Seawork has earned its place as Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat event, supported by the quality and variety of its conference programme. In 2026, this will continue alongside the three-day exhibition in Southampton (9–11 June).
Conference sessions will deliver expert insight into current issues and opportunities across the commercial maritime sector, with contributions from industry organisations, associations and businesses adding further depth.
The opening morning features the National Shipbuilding Office covering recent UK government policy developments, moderated by Captain Mark Albon (MDSG, SMI). Pete Lagden (DE&S Boats) will discuss the impact of defence reforms on SMEs.
An HM Government networking lunch, sponsored by ASL GRP, will be followed by IMCA’s ‘Autonomy at Sea: The Future’. The University of Southampton’s Marine and Maritime Institute will also introduce the Centre for Green Maritime Innovation (cGMI), a new national initiative focused on reducing maritime emissions.
In parallel sessions, Professional Rescue will address water rescue and flood response, British Superyacht will host its technical conference, and UK Ports will explore innovation and sustainability in the port sector.
Across the following two days, highlights include:
Innovate UK outlining funding from the £448m UK SHORE programme to accelerate clean maritime technologies.
PerformOS CEO Nigel Taylor demonstrating practical applications of AI in business.
A preview of the UK Maritime Research and Technology Roadmap and Shipbuilding Action Plan (NSO and MarRI-UK).
The Small Ships Special Interest Group AGM, hosted by IMarEST.
The Royal Institute of Navigation presenting research on GNSS interference and maritime safety.
A Workboat Association and Society of Maritime Industries session sharing operator case studies on investment and growth.
Register now to attend Seawork 2026 and explore the full conference programme: www.seawork.com
