Short Sea Shipping Seminar 2026

Date: Wednesday November 25, 2026. 

Location: Invest International, The Hague 

Time: 15:00 – 19:00

This seminar brings together leaders from across the short sea sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Through expert insights, market perspectives and open discussion, participants will explore key themes including fleet renewal, decarbonisation, regulation, geopolitics and financing the maritime transition. The afternoon will conclude with networking drinks. 

15:15 | Opening remarks by Sona Krijger-Dolbakyan, Maritime Lead of Invest International

15:20 | Welcome by Melanie Maas Geesteranus, CEO of Invest International

15:30 | Keynote: The impact of geopolitics on economic security

Irina Patrahau, Chair Energy Security & Critical Minerals Programmes, HCSS

15:45 | The impact of global economic trends on trade and shipping

Rico Luman, Senior Economist Transport, Logistics & Automotive, ING Research

16:05 | Developments in newbuilding prices and second-hand vessel values in the short sea sector

William Fray, Director MSI London

16:20 | Outlook for freight rates and cargo demand in the short sea sector

Peter Molloy, Director Sea3R

16:35 | Executive panel discussion: Key challenges & opportunities for the European short sea sector

Moderator: Michiel Steeman, Managing Partner, Zuyderzee Capital.

Panelists: Director Koninklijke Vereniging van Nederlandse Reders (KNVR) Annet Koster, Managing Director Boomsma Shipping Johan Boomsma, CEO MF Shipping Group Karin Orsel, CEO Royal T Shipyards Thecla Bodewes, Managing Director Buss Group Dr Johann Killinger.

17:20 | Policy, regulation & competitiveness: What lies ahead for European short sea shipping?

Michiel Boele van Hensbroek, Koninklijke Vereniging van Nederlandse Reders (KVNR)

17:40 | Closing remarks

Sona Krijger-Dolbakyan

17:45 – 19:00 | Networking reception & drinks