Share your insights at Coastlink 2026
Building on the momentum of our successful 2025 conference, we now invite prospective speakers to submit their abstracts for consideration. Coastlink 2026 promises an exciting and thought-provoking programme, spanning two days of expert-led sessions and dynamic panel discussions focused on the future of short-sea shipping and multimodal operations.
Taking place 6-7th May on the Humber, Coastlink 2026 will be the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to meet and discuss future market opportunities, economic and environmental challenges and develop partnerships that will help build a sustainable future.
Please see the topics call for papers below:
Topics
Topics for the 2026 event:
- Securing Maritime & Port Operations: Policy, Regulation and Technical Initiatives - Examine the latest policy developments shaping maritime security, with a particular focus on the new European Port Strategy and its implications for economic growth, energy security, and operational resilience. How are ports and short sea shipping lines adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks while implementing innovative contraband prevention technologies?
- Sustainable & Resilient Distribution for Supply Chain Requirements - Explore innovative approaches to streamlining distribution networks that meet demanding sustainability requirements while maintaining the reliability of feeder short-sea services. A look at the evolving role of shipping routes as “motorways of the sea,” the impact of changing funding structures on route viability, and strategies for building resilient, environmentally responsible distribution networks. How are operators managing schedule integrity amid increasing European port congestion?
- Growth and Transformation in RoRo Shipping, Infrastructure, and Service Models - Analyse current market dynamics driving transformation in RoRo operations. Examine the accelerating trend toward unaccompanied trailer services, evolving automotive transport patterns, and adaptive strategies for changing market conditions. What are the major RoRo terminal investment projects, innovative service delivery models, and infrastructure developments designed to meet evolving shipper demands and operational requirements?
- AI, Digitalisation and Value Creation from Data - Investigate the practical implementation of emerging technologies in port and shipping operations. How are artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced analytics creating measurable operational improvements? A look at vessel arrival and departure optimisation systems, predictive maintenance applications, data-driven decision making, and the quantifiable benefits of digital transformation initiatives in short sea shipping environments.
- Navigating Trade Policy & Market Volatility: Managing Uncertainty in a Tariff Era - Address the multifaceted challenges confronting the short sea shipping sector in an increasingly volatile global trade environment. How are operators developing resilience against tariff-related cargo disruptions, climate change impacts, and broader market instability? What are the risk mitigation strategies, adaptive business models, and policy recommendations for managing uncertainty while maintaining service reliability.
- Port-Centric Logistics & Inland Waterway Distribution - Examine trends in logistics network expansion, vertical integration, and the evolving balance of power in inland distribution systems. How can container barge operations be optimised alongside existing intermodal networks to maximise efficiency and capacity? A look at growth opportunities for inland waterway transport, integration strategies that enhance competitive positioning, and innovative approaches to port-hinterland connectivity.
Submissions
Submission of abstracts deadline for Coastlink 2026 is Tuesday 30th September.
To be considered, submit your 250–300-word abstract, along with a short biography and headshot photo, to Ellie Minshull by 30th September 2025.
Email submissions to: eminshull@mercatormedia.com
For enquiries, call: +44 1329 825335
Coastlink brings together the EU & UK communities of ports and port authorities, shipping lines, agents, and shippers, together with multimodal and logistics experts, cargo handlers, terminal operators, industry associations and freight forwarders. All with a common goal to increase collaboration and efficiency in global supply chains.
For information on attending, or sponsoring Coastlink 2025 please call the team on +44 1329 825335 or email info@coastlink.co.uk.
Follow the event on Twitter: @coastlinkconf
Follow the event on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coastlinkconference/
