Hosted by:
Coastlink Conference Programme, 6-7 May 2026
The short sea shipping & sustainable logistics network
Coastlink is a neutral pan-European network dedicated to the promotion of short sea feeder shipping and the intermodal transport networks through the ports that support the sector.
| Day One - Wednesday 6th May | |
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08:15 |
Coffee & Registration |
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09:00 |
Chairman’s Welcome Nick Lambert, Co-Founder and Director, NLA International Ltd |
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09:10 |
Port Welcome Address Andrew Dawes, Regional Director – Humber Region, ABP |
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09:25 |
Gold Sponsor Address Port of Bilbao |
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SESSION ONE: 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. |
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09:40 |
Nils Minor, Director Freight Sales, West & Southern Europe, P&O Ferrymasters |
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09:55 |
Stephen Carr, Group Commercial Director, Peel Ports Group |
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10:10 |
Speaker to be confirmed. |
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10:25 |
Speaker to be confirmed |
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10:40 |
Q&A |
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10:55 |
Coffee & Networking |
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11:25 |
PANEL: GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION IN RORO SHIPPING, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SERVICE MODELS What are the major RoRo terminal investment projects, innovative service delivery models, and infrastructure developments designed to meet evolving shipper demands and operational requirements? |
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Panellists include: |
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| 12:30 | Lunch & Networking |
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SESSION TWO: 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? |
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13:50 |
Tracy Jin, Business Development Manager, Port of Esbjerg |
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14:05 |
Richard Newton, Client Director, Integrated Sales, Automotive Maersk Logistics and Services UK&I |
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14:20 |
Justin Atkin, UK & Ireland Representative, Port of Antwerp-Bruges |
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14:35 |
Speaker to be confirmed |
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14:50 |
Q&A |
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15:15 |
Day 1 wrap-up by chair (pre-port tour) |
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15:25 |
Coffee & Networking |
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16:00 |
Port Tour ABP will welcome delegates to a tour of ABP on the Humber in Hull. Full details to be confirmed. Delegates will be returned to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull. and have approx 1 hour of free time prior to the dinner. |
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19:00 |
Evening Drinks Reception & Conference Dinner The Deep Aquarium, Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP The official networking dinner for Coastlink 2026 will take place at The Deep, Hull’s award-winning aquarium and one of the UK’s most spectacular visitor attractions. With Associated British Ports (ABP) the Humber as host port for Coastlink 2026, The Deep provides a fitting venue that on showcases Hull’s maritime identity and commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community. |
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| Day Two - Thursday 7th May | |
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08:45 |
Welcome Coffee |
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09:15 |
Chairman’s Welcome Nick Lambert, Co-Founder and Director, NLA International Ltd |
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SESSION THREE: 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? |
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09:30 |
Johan-Paul Verschuure, Maritime Entrepreneur – Director/Partner, Rebel Ports and Logistics |
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09:50 |
Speaker to be confirmed |
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10:05 |
Q&A |
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SESSION FOUR: 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. |
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10:15 |
Finding the Data Capture Sweet Spot The presentation highlights finding the “Data Capture Sweet Spot” — balancing the effort of real-time data collection with the operational efficiencies and business improvements it delivers. Chris Hicks, Managing Director, TBA Doncaster |
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10:30 |
The Role of ITS in Digital Green Corridors Tim Morris, Principle Engineer, ARUP |
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10:45 |
Theresa Huang, Public Sector Account Manager, Amazon Web Services |
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11:00 |
Speaker to be confirmed |
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11:20 |
Q&A |
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11;40 |
Coffee & Networking |
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12:10 |
PANEL: 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. |
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Panellists include: George S Macleod, Managing Director, Highland Shipping Company ABP |
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13:10 |
Conference Wrap Up - Chair |
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13:20 |
Lunch & Networking |
If you are interested in viewing previous Coastlink programmes, we have a selection below:
2022:
2021:
2019
Southampton - 12-13 June 2019
2012
Dublin - 24 May
2011
Hamburg - 19-20 April
Liverpool - 15-16 June
Bilbao - 6-7 October
To submit a paper contact see our Call for Papers page. To book a place at the conference please visit the Delegate Bookings page, or to register your interest, please contact:
Events Team on +44 1329 825335 or email info@coastlink.co.uk
