Maritime security takes centre stage at Maldives Maritime Conference 2026

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) hosted the Maldives Maritime Conference 2026 (MMC 2026) at Villa Nautica Resort, bringing together maritime experts, policymakers and industry professionals for discussions on security, safety and the future of the sector.

Held under the theme “Securing Our Seas, Safeguarding Our Future,” the conference explored the challenges facing the Maldives and the wider region, with a focus on strengthening cooperation, institutional readiness and the use of emerging technologies.

Opening the conference, MPL Chief Executive Officer Capt. Hussain Shafeeq welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime security and cooperation. Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed delivered the keynote address.

The first session examined regional and local perspectives on maritime