CSA’s 55th AGM, Conference and Exhibition draws over 300 executives to Paramaribo

MORE THAN 300 of the region’s leading shipping executives will gather for the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 55th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibitionin Paramaribo, Suriname from October 12-14.

The event is the premier assembly of maritime and logistics leaders in the region and will feature three days of high-level discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

The conference agenda reflects the urgent realities and challenges shaping the maritime industry, focusing on volatility, resilience, and transformation. Highlighting the importance of these discussions, CSA President William Brown noted, “This year’s conference will not shy away from the critical questions we face regarding geopolitical uncertainty, climate resilience, and the urgent need to modernise our port infrastructure. Sessions on digital transformation, decarbonisation, and intra-Caribbean connectivity will allow us to examine practical solutions that can strengthen supply chain reliability and competitiveness.

“What excites me most is that these conversations are not theoretical; they speak directly to the future of our ports, our workforce, and our ability to position the Caribbean as an indispensable link in global trade,” he said.

The Paramaribo conference will also honour industry excellence with two signature awards at the Gala Banquet. The Nathan Dundas Cruise Port of the Year Award recognises ports showing outstanding progress and innovation across multiple areas, while the long-standing Ludlow Stewart Container Port Competition highlights measurable gains in berth efficiency, productivity, safety, and security.

CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras highlighted both the significance of the staging and the CSA’s readiness to deliver.

“Hosting our 55th AGM and Conference in Suriname is a milestone that reflects how far the CSA has come in uniting the region’s maritime stakeholders. Welcoming more than 300 delegates from over 200 companies and more than 30countries is no small task, but it speaks to the strength of our network and the trust our members place in us. Beyond the logistics, this gathering is about creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue and partnerships that will help shape the Caribbean shipping industry,” she said.

Adding to the vibrancy of the gathering, more than a dozen exhibitors will showcase innovations and solutions central to the future of shipping and logistics. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with organisations such as NV Havenbeheer Suriname, VSH United, Kalmar, Liebherr, Mantsinen, Boxloader, Dordt, the Maritime Authority of Suriname, Sennebogen, Scandia Gear, Rudisa Shipping, RORO Shipping, SHATA, and the Suriname Business Association. Together, these exhibitors will provide a wide-ranging look at the technologies, equipment, and services driving transformation across the maritime sector.

To learn more or register for the CSA’s 55th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, visit conference.caribbeanshipping.org.