WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao became the center of the Caribbean maritime industry this month as the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), hosted by the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), concluded the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC 2026).
The three-day conference, held from May 17 to 19, brought together more than 300 delegates, shipping executives, port authorities and maritime professionals from across the Caribbean region.
Curaçao's Governor speaking at the conference
The event focused on the operational, digital and strategic future of the Caribbean maritime sector at a time when regional ports and shipping industries are facing growing pressure from global trade changes, digital transformation and geopolitical developments.
The conference officially opened with addresses from Governor Mauritsz de Kort, Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper, CSA Chairman William Brown, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras and CPA Director Humberto de Castro.
Business sessions throughout the conference focused on regional resilience, digitalization, artificial intelligence, intra-Caribbean trade, maritime security and the future role of ports as energy and logistics hubs.
Participants also discussed regional initiatives aimed at strengthening trade coordination, improving information-sharing and increasing long-term infrastructure resilience throughout the Caribbean.
Participants at the conference
According to organizers, the conference highlighted the growing importance of Caribbean ports not only as shipping gateways, but also as strategic economic and energy centers within the wider region.
In addition to the formal conference sessions, delegates participated in networking activities and a guided port tour showcasing Curaçao’s maritime infrastructure and harbor operations.
The event also provided an opportunity for regional stakeholders to discuss cooperation amid increasing global competition and supply chain disruptions affecting international shipping.
During the closing session, the Caribbean Shipping Association announced that the 25th edition of the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference in 2027 will be hosted by Guadeloupe.