The IAMC online conference titled "How Diverse Maritime Clusters Can Collaborate" was held on November 2, 2026. This event, attended by over 200 representatives from the global maritime industries, addressed common challenges and the need to create a stronger voice for regional maritime communities.
Existing Challenges and the Need for Collaboration
Peter Sharpe, President of IAMC, opened the conference by highlighting the pressures created by changes in trade flows, geopolitical uncertainties, carbon reduction, and skills gaps. He stated, "Everything is felt locally, but it cannot be solved locally." This speech emphasized the importance of collaboration among clusters to tackle common challenges and protect business interests.
Speakers emphasized that competition for contracts and investments should not hinder the sharing of knowledge, training methods, and experiences with new technologies. Protecting sensitive business information is essential for building trust in these collaborations.
Practical Suggestions and Opportunities
During the conference, suggestions were made for joint access to testing facilities and creating exchanges between clusters to assist small businesses. Joshua Berger, President and CEO of Maritime Blue, pointed out the opportunities available for sharing access to testing facilities. Additionally, Gonzalo Santos from Forum Oceano in Portugal proposed cluster exchanges to connect small businesses with testing opportunities and report results within 12 months.
Claudia Grant, Deputy Director-General of the Jamaica Maritime Authority, suggested mapping the various capabilities of clusters to make identifying potential partnerships easier. Caribbean collaboration in maritime training and the potential for cooperation in alternative fuels demonstrate how to build on the complementary strengths of neighboring countries.
Speakers also referred to effective cluster structures that should be relevant to local conditions. Ruth Wood, Executive Director of Mersey Maritime, emphasized that "the cluster model is not one size fits all" and highlighted the importance of regional expertise and skills.
The "Talent Without Borders" panel addressed topics of attraction, retention, and lifelong learning in the maritime industry. Participants called for clearer pathways between sea and shore, closer connections between employers and trainers, and greater recognition of individuals transitioning from other professions into the maritime industry.
Andreas Haji-Petro, CEO of Columbia Group, stressed the importance of improving seafarers' living conditions, family connections, and career development, stating, "Outcomes should be measured not by aspirations, but by actual actions." This conference focused on creating practical proposals such as joint access to trials and closer educational collaborations, emphasizing the need to turn new connections into projects whose results can be showcased in future meetings.
