knowledge and strengthening warehousing infrastructure. Such collaboration is expected to alleviate transport cost bottlenecks and improve access to maritime trade routes, notably through the Vung Ang Port complex in Ha Tinh, central Vietnam.

Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of Vietnam’s Agency of Foreign Trade, highlighted the imperative for logistics cooperation between the two nations to embrace modernity, integration, and sustainability. This aligns with global trends toward digitalization, green development, and the creation of resilient supply chains. He advocated for deeper collaboration across logistics infrastructure, multimodal transport solutions, digital transformation initiatives, customs modernization, and enhanced business connectivity. Hai underscored the substantial potential for Vietnam Laos trade logistics, noting Vietnam’s strengths in seaport infrastructure, extensive logistics networks, and international connectivity. Conversely, Laos occupies a strategic position within the Greater Mekong Sub-region, serving as a crucial link between ASEAN and inland Asia. He posited that with more efficient linkages, the economies of Vietnam and Laos could mutually benefit, fostering the development of robust regional supply chains. This synergy would not only cater to bilateral transport and trade demands but also attract transit cargo from third countries, thereby generating significant added value for both nations’ logistics sectors and bolstering Vietnam Laos trade.

During the forum’s discussions, participants identified several key challenges hindering seamless trade and transport connectivity. These included high cross-border logistics costs, existing infrastructure bottlenecks, procedural complexities at certain border gates, and the lack of compatibility in electronic customs documentation. A consensus emerged that increased digitalization and investment in multimodal transport options, encompassing road, sea, and the proposed Vung Ang – Vientiane railway route, would be instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. This collaborative effort in Vietnam Laos trade logistics is anticipated to usher in a new era of economic partnership, supporting the shared objective of elevating bilateral trade turnover. The countries aim to surpass 4 billion USD in 2026 and aspire to reach 10 billion USD by 2030.

The conference agenda this year will place strong emphasis on the major changes reshaping the global maritime sector, covering areas such as insurance, risk management, energy transition, maritime security and digitalisation.

The event takes place at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed global shipping further into international focus, highlighting the critical role maritime transport plays in trade, energy security and economic stability. The ongoing disruption in the Straits of Hormuz, where hundreds of vessels have remained stranded for several months, has placed additional pressure on global energy supply chains and tested the resilience of the shipping industry.

Mr. Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, said: “Posidonia is the leading international meeting point where the critical decisions shaping the future of global shipping, energy, and the economy are discussed, with a direct impact on local communities and people’s lives.”

Mrs. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, said: “In a time of international challenges and multiple disruptions, Greek shipping stands as a pillar of stability, resilience and global connectivity. It unites the world and leads with vision, determination and institutional responsibility. The strategic value of shipping is also reflected in Posidonia 2026, a prestigious global maritime event that fosters meaningful dialogue and cooperation in shaping the future of the industry.”

Mr. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, said: “In Posidonia 2026 once again confirms its role as the premier international meeting point of the global maritime community, where partnerships are forged, ideas are exchanged, and the vision that shapes both the present and the future of shipping is brought to life.”

Mr. John C. Lyras, President of the Posidonia Coordinating Committee, said: “The 29th Posidonia biannual exhibition and events are occurring at a time when geopolitical conflicts and rivalries are at their highest since the historically momentous collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago, and when attacks on merchant shipping are, regrettably, the highest since the  age of sail. Against this worrying (and rather disheartening) background we are happy and proud to host a maritime week that, once again, brings together so many national delegations from all over the world to cooperate in the pursuit of peaceful trade, goodwill and coexistence.”

This year’s Posidonia 2026 exhibition will include a record 24 national pavilions across 45,000 square metres of gross leasable space at the Athens Metropolitan Expo. Germany and Italy are among the countries returning with official participation after a long absence. Overall, 2,227 exhibitors from 83 countries and territories are expected to take part, representing all sectors of international shipping. Organisers said the number of exhibitors has risen by nearly 9% compared with the 2024 edition.

Technology and sustainability are expected to feature prominently throughout the exhibition. More than 30 companies will present Artificial Intelligence applications tailored for maritime operations, while another 100 exhibitors will showcase environmental technologies designed to support the sector’s transition toward zero-emission operations and regulatory compliance.

Speaking at the pre-event Press Conference, Mr. Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia S.A., said: “The economic impact of this year’s Posidonia on the Greek economy will be greater than ever before. Not only are we expecting approximately 40,000 participants overall, but international visitors are also extending their stay in Greece in order to attend the expanded conference programme and the Posidonia Games sporting events. We expect the total economic turnover generated by Posidonia 2026 to significantly exceed €100 million.”

