More than 300 of the region’s leading shipping executives will gather for the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 55th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition in Paramaribo, Suriname from October 12–14, 2025.
The event is the premier assembly of maritime and logistics leaders in the region and will feature three days of high-level discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
The conference agenda reflects the urgent realities and challenges shaping the maritime industry, focusing on volatility, resilience, and transformation. Highlighting the importance of these discussions, CSA president William Brown noted, “This year’s conference will not shy away from the critical questions we face regarding geopolitical uncertainty, climate resilience, and the urgent need to modernise our port infrastructure. Sessions on digital transformation, decarbonisation, and intra-Caribbean connectivity will allow us to examine practical solutions that can strengthen supply chain reliability and competitiveness.
“What excites me most is that these conversations are not theoretical; they speak directly to the future of our ports, our workforce, and our ability to position the Caribbean as an indispensable link in global trade,” he said.
The Paramaribo conference will also honour industry excellence with two signature awards at the Gala Banquet. The Nathan Dundas Cruise Port of the Year Award recognises ports showing outstanding progress and innovation across multiple areas, while the long-standing Ludlow Stewart Container Port Competition highlights measurable gains in berth efficiency, productivity, safety, and security.
CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras highlighted both the significance of the staging and the CSA’s readiness to deliver.
“Hosting our 55th AGM and Conference in Suriname is a milestone that reflects how far the CSA has come in uniting the region’s maritime stakeholders. Welcoming more than 300 delegates from over 200 companies and more than 30 countries is no small task, but it speaks to the strength of our network and the trust our members place in us. Beyond the logistics, this gathering is about creating the conditions for meaningful dialogue and fresh partnerships that will help shape the Caribbean shipping industry,” she said.
The CSA acknowledged the strong partnership of its sponsors, whose support makes the annual gathering possible. At the platinum level are Taylor International, Tote Maritime, Tropical Shipping, Haina International Terminal, King Ocean Services, Kingston Wharves Limited, Shipco Transport, Puerto Nuevo Terminal, and Svitzer while NV Havenbeheer Suriname has joined as a main sponsor. Caribconex, Bromma, the Inter-American Development Bank, and Seaboard are supporting at the gold level. CFL Agencies is a bronze sponsor.
The host country’s maritime community has also embraced the event as VSH United and NUB are confirmed as main sponsors, with DP World Paramaribo and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International as gold sponsors. CDWE is a silver sponsor while the Maritime Authority of Suriname and Baggerbedrijf have partnered at the bronze level. Traymore, H. Bromet, Integra Marine and Freight Services and the HJ Group of Companies have contributed as special sponsors. The Curaçao Ports Authority supports both the CSA and the host committee as a bronze sponsor.
Adding to the vibrancy of the gathering, more than a dozen exhibitors will showcase innovations and solutions central to the future of shipping and logistics. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with organisations such as NV Havenbeheer Suriname, VSH United, Kalmar, Liebherr, Mantsinen, Boxloader, Dordt, the Maritime Authority of Suriname, Sennebogen, Scandia Gear, Rudisa Shipping, RORO Shipping, SHATA, and the Suriname Business Association. Together, these exhibitors will provide a wide-ranging look at the technologies, equipment, and services driving transformation across the maritime sector.
Since its establishment in 1971, the CSA has served as the central voice for the region’s shipping industry, promoting the exchange of ideas and best practices critical to its growth. Today, with a membership spanning over 100 companies and 12 national organisations, it represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the Caribbean and the Americas.
To learn more or register for the CSA’s 55th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, visit conference.caribbeanshipping.org.
