Over two days, maritime leaders, HR professionals, seafarers, innovators and future talent came together to tackle one of the industry’s biggest questions: how do we build a shipping industry where people can truly thrive?
From geopolitics and AI to mental health, mentorship and the realities of life at sea, this year’s conference focused less on theory and more on practical, human conversations. The recurring message throughout the event was clear — the future of shipping depends not just on technology or regulation, but on culture, leadership and how well the industry listens to its people.
Day One
Maritime Economics
Sarah Holden from Clarksons Research opened the conference with a detailed overview of the global shipping market. With 13 billion tonnes of seaborne trade moved annually and geopolitics dominating headlines, shipping continues to sit at the centre of global disruption. From the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea rerouting to sanctions, tariffs and energy security concerns, the industry is navigating increasing uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, trade growth has remained resilient. Fleet development continues, alternative fuel capable vessels are increasing, and shipbuilding activity remains strong — particularly in China. However, ageing fleets, rising costs and operational inefficiencies continue to put pressure on owners and operators.
Clarity Over Chaos
Cross-cultural expert Pellegrino Riccardi explored how organisations can create calm in increasingly stressful environments. His session focused on culture not as a “soft” concept, but as the operating system that shapes behaviour, communication and trust.
He centred the discussion around three simple but powerful questions: Are we safe? Are we connected? Do we share a future together? The session highlighted how psychological safety, honest communication and meaningful relationships are essential for reducing stress, encouraging people to speak up and building resilient workplaces.
The Neurodivergent Advantage
Daniel Smith challenged the audience to rethink neurodiversity in maritime, focusing on the strengths neurodivergent individuals can bring to organisations. From problem solving and adaptability to concentration and innovation, the session showed how inclusive environments unlock significant business benefits.
The discussion also addressed the barriers neurodivergent seafarers still face, including outdated workplace practices and lack of awareness. Practical actions — such as reviewing policies, allowing flexible working approaches and creating psychologically safe environments — were presented as simple but impactful ways to improve inclusion.
Leading the Next Wave Through Mentorship
In conversation with Spinnaker CEO Phil Parry, Captain Louise Sara shared her journey through the maritime industry, from cadetship and motherhood at sea to leadership roles ashore.
The discussion focused heavily on mentorship and visibility. Captain Sara spoke about the importance of supportive leaders, role models and networks, including the Women Officers Network she helped establish. The session reinforced how mentorship and authentic leadership can play a vital role in retaining and developing future maritime talent.
Less Complexity, More Clarity: EU Pay Transparency
Dr. Timon Gru unpacked the upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive and what it means for maritime employers. The session highlighted growing expectations around equal pay, transparent remuneration structures and employee access to pay information.
While many details still depend on local implementation, organisations were encouraged to begin reviewing recruitment processes, salary structures and reporting mechanisms now. The message was clear: pay transparency is no longer optional preparation — it is becoming a business necessity.
Building Great Workplaces
Amy Reid from Mintra shared how Mintra became recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work. The conversation focused on creating employee-led cultures where people feel seen, valued and connected regardless of geography.
From virtual coffee mornings with leadership teams to wellbeing support and internal development opportunities, the session showed that strong workplace culture is often built through consistent small actions rather than large-scale programmes. A key takeaway was that people strategies work best when employees actively shape them.
Connecting Young People With Opportunities
Johnny Shonibare-Soutan from Career Ready and Jennifer Russell from Thomas Miller explored how structured mentoring and internships can improve social mobility and attract new talent into maritime.
The programme provides paid internships, mentoring and workplace exposure for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Speakers highlighted that many young people simply lack awareness of maritime careers — not ambition. Creating accessible pathways into the industry was presented as essential for building a stronger future talent pipeline.
Spinnaker 30 Under 30
The 30 Under 30 panel brought together rising maritime professionals from across the industry to discuss career journeys, mentorship and what younger generations want from employers. Panellists spoke openly about entering maritime by accident, taking career risks and the importance of purpose-driven work.
