5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum set to address critical maritime challenges in April 2026

5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum set to address critical maritime challenges in April 2026
The Editorial Team February 27, 2026 https://safety4sea.com/5th-safety4sea-manila-forum-set-to-address-critic...

The 2026 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum, one of the region’s leading maritime safety and sustainability events, will take place as a full-day, non-profit forum on Thursday, 16 April 2026, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.

With its strong focus on safety, sustainability, and the human element, the 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum is set to be a landmark event for the maritime community, contributing to meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts that will help shape the future of global shipping.

The Philippines holds a vital position in the global maritime industry, recognized as one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers and a key maritime hub in Southeast Asia. With its highly skilled workforce, strong maritime education institutions, reputable shipbuilders, and well-established maritime service sector, the country offers a strategic setting for meaningful discussions on the future of shipping.

“The SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum serves as an essential gathering for maritime professionals, providing a collaborative environment to address safety, regulatory, and environmental challenges facing the industry,” said Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA.

Focus on a sustainable industry

Reflecting the industry’s growing focus on sustainability and resilience, the 2026 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum will place strong emphasis on crew welfare, safety culture, and sustainability issues.

Designed to encourage active participation, attendees can expect dynamic panel discussions, live Q&A sessions, and interactive dialogue that promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration across sectors.

The event will feature a prestigious lineup of maritime leaders, regulators, and subject-matter experts. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), highlighting policy developments, education, and the future of the maritime workforce.

Five panel discussions, moderated by Apo Belokas, will focus on:

Human factors in the new maritime landscape
Crew wellness and resilience – supporting the people at sea
Skills and training for future-ready seafarers
Seafarers’ voice – life, work, and expectations at sea
Experience transfer and best practices for a safer future

Notably, active seafarers will participate in the fourth panel, offering first-hand perspectives on life onboard, career opportunities and challenges, incentives to attract new talent, and the influence of emerging technologies on seafaring professions. Their insights are expected to provide valuable, real-world context to discussions on workforce sustainability.

The 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum is proudly sponsored by MacGregor and SQEMARINE (Lead Sponsors), along with the following organizations (in alphabetical order): Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD, Britannia Group, Capital Containers Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Containers”), Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”), Columbia Group, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) Inc., Dorian LPG, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd. (EASTMED), Latsco Shipping Limited, OneCare Group, RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, Sun Enterprises Ltd. and V.Group.

The event is further supported by: Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME), Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Maritime League, The Nautical Institute, PAEPI Global (Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. Global), Royal Institution.

In addition, FAS Maritime, The Manila Times, HarborScope, MARINO PH, Marino World and United Filippino Seafarers have joined as media partners and sponsors to enhance the forum’s visibility.

In line with SAFETY4SEA’s mission to promote education, transparency, and collaboration across the maritime industry, attendance is completely free for delegates. All event costs are covered by sponsors, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience of maritime professionals, students, and stakeholders.

The event is expected to attract approximately 450 participants from more than 180 organizations, bringing together maritime professionals from Safety, Technical, and Marine departments of shipping operators, as well as regulators, educators, and other key industry stakeholders.