Asia Pacific Maritime 2026 drops anchor in Singapore as shipping charts a course towards decarbonisation

Singapore has been ranked the world’s top maritime centre for twelve consecutive years, and that position will be on full display this March as the city hosts the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026 exhibition and conference. Held at Marina Bay Sands from 25 to 27 March, the event will bring together more than 700 exhibitors across six exhibition halls, underscoring Singapore’s role as a regional and global hub for maritime activity.

Under the theme “Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow”, APM 2026 centres on the technologies expected to shape the next phase of the maritime industry’s evolution.

Across the exhibition floor, solutions related to alternative fuels, electric and hybrid technologies, wind-assisted propulsion, and other decarbonisation and efficiency strategies will take centre stage, reflecting the industry’s accelerating push towards lower-emission operations.

One new feature this year is the Electric and Hybrid Consultation Lounge, introduced in response to growing industry consensus that electrification is among the most efficient pathways to reducing emissions at sea without compromising operational reliability. Designed as a practical touchpoint, the lounge will connect shipowners and operators with experts from key industry stakeholders, who will offer guidance on how electrification and hybrid systems can be deployed.

In addition to electrification, wind propulsion is also re-emerging as a popular option for deep-sea shipping. According to the International Windship Association, the trade association for wind power in shipping, there are indications that up to 130 vessels fitted with wind-propulsion systems are currently under construction, with delivery expected by 2028.

In line with this renewed interest, APM 2026 will spotlight renewable wind solutions aimed at future fleets, with exhibitors from around the world, such as Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Econowind BV and Norsepower Oy Ltd.

The conference side

Running in parallel with the exhibition, APM 2026’s conference programme will feature close to 100 global speakers addressing topics ranging from green energy technologies and autonomous ships to risk management and insurance. A series of panels and fireside chats will take place over the three days, offering attendees perspectives on both near-term challenges and longer-term structural shifts facing the maritime sector.

The event will open with a welcome address by Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Additionally, one of the conference highlights is the keynote panel, “The Maritime State of Play & What’s Next for Asia”, which will bring together industry leaders to examine how decarbonisation, digitalisation and shifting trade flows could reshape the sector over the next decade.

“As the demand for shipping grows, it becomes clear that digitalisation plays a crucial role beyond a tool for efficiency,” said keynote panellist Joey Chua, Vice-Chair of the Digitalisation Committee, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA).

“Leveraging digital tools becomes a key factor in capability-building, and for real progress to be made, adoption needs to happen across the maritime ecosystem, involving key stakeholders such as shipowners, port operators, regulatory bodies and more. I look forward to the discussions at APM that will explore the practical pathways to accelerate the adoption of digital tools, while remaining commercially viable, within Asia’s maritime community.”