MALDIVES MARITIME CONFERENCE
Welcome to the official website of the Maldives Maritime Conference — the nation's premier platform for maritime dialogue, collaboration, and strategic development.
Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, this year's conference continues to bring together leading stakeholders, experts, and professionals from across the global maritime community. Hosted by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), MMC 2026 remains a vital arena for informed discussions, knowledge exchange, and innovation-driven partnership building.
The conference will convene international and local policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and practitioners to explore key challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the maritime future of the Maldives. Through keynote sessions, expert panels, and networking engagements, MMC 2026 will highlight themes such as port development, maritime security, sustainability, digital transformation, and regional connectivity.
Join us as we foster meaningful dialogue, spark new ideas, and strengthen collaboration to support a resilient and forward-looking maritime sector in the Maldives and the wider region.
KEY AREAS OF THE CONFERENCE
Emerging Maritime Threats
Port & Ship Security
Regional & Local Perspective
Maritime Law & International Corporation
Safety at Sea & Emergency ResponsePARTICIPANTS & STAKEHOLDERS
Maritime Government Agencies / Authorities
Shipbuilding & Ship Repairs
Shipping Logistics & Ports
Environmental Protection Bodies / Agencies
MALDIVES MARITIME INDUSTRY
The Maldives plays a crucial role in the global maritime network, with a diverse industry including shipping, fishing, marine tourism, port management, and logistics. Fishing, especially in tuna fisheries, is a traditional economic pillar known for sustainability. The nations marine tourism sector attracts global visitors, contributing significantly to economic growth. Embracing sustainable development, the Maldives prioritizes innovative technologies for responsible resource management and environmental conservation in its maritime operations.
MALDIVES PORTS LIMITED
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Maldives Ports Limited is the key trade gateway for the Maldives, efficiently managing cargo to foster economic growth. Guided by a commitment to excellence and aligned with national objectives, MPL facilitates seamless trade operations, ensuring secure movement of goods through our port. With a vision for sustainability, MPL aims to be a model of responsible maritime practices, preserving the environment and actively engaging with local communities of the country.
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
To express interest or explore partnership opportunities, please contact:
Conference Speakers
Brigadior General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim
Director General
Department of International Defence Cooperation Ministry of Defence
Captain Ahmed Zubair
Deputy Managing Director
Maldives State Shipping Company
Dr. Captain Esat Güzel
(Ret.) Maritime Expert
Ministry of Transportation Turkey
Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob
Founder and Executive Chairman
Netherlands Maritime University College
Ms. Chloe Rowland
Senior Manager
Data Collaboration | Risk & Resilience IAPH
Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed
Defence Advisor of Maldives to
The United Kingdom & The Republic of Türkiye Maldives National Defence Force
Dr. Athaullah Rasheed
Head of the Centre for Security & Strategic Studies
The Maldives National University
Dr Azmath Jaleel
Member: Governing Board of the International Ocean Institute, Malta
Honorary Lecturer: Cardiff University, United Kingdom Director: IOI Ocean Academy, Maldives
Mr. Sharishen Bin Redzuan Perpinder
General Manager of Health, Safety and Environment of Port
Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia
Mr. Mark Assaf
Chief Human Resources Development Section - TrainForTrade
Trade Logistics Branch, Division on Technology and Logistics UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Prof. Alaa Morsy
Dean of Port Training Institute | Maritime Research & Consultation Center
Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport
Dr. Chong-Ju Chae
Associate Professor
World Maritime University
Ms. Aishath Shimla
Chief Learning & Development Officer
Maldives Ports Limited
Mr. Hussain Nazeer
Director of Maritime Administration
Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation
Mr. Ibrahim Yasir
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation
EVENT AGENDA
VIPs & Invitees | Conference Participants Departure
Registration
Recitation of Holy Quran | MC
Opening Remarks - DCP (Rtd) Mohamed Rishwan, Chief Executive Officer of MPL
Keynote Address - Honourable Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation
BREAK
Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob, Netherlands Maritime University
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration in Maldives Maritime Development
Dr. Esat GÜZEL, TOBBUYUM
Maritime Law and International Cooperation
Dr. CHONG-JU CHAE - World Maritime University
Development of Maritime Technology and its impact on the Shipping Industry and International Conventions
Mr. Ibrahim Yasir, Deputy Minister - Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation
The 24m Rule (Boat vs Yacht vs Ship)
PANEL DISCUSSION Moderator: Ms. Chloe Rowland, IAPH Panelists: Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob » Dr.Esat GÜZEL Dr. CHONG-JU CHAE / Mr.Ibrahim Yasir
Capt. Ahmed Zubair - Maldives State Shipping
Institutional readiness, Operational protocols, Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Accident prevention on board ships and implementation of SOLAS: Gaps and Innovations
Ms. Aishath Shimla - Maldives Ports Limited
Strengthening Maritime Emergency Response in Small Island States: From Preparedness to Resilience
Mr. Mark Assaf UNCTAD
Future-Ready Ports: Navigating a New Maritime Era
PANEL DISCUSSION Moderator: Capt. Mohamed Zaid, Centre for Maritime Studies MNU Panelists: Mr. Mark Assaf / MS. Aishath Shimla / Capt. Ahmed Zubair
LUNCH BREAK | NETWORKING
Dr. Azmath Jaleel, Governing Board member of the International Ocean Institute, Malta
Regional and Local Perspectives - Maritime security and SIDS
Dr. Athaullah Rasheed, The Maldives National University
Regional and Local Perspectives: Enhancing Maritime Security in Small State by addressing the challenges at sea ports and monitoring the EEZ in archipelagic waters.
Brigadior General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, MNDF Coast Guard
Securing a Vast Maritime Domain with Limited Resources: An AI-driven Approach for Maldives
Dr. Alaa Morsy, AASTMT
Resilient Port Development: Adaptive Infrastructure and Regional Training Networks
PANEL DISCUSSION Moderator: Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob Panelists: Dr Azmath Jaleel / Dr. Athaullah Rasheed Brigadior General Dr.Hussain Ibrahim Dr. Alaa Morsy
BREAK / PRAYER
Mr.Sharishen Bin Redzuan Perpinder, Port of Tanjung Pelepas
Bridging Safety and Technology: Advancing IR 4.0 for a Safer Future
Mr. Hussain Nazeer - Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation
Access Control at Small Island Ports: Compliance Status vs Operational Reality
Ms. Chloe Rowland, IAPH
Cybersecurity
Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed, MNDF Coast Guard
Emerging Maritime Security Threats Facing the Maldives and the Indian Ocean
PANEL DISCUSSION Moderator: Dr. Azmath Jaleel Panelists: Mr.Sharishen Bin Redzuan Perpinder / Mr. Hussain Nazeer Ms. Chloe Rowland / Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed
Closing Remark - Ms. Aishath Shimla, Chief Learning and Development Officer
CLOSING CEREMONY
GALA DINNER
Conference Partners
