Bringing together policymakers, shipowners, commodity traders, energy companies, financiers and maritime professionals, the World Maritime Merchants Forum – Xinde Marine Forum Hong Kong 2026 will take place on 17 November, addressing some of the shipping industry's most pressing commercial and strategic questions.

As Hong Kong prepares to welcome the global maritime community for Hong Kong Maritime Week 2026, Xinde Marine News is set to host one of its major industry gatherings of the year: the World Maritime Merchants Forum – Xinde Marine Forum Hong Kong 2026, on 17 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Running from 15 to 21 November, the tenth edition of Hong Kong Maritime Week carries the theme “Trusted Resilience Powering Global Maritime Trade”, bringing together international industry leaders and professionals for a week of conferences, discussions and networking.

Against this backdrop, the Xinde Marine Forum will focus on the connections between three forces shaping the future of shipping: trade, energy and capital.

Under the theme “Connecting Trade, Energy and Capital”, the forum will provide a platform for practical discussions on commodity trading, shipping demand, alternative marine fuels, investment strategies and the outlook for global shipping markets in 2027.

A strong line-up of industry leaders

The forum will open with remarks by Vic Yau Cheuk Hang, JP, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

This will be followed by a keynote address from Wang Yongxin, President of China Merchants Energy Shipping Company Limited, entitled “Reshaping Global Shipping: Resilience and Value in a Changing World”.

The speaker line-up also includes senior representatives from the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, Invest Hong Kong, The Caravel Group, Wah Kwong, INTERCARGO, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Anglo-Eastern, RINA, Towngas and other major industry organisations.

The programme is designed to bring together perspectives from across the maritime value chain, connecting shipowners and operators with policymakers, fuel suppliers, financiers, technical experts and professional service providers.

Four discussions addressing the industry's key questions

The afternoon programme will feature four major panel discussions.

Commodity Trading & Shipping

The opening panel will examine the relationship between commodity flows, shipping demand, freight markets, trade finance and global supply chains.

With participation from industry figures including Angad Banga, JP, Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group; Amy Chan, JP, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government; Dimitris Monioudis, Chairman of INTERCARGO's Technical and Operations Committee; and Zhou Jianfeng, Managing Director of Wah Kwong, the discussion will explore how changes in international trade are influencing shipping requirements and commercial strategies.

Green Maritime Fuel Hub

As Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its position as a regional centre for green marine fuel bunkering and trading, the second panel will examine the practical requirements of maritime decarbonisation.

Moderated by Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, the discussion will bring together representatives from Towngas, Anglo-Eastern, the Hong Kong Marine Department, RINA and Pacific Basin Shipping.

Key questions include fuel availability, bunkering infrastructure, regulatory readiness and the practical challenges shipowners face when adopting alternative marine fuels.

The programme will also feature technical presentations on the development of ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers and integrated solutions for the lifecycle cost control and safety assurance of mooring ropes.

Shipping Finance & Investment

The third panel will explore the growing role of capital in fleet renewal, asset allocation and the industry's energy transition.

Moderated by Peter Lee, Partner at Stephenson Harwood, the session will bring together representatives from shipping investment, financial leasing, mutual insurance and ship trading.

Discussion will focus on how shipowners, financiers, leasing companies and investors are responding to changing asset values, regulatory developments, geopolitical uncertainty and new investment opportunities across shipping sectors.

Shipping Market Outlook 2027

The closing panel will look ahead to the next phase of the global shipping cycle.

Moderated by Woon Aw Yong, Director of Asia at Maritime Strategies International (MSI), the discussion will feature perspectives from Wallem Group, China Shipbuilding Consulting Company, Heidmar Maritime Holdings and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).

The panel will examine fleet supply and demand, newbuilding deliveries, fleet renewal, trade disruptions, geopolitical risks and changing commodity and energy flows.

A separate presentation, “Better Together: Arbitration and Mediation”, will also examine the evolving relationship between arbitration and mediation in international commercial disputes.

Connecting the global maritime community

Beyond the individual sessions, the forum aims to create opportunities for meaningful exchange between different parts of the international maritime industry.

For shipowners, the discussions offer perspectives on market developments, fleet investment and fuel transition. For commodity traders and energy companies, they provide an opportunity to examine how changing trade patterns and fuel supply chains are reshaping shipping demand. For financial institutions and investors, the programme addresses the capital requirements and commercial risks associated with the next investment cycle.

The forum will also welcome younger professionals and students interested in the future of the maritime industry.

Xinde Marine News looks forward to welcoming industry leaders, partners and maritime professionals from around the world to Hong Kong for an afternoon of discussion, knowledge sharing and networking.

Event Details

• Event: World Maritime Merchants Forum – Xinde Marine Forum Hong Kong 2026

• Date: 17 November 2026 (Tuesday)

• Time: 13:00–19:30

• Venue: Room S421, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

• Theme: Connecting Trade, Energy and Capital

• Organiser: Xinde Marine News

• Format: In-person

• Language: English

Programme and Registration:
https://www.xindemarine.com/HongKong2026.html