Posidonia 2026 is already generating momentum well before its official opening, according to Mr. Vokos, who pointed to the growing number of conferences, meetings, receptions and networking gatherings that have been taking place in recent weeks, underlining the event’s wider economic impact.

High-level international participation is also expected at the event. The President of Panama, accompanied by cabinet members, is scheduled to attend alongside the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the European Commissioner for Transport, and over ten ministers and deputy ministers from maritime nations worldwide.

The event has also maintained its sustainability credentials, receiving ISO certification as a sustainable event for the third consecutive edition. Posidonia remains the first exhibition in Greece to secure this certification.

Alongside the exhibition, the parallel events programme continues to expand. Around 70 events are planned at the 2026 Conferences and Seminars Programme, with several sessions being hosted outside the exhibition venue due to increased demand. One of the key discussion topics will centre on nuclear energy as a possible maritime fuel, including a high-level event exploring the potential use of advanced nuclear technologies in commercial shipping and near-shore power generation.

The Posidonia Games programme has also grown with the addition of the Posidonia Tour cycling race. Revenue generated through the sporting events will continue to support charities and non-governmental organisations.

Posidonia 2026 is being organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with support from the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

For more information, visit https://posidonia-events.com/

The partnership focuses on two primary pillars: research and development (R&D) and professional training. By integrating Thales’ extensive experience in air traffic control systems, cybersecurity, and embedded technologies with ENAC’s academic rigor in regulation and research, the two entities intend to accelerate the deployment of smart, sustainable solutions. A central goal of this technological push is to support a more sustainable airspace, with the specific target of reducing CO2 emissions within the aviation sector by roughly 10%.

The research efforts will heavily prioritize the implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management. By developing next-generation systems, the partnership aims to optimize flight trajectories and traffic flows, ultimately helping airlines minimize fuel consumption. This initiative is designed to be an open ecosystem, inviting participation from startups, laboratories, and other aerospace institutions to foster a collaborative environment for future aviation technologies.

Beyond air traffic management technology, the collaboration addresses the shifting requirements of the aeronautics industry. As aviation technology evolves, the roles within air traffic control are undergoing significant changes. To ensure the workforce is prepared, Thales and ENAC will align their training programs to better reflect modern operational needs.

“With Thales, a unique ecosystem is being created where academic research meets real-world expertise. Students and researchers will benefit from an inspiring environment to prepare and imagine the aviation industry of 2050,” said Olivier Chansou, ENAC Director.

The partnership is expected to encourage a more collaborative and open aerospace ecosystem by creating opportunities for new participants, including start-ups, research laboratories and institutions, to engage in and support focused projects.

“This partnership with ENAC is key to our open innovation strategy. Together, we will accelerate progress in critical technologies for safer, smarter, and more sustainable aviation, while training talent to acquire the skills needed to manage today’s and tomorrow’s complex and dynamic ATM ecosystem,” said Youzec Kurp, Vice-President, Airspace Mobility Solutions, Thales.

These new Stadler FLIRT EMUs will be largely identical to those already operating in Serbia, a feature designed to facilitate seamless cross-border travel between the two countries for the first time. The Stadler FLIRT EMUs are being specifically adapted to the unique demands of the Montenegrin rail network and will feature a distinctive exterior design, drawing inspiration from Montenegro’s national colours and identity. The project is being financed with the EBRD support.

Dragana Lukšić, CEO of Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore, said: “The signing of this contract marks a historic moment for the future of rail transport in Montenegro. The new Stadler trains will provide our passengers with significantly higher levels of comfort, safety and reliability, while making rail travel far more attractive for both residents and tourists. This project represents an important milestone on our journey towards a modern European railway system.”

“This project is another important milestone for Stadler and highlights the growing importance of modern rail solutions in Southeast Europe,” said Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.

Discussions regarding the collaboration for the purchase of these new Stadler FLIRT EMUs took place during a meeting in Podgorica on 9th April 2026. The meeting involved representatives from ŽPCG and the EBRD, including Dragana Lukšić and Ramon Zakaria, Head of the EBRD Office in Montenegro. During these deliberations, the EBRD confirmed its willingness to support future investment projects in Montenegro’s railway transport sector. This includes potential support for the acquisition of new sleeping cars, a project estimated at 30 million EUR, aimed at enhancing the quality of international railway transport services.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to significantly scale the development of autonomous maritime systems. These platforms are envisioned as modular systems, designed to cater to a wide array of applications across both defence and civilian sectors. This strategic move directly supports government investment initiatives focused on enhancing autonomous and AI-enabled naval capabilities. Furthermore, it complements broader programs aimed at modernizing maritime fleets and bolstering domestic industrial capacity.

Philip Burns-O’Brien, Senior Vice-President Commercial Development, Davie Shipbuilding, said: “This collaboration represents a leap in our evolution as a next-generation maritime industrial leader.”

He further added: “The future of maritime security will see crewed and autonomous vessels operating seamlessly across vast distances in the world’s most contested environments. Kraken brings world-class autonomous vessel technologies. Davie brings scale, advanced shipbuilding infrastructure and a record of delivering mission-critical vessels on time and on budget.”

For Davie Shipbuilding, this partnership on autonomous maritime systems presents a valuable opportunity to expand its role in advanced naval manufacturing. The company will integrate new technologies directly into its production lines, enhancing its competitive edge. Davie operates extensive shipbuilding and repair facilities in Québec and is actively involved in numerous domestic and international maritime projects.

“This partnership with Davie is a significant opportunity for us to continue growing our footprint in North America,” said Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken Technology Group.

“Combining innovation with industrial capacity is paramount to the future of our security at sea and we look forward to delivering this with Davie,” he added.

The companies jointly acknowledged the increasing relevance of autonomous systems in maritime operations, alongside traditional crewed vessels. These systems are particularly valuable for functions such as surveillance, logistics, and defence support. This agreement further aligns with Canada’s comprehensive industrial strategy for shipbuilding and defence procurement, which actively encourages domestic production and fosters international partnerships.

Under the provisions of the amended lease, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will continue its investment in the regional maritime infrastructure. This includes a robust focus on new environmental initiatives and the strengthening of workforce partnerships.

“Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been an outstanding partner to the Port of Seattle for more than a quarter of a century, and I am pleased to support this new agreement today,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho.

A central pillar of the Port of Seattle NCLH lease amendment is the commitment to a guaranteed minimum of 325,000 revenue passengers per year. This volume is designed to provide a steady economic stimulus for Seattle’s tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors. Over the 10-year term, this passenger guarantee is projected to generate approximately $116 million in revenue for the Port. Should the optional extensions be exercised through 2045, the total revenue could escalate to an estimated $316 million.

“This agreement allows us to continue to invest in Seattle as a homeport, supports the ongoing growth of local jobs and businesses, and allows us to work collaboratively on practical sustainability initiatives through our Sail & Sustain program.” said Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Development Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

The Port of Seattle NCLH lease amendment places a heavy emphasis on cruise industry sustainability. Both entities have agreed to collaborate on a demonstration project aimed at testing sustainable, non-fossil maritime fuels. This initiative is intended to identify the necessary infrastructure and supply chain conditions required for a fleetwide transition away from traditional fuels.

NCLH has committed to a rigorous timeline for environmental progress. By December 31, 2026, the company and the Port will establish a mutually agreed-upon methodology to review decarbonization milestones. Furthermore, NCLH aims to achieve 100% zero-emission shoreside operations by 2030. This involves encouraging stevedores to adopt zero-emission equipment and providing incentives for ground handlers who utilize alternative forms of transport with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement also mandates continued participation in underwater noise reduction programs, specifically the ECHO and Quiet Sound initiatives.

For the 2026 season, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will homeport four major vessels at Pier 66: the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, and Oceania Riviera. With more than 70 scheduled calls, this presence underscores the enduring strength of the Seattle maritime economy and the city’s role as a vital gateway for Alaska-bound travelers.

Besides being the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, the CMA CGM Notre Dame is an impressive vessel, measuring 400 meters in length, 62 meters in width, and standing 75 meters high, with a substantial container capacity of 24,212 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). This new flagship vessel is deployed on the strategic French Asia Line (FAL), a critical service connecting Asia and Europe. The FAL route comprises a rotation of approximately 102 days, making port calls at major hubs including Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tangier Med. This route is vital for the global supply chain, playing a pivotal role in provisioning European economies with essential goods.

