European Maritime
Day 2026
Limassol, Cyprus
For the first time, Cyprus hosts the annual European Maritime Day conference. Join policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime professionals from across Europe to discuss the sustainable development of Europe's seas and oceans.
Event starts in
What is European Maritime Day?
European Maritime Day (EMD) is the annual meeting point for Europe's maritime community. Established by the European Commission in 2008, it brings together stakeholders to discuss the sustainable development of Europe's seas and oceans.
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone as Cyprus hosts for the first time, coinciding with its EU Council Presidency. Cyprus officially received the EMD 2026 hosting rights during the handover ceremony at EMD 2025 in Cork, Ireland (May 23, 2025). The conference will focus on the Blue Economy, green shipping, and maritime innovation.
Previous Hosts
2026 Theme: Ocean Sustainability
Securing a Sustainable Future for European Seas
Key Themes
Six thematic tracks exploring the future of European maritime
Green Shipping
Decarbonization pathways, alternative fuels, and emission reduction strategies for the maritime sector.
Digital Maritime
Smart ports, autonomous vessels, blockchain logistics, and AI-powered maritime operations.
Blue Economy
Sustainable ocean resources, marine biotechnology, and coastal tourism development.
Maritime Skills
Workforce development, maritime education, and addressing the skills gap in shipping.
Ocean Governance
EU maritime policy, international regulations, and maritime spatial planning.
Sustainable Tourism
Cruise sustainability, yacht tourism, and eco-friendly coastal destinations.
What to Expect
Conference
Main sessions featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops on EU maritime policy.
Stakeholder Village
60+ exhibition stands showcasing maritime projects, EU-funded initiatives, and industry innovations.
Youth @ EMD
Career fair, student competitions, and mentorship sessions connecting young professionals with industry leaders.
Ship Visits
Guided tours of vessels including coast guard ships, research vessels, and innovative green ships.
Networking Events
Gala dinner, welcome reception, and B2B matchmaking sessions for industry professionals.
EMD Awards
Recognition ceremony honoring outstanding maritime projects and initiatives across Europe.
Agenda Overview
Day 1 - Opening & Main Conference
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Official Opening Ceremony
Welcome addresses by EU Commissioner and Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping
Keynote: The Future of European Maritime
Coffee Break & Exhibition
Parallel Sessions - Track A: Green Shipping
Parallel Sessions - Track B: Digital Maritime
Networking Lunch
Interactive Workshops
Coffee Break
Ship Visits at Limassol Marina
Gala Dinner & EMD Awards Ceremony
Day 2 - Workshops & Closing
Morning Coffee
Youth @ EMD: Career Fair Opens
Parallel Sessions - Track A: Blue Economy
Parallel Sessions - Track B: Maritime Skills
Coffee Break
Innovation Showcase: Startup Pitches
Networking Lunch
High-Level Panel: Ocean Governance
Closing Keynote & Handover Ceremony
Handover to EMD 2027 host country
Farewell Reception
Keynote Speakers
Industry leaders and policymakers shaping maritime's future
Kostas Kadis
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
European Commission
Marina Hadjimanolis
Deputy Minister of Shipping
Republic of Cyprus
Kitack Lim
Secretary-General
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Guy Platten
Secretary General
International Chamber of Shipping
Emanuele Grimaldi
President
International Chamber of Shipping
Karmenu Vella
Former EU Commissioner
Maritime Policy Advisor
Full speaker list to be announced early 2026
Sponsors & Partners
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Stakeholder Village
Over 60 exhibition stands showcasing the best of European maritime innovation, EU-funded projects, and industry solutions.
Exhibition Categories
Youth @ EMD
Connecting the next generation with maritime careers
Youth @ EMD
A dedicated programme for students and young professionals exploring careers in the maritime sector.
Career Fair
Meet leading shipping companies and explore opportunities
Student Competitions
Pitch your innovative ideas to industry judges
Mentorship Sessions
One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals
Campus Tours
Visit maritime training facilities and research centers
Innovation Showcase
Discover breakthrough technologies and startup solutions transforming the maritime industry
Startup Pitches
10 selected startups present to investors and industry leaders
Tech Demos
Live demonstrations of autonomous vessels, AI navigation, and more
Innovation Awards
Recognition for the most promising maritime innovations
Venue
Carob Mill
Vasilissis Street
Limassol, Cyprus
The historic Carob Mill is an iconic industrial heritage venue in the heart of Limassol, offering:
- Historic industrial venue with modern facilities
- Central Limassol location near the old port
- Large exhibition halls and breakout spaces
- Walking distance to hotels and restaurants
- Unique Mediterranean atmosphere
Interactive map
Coming soon
Getting There
By Air
Larnaca Airport (LCA)
65 km, ~45 min drive
Paphos Airport (PFO)
65 km, ~50 min drive
Official shuttle services will be provided from both airports during conference days.
By Car
Car rental desks are available at both airports. The venue offers free parking for attendees.
From Nicosia
85 km via A1 motorway
From Larnaca
65 km via A1/A5 motorway
Local Transport
Taxis are readily available. Uber is not available in Cyprus, but local taxi apps like Bolt operate in Limassol.
The venue is walking distance from hotels in the marina area and Amathus beachfront.
Accommodation
Partner hotels with special EMD 2026 rates
5-Star Luxury
Amathus Beach Hotel
Four Seasons Limassol
Parklane Resort
4-Star Business
The Royal Apollonia
Londa Beach Hotel
Ajax Hotel
Budget-Friendly
Curium Palace Hotel
Kapetanios Odyssia
Pefkos Hotel
Special booking codes will be provided upon registration. Book early – May is peak tourist season.
Why Cyprus?
Cyprus holds the 2026 EU Council Presidency and is a natural choice to host EMD given its position as a leading global maritime center.
Cyprus Maritime Cluster
Registration
General Attendee
- All conference sessions
- Stakeholder Village access
- Networking events
- Coffee & lunch
Gala Dinner
- Awards ceremony
- Formal dinner
- Networking reception
- Premium seating
Exhibitor
- Exhibition stand
- 2 staff passes
- Company listing
- Lead generation
Registration opens January 2026
MarineCyprus at EMD 2026
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