The Captain’s Table, the maritime industry’s leading startup competition, is back—and scaling up. The 2026 LIVE Finals will take place in Hong Kong on Thursday, 19 November 2026, following a key stop in Hamburg. This year’s flagship event lands at the brand-new Cyberport 5 Hall, setting the stage for the most dynamic edition yet.

Marking the 10-year anniversary of Hong Kong Maritime Week, the 2026 Finals will combine a high-stakes live startup showdown with an anniversary cocktail reception on a sea-view terrace. Expect a powerful mix of founders, investors, and industry leaders from across the globe, all converging to spotlight the ideas redefining shipping.

Applications are now open on for startups and scaleups building the future of maritime. Apply via the Captain’s Table website

A Message from the Co-Founder

Reflecting on the significance of this year's event, Tabitha Logan, Co-Founder of The Captain's Table,  said:

"The shipping industry stands at a genuine turning point. For centuries, we have moved the world's goods across the oceans — but today, the pace of technological change is rewriting what's possible on every voyage. From decarbonisation and digitalisation to AI-driven operations, the innovations emerging right now will define the next generation of maritime.

This year's Captain's Table is more important than ever. As the industry embraces technology at a speed we've never seen before, we have a responsibility to nurture the founders bold enough to challenge the status quo. Our mission has always been to give these entrepreneurs a seat at the table — connecting fresh thinking with the experience, capital, and networks that turn ideas into impact.

To every founder with a bold idea for shipping: this is your moment. Bring us your vision, and let's build the future of maritime together. I cannot wait to see what our community creates in Hong Kong."

Event Details

The Captain’s Table 2026 LIVE Finals
Thursday, 19 November 2026 | From 3:30 PM
Cyberport 5 Hall, Hong Kong

Live startup competition followed by the #HKMW 10-Year Anniversary Cocktail Celebration

Applications are now open: The Captain's Table - Participant Application Form

With Thanks to Our Sponsors

The Captain’s Table 2026 is made possible by the support of its partners:

Diamond Sponsors: Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board | HFW
Platinum Sponsors: KC Maritime | Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
Gold Sponsors: CMB Wing Lung Insurance | CMHOULDER Insurance Brokers | China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. | Valles Steamship Company, Limited
Cocktail Sponsor: Gard AS
Silver Sponsors: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) | Anglo-Eastern | Cetus Maritime | Chellaram Shipping Pvt. Ltd. | Fairmont Shipping (HK) Ltd | Fleet Management Limited | Gard AS | Invest Hong Kong | Gulf Marine | LISCR – The Liberian Registry | Lloyd’s Register | Portline Global | Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co. (H.K.) Limited | StormGeo | Veson Nautical | Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited | Wallem Group | The West of England
Media Partners: Xinde Marine News | Splash Maritime Group | SplashTech

About The Captain’s Table

The Captain’s Table is a global startup competition accelerating innovation across the maritime industry. By connecting entrepreneurs with industry leaders, investors, and strategic partners, it champions the ideas shaping the future of shipping.