Beyond its cutting-edge LNG propulsion system, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship incorporates a suite of technologies designed to minimize its environmental impact. The vessel is equipped with an aerodynamic windshield system aimed at reducing energy consumption. A substantial 18,600 m³ LNG tank provides the necessary autonomy for its extensive Asia-Europe routes. Intelligent energy management solutions are integrated throughout the ship, particularly for powering and ventilating refrigerated containers, boasting a capacity for 1,600 reefer plugs. Furthermore, its architectural design has been optimized to enhance carrying capacity by an additional 280 containers without increasing the vessel’s overall dimensions, showcasing efficient space utilization.

The operational prowess of the CMA CGM Notre Dame is further amplified by its integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Its fully digitalized bridge offers crews real-time navigation tools, augmented by sophisticated augmented reality systems. Advanced trajectory prediction capabilities and 360-degree visualization enhance maneuvering safety, especially during complex port operations. Embedded AI assists in optimizing voyage routes, dynamically adjusting vessel speed, and meticulously controlling energy consumption. These intelligent systems are continuously monitored and supported by CMA CGM’s global Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami, and Singapore, ensuring optimal fleet performance and aiding crews in critical operational decision-making.

CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, inaugurates a series of 10 ships, each named after emblematic French heritage landmarks, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028. These vessels will be progressively deployed across the world’s major maritime trade routes, continuing CMA CGM’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in global shipping.

The development of the new L-Class heavy lift transportation vessels, each with a 25,000 DWT capacity, has been an in-house endeavor by Jumbo. This practice allows the company to continuously integrate lessons learned from previous projects into successive vessel generations, ensuring an ongoing evolution of its fleet’s capabilities. The L-Class vessels are designed with energy efficiency and methanol readiness in mind, aligning with modern maritime sustainability goals.

Each of the new Jumbo L-Class heavy lift vessels will be equipped with two Huisman 1,200-tonne Heavy Lift Cranes. This configuration will provide an impressive combined lifting capacity of 2,400 tonnes per vessel, significantly enhancing Jumbo’s ability to undertake complex projects. The first vessel is slated for delivery in 2028, with the second to follow in 2029.

Jumbo’s commitment to meeting evolving market demands is evident in the design of these L-Class vessels. They are engineered for optimal flexibility and efficiency, featuring high deck strength, an expansive open deck area, substantial cargo capacity, a deep cargo hold, and advanced lifting performance. This combination is Jumbo’s strategic response to a market requiring increased lifting capacity coupled with greater cargo intake.

Built in strict compliance with DNV classification standards and adhering to modern clean-energy shipping requirements, the L-Class vessels are poised to support operations across Jumbo’s key markets. These sectors include offshore wind, oil and gas, mining, and any other specialized marine heavy lift needs.

The introduction of these new Jumbo L-Class heavy lift transportation vessels will see them join the JSI Alliance fleet. The JSI Alliance, established in 2021 as a commercial partnership between Jumbo and SAL, has expanded its reach with the addition of SAL Intermarine in 2024. This alliance now boasts a combined fleet of over 80 vessels, catering to the global project cargo, energy, industrial, and infrastructure markets.

Peter de Bree, CEO of Jumbo, said,”We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Dajin and building outstanding vessels together.”

Dajin Heavy Industry commented on the significance of the contract, saying, “This contract marks the beginning of a long-term industrial collaboration between our companies, with opportunities to expand into broader cooperation across offshore vessel construction, offshore wind engineering and deep-sea equipment services.”

The core objective of this feasibility study is to evaluate various aspects critical for AAM implementation. This includes assessing potential AAM routes, identifying suitable cooperative airspace areas, and examining the necessary infrastructure such as Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems, along with vertiports and airports. The analysis will demonstrate the viability of safe and efficient AAM operations for both piloted and remotely piloted aerial vehicles, laying the groundwork for a future where Automated Flight Rules for AAM are standard.

The initiative is designed to address operations across different flight rule categories, starting with VFR and IFR, and progressively advancing towards a framework for fully autonomous flight under AFR. This approach is modeled on Boeing’s established Concept of Operations for Automated Flight Rules, focusing on medium-density, medium-complexity operations that utilize collaborative and responsible automated systems. The ambition is to create a scalable and future-ready AAM ecosystem.

Captain Sulaiman Almuhaimedi, Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, highlighted the importance of this step. He stated that the activation of the MoU and the launch of this analysis represent a crucial advancement toward enabling a safe, scalable, and future-ready Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. He further emphasized GACA’s dedication to fostering innovation while upholding the highest safety and operational standards. The collaboration with Boeing Saudi Arabia, SkyGrid, and KAUST is seen as instrumental in advancing the GACA AAM Roadmap by developing practical regulatory and operational frameworks that will shape the future of air mobility and align with the National Strategy of Transportation and Logistics Services (NTLS).