A recurring theme was the need for structure alongside freedom. Young professionals want clear expectations, mentorship and opportunities to contribute meaningfully — but also space to innovate and grow independently.
Day Two
How AI is Reshaping Maritime HR
This panel explored how artificial intelligence is already transforming recruitment, learning, career planning and operational efficiency. Speakers from ABS, Mintra, Clyde & Co and 5Mins.ai discussed both the opportunities and the risks.
While AI is helping organisations personalise learning, streamline recruitment and improve productivity, the panel stressed that human judgement remains essential. The discussion also highlighted how future organisational structures and career paths may look very different as AI adoption accelerates.
Preparing for New Sexual Harassment Legislation
Emma Mark examined the upcoming changes to PSSR requirements and growing expectations around harassment prevention at sea. The session reinforced that this is no longer simply a wellbeing issue — it is a safety, retention and leadership issue.
A major focus was trust. Fear of retaliation, gossip and not being believed remain major barriers to reporting. Speakers encouraged organisations to look beyond compliance and ask whether crew genuinely feel safe using reporting systems.
Strategic Approaches to Mental Health
Dr. Pennie Blackburn presented sobering statistics around depression, anxiety and suicide within maritime, while also challenging the industry to move beyond awareness campaigns alone.
The session argued that mental health must become an organisational strategy rather than a collection of isolated initiatives. Prevention, risk assessment and culture change were highlighted as equally important as reactive support services such as helplines and EAPs.
When AI Becomes a Confidant
Clinical psychologist Charles Watkins explored the growing emotional relationship people are developing with AI tools. While AI can provide support and validation, the session raised concerns around dependency, emotional substitution and blurred boundaries.
Particular focus was given to the risks for isolated workers such as seafarers, where AI companionship may replace human connection. The discussion encouraged organisations to better understand both the psychological opportunities and dangers of emerging AI tools.
Recovery After Traumatic Incidents
Dr. Rachel Glynn-Williams introduced EMDR therapy and its role in supporting seafarers after traumatic incidents. The session explained how trauma can affect memory, behaviour and emotional regulation long after an event occurs.
Comparisons between EMDR and CBT highlighted the importance of accessible psychological support in maritime settings, particularly for those regularly exposed to high-stress or traumatic situations.
Developing Our Leaders of the Future
Njsane Courtney delivered a direct message to industry leaders: maritime is facing a talent crisis, and organisations can no longer afford reactive approaches to people management.
The session focused on mentorship, career conversations, meaningful work and structured development. Courtney challenged organisations to stop treating talent management purely as an HR responsibility and instead make it a business-wide priority.
Small Changes, Big Differences
Emma MacCarthy from West of England P&I Club explored the impact of fatigue and wellbeing on seafarer safety. The session highlighted how long working hours, disrupted sleep and poor rest environments continue to contribute to accidents at sea.
Importantly, many solutions discussed were simple and low cost — from better sleep environments and light exposure to improved food, connectivity and cultural celebrations onboard. The message was that wellbeing improvements do not always require major investment to make a meaningful difference.
From Living Conditions to Lasting Change
The closing panel featuring Eva Rodriguez from Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement alongside Capt. Alexandros Lignos and Capt. Oleksandr Skrypkin delivered one of the conference’s most honest discussions about life at sea.
The panel explored isolation, lack of shore leave, increasing workloads and the emotional challenges seafarers face both onboard and when returning home. Speakers stressed that resilience is often expected but not properly supported, and that the industry must involve seafarers directly in conversations around future working conditions, wellbeing and retention.
Final Thoughts
Across every session, one theme kept resurfacing: maritime’s biggest challenge is no longer simply attracting talent — it is creating environments where people want to stay.
Whether discussing AI, leadership, wellbeing, mentorship or inclusion, speakers repeatedly returned to the importance of listening, trust and human connection. The future of shipping will depend not only on operational excellence, but on building cultures where people feel valued, safe and able to grow.
Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates who made the Maritime People & Culture Conference 2026 such an insightful and impactful event.