Caribbean shipping leaders open conference in Curaçao - Focus on collaboration, innovation and regional progress

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao:

The 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) opened on Monday with a clear message: the future of Caribbean shipping will depend on stronger partnerships, practical innovation, and a shared commitment to shaping a more resilient regional industry.

Held from May 17 to 19 at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, the conference brings together port leaders, shipping executives, policymakers, and technology experts from across the Caribbean and beyond. As the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA’s) flagship annual event, this year’s conference is co-hosted by the Curaçao Ports Authority and centres on strengthening regional connectivity while preparing the sector for a rapidly evolving global landscape.

CSA General Manager Milaika Capella-Ras opened proceedings with reflections that blended personal significance with optimism for the future. Nearly a decade ago, in 2017, she helped organise CSEC as part of the Curaçao Ports Authority team when the island last hosted the event. This year, she returned to the stage representing the association itself.

“Today, to stand here again, this time representing the CSA, and welcoming all of you to my home country, is both humbling and deeply special,” she said.

Her remarks highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities facing the Caribbean maritime sector. While acknowledging challenges such as climate resilience, global supply chain disruption, and infrastructure demands, she pointed to several initiatives already advancing solutions, including collaboration with the World Bank on regional transport connectivity, research with the Inter-American Development Bank on energy transition, and the development of the Caribbean Trade Observatory to improve regional data visibility and support informed decision-making.

“The question is whether we will shape that change together,” she said.

CSA President William Brown reinforced the importance of collective action in navigating a changing operating environment shaped by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and growing sustainability expectations. He encouraged delegates to view the Caribbean’s interconnectedness not as a limitation, but as a foundation for stronger regional collaboration.

Addressing participants, he challenged them to approach the conference with purpose.

“Listen with the intention to act. Disagree where you must. Build where you can. And leave here not just informed, but committed.”

Among those in attendance was Curaçao’s Governor Mauritsz J. de Kort, who welcomed delegates and expressed appreciation for the island once again serving as host to one of the region’s most important maritime gatherings.

Humberto de Castro, managing director of the Curaçao Ports Authority, reflected on the progress already made within the sector while emphasising continued opportunities to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen collective impact.

The importance of partnership was echoed by Charles Cooper, minister of traffic, transport and urban planning, who underscored the role of collaboration in advancing a stronger Caribbean shipping ecosystem.

“Implementation, real partnerships, and real action is what is important,” he told delegates. “The benefits of working together are a stronger, more connected, and more prepared region.”

The opening ceremony also celebrated leadership and service within the industry, including recognition of members marking five years of dedicated contribution to the association. A special presentation honoured Roland Malin-Smith for his distinguished leadership as chairman of the Port Award Committee from 2020 to 2026. The citation recognised his role in strengthening the integrity and prestige of the association’s Port Awards Programme. CSA Vice President Maria del Mar Rodriguez delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme ahead reflects many of the priorities shaping the future of Caribbean shipping. Sessions explore maritime security and the protection of critical trade routes, the practical application of AI and emerging technologies in shipping operations, the evolving role of ports as energy hubs, and strategies for improving intra-Caribbean trade connectivity.

Delegates will also participate in a tour of Curaçao’s port facilities before the conference concludes with a gala banquet.

For Brown, the significance of the gathering extends beyond the discussions themselves.

“The future of Caribbean shipping will be written by the decisions we make and the alliances we forge in rooms like this one,” he said.

As conversations continue over the coming days, the focus remains on how regional collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition can help shape a more connected and resilient Caribbean maritime industry.

CSEC 2026 is co-hosted by the Caribbean Shipping Association and the Curaçao Ports Authority.