A key component of the analysis involves a comprehensive Gap Analysis. This process will identify the essential air, ground, and air traffic management technologies and infrastructure enablers required to support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and autonomous aircraft operations. The findings from this gap analysis will culminate in the creation of an Infrastructure and Technology Roadmap, designed to facilitate the scaling of operations from VFR and IFR to AFR across the Kingdom. Furthermore, the study will define the roles and responsibilities of various AAM operational stakeholders and propose necessary regulatory adjustments to ensure seamless integration of AAM systems into existing air traffic management frameworks.

Asaad Aljomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia, said, “Through collaboration with GACA, SkyGrid, and KAUST, we aim to support the implementation of the GACA AAM Roadmap by developing actionable technology, operational, and regulatory recommendations that will help enable safe, scalable, and next-generation AAM operations across the Kingdom.”

The feasibility analysis will significantly benefit from SkyGrid’s specialized expertise in digital operations and AAM traffic management. This includes leveraging their advanced capabilities in traffic surveillance, micro-weather intelligence, vertiport resource management, and GNSS spoofing detection technologies. These tools are vital for ensuring reliable situational awareness, resilient positioning, and intelligent airspace and aerodrome management, which are fundamental to safe autonomous aircraft operations.

Jia Xu, CEO of SkyGrid, said, “This feasibility analysis will help define how advanced automation and cooperative traffic management can enable safe, scalable AAM operations across increasingly complex airspace environments creating a pathway from today’s Visual and Instrument Flight Rules toward fully Automated Flight Rules in the future.”

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), having previously signed an MoU with SkyGrid to advance AAM technologies and operations in Saudi Arabia, will contribute its extensive research and technical expertise. KAUST’s involvement is crucial for providing the scientific foundations that will underpin the analysis.

“Together with Boeing Saudi Arabia, SkyGrid, and GACA, we will help validate the operational concepts and technical infrastructure needed to ensure the Kingdom’s AAM ecosystem meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” said Dr. Ian Campbell, Senior Vice President of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST.

The comprehensive output of this project will include a baseline assessment and a key gap analysis. This will provide invaluable input for the effective implementation and advancement of the GACA AAM Roadmap, ultimately enabling safe, scalable, and efficient Advanced Air Mobility operations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This high-level engagement was aimed at fostering stronger Sudanese-Chinese collaboration in key sectors including ports, infrastructure development, and maritime transport. A primary objective was to explore potential partnership opportunities between Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation and CHEC, with a specific focus on advancing port development and modernization initiatives. Enhancing logistics services and undertaking the rehabilitation of infrastructure vital to maritime transport were also central themes.

The meeting for maritime infrastructure cooperation highlighted Sudan’s considerable potential, particularly within its seaports sector. The nation’s advantageous strategic position along the Red Sea offers substantial opportunities to bolster its role as a pivotal regional hub for transportation, trade, and comprehensive logistics services.

Engineer Jilani articulated Sudan’s keen interest in harnessing the advanced expertise that Chinese companies, such as CHEC, possess in port construction and management. He acknowledged CHEC’s impressive track record of successful projects, both regionally and internationally, positioning the company as a valuable strategic partner for Sudan’s forthcoming development endeavors.

Bai Yingjiang, representing China Harbour Engineering Company, conveyed appreciation for the enduring historical ties between China and Sudan. He also lauded the robust relationship that exists between CHEC and the Sudanese Sea Ports Corporation. Yingjiang affirmed CHEC’s strong interest in deepening this cooperation with Sudan and actively evaluating avenues for participation in critical maritime infrastructure projects. Such involvement, he noted, would serve mutual interests and provide substantial support to Sudan’s economic development initiatives.

The discussions encompassed an in-depth review of both ongoing and prospective projects. This extensive dialogue reflected a mutual desire to solidify existing cooperation and to broaden its scope towards more ambitious future undertakings. Both sides underscored the necessity of sustained coordination in the ensuing period to identify further concrete opportunities for collaboration within the ports and maritime infrastructure domain.

China Harbour Engineering Company further conveyed its readiness to support the execution of joint projects and to expand the partnership with the Sudanese entities. This commitment is intended to contribute significantly to Sudan’s ongoing development and reconstruction efforts, reinforcing the bilateral commitment to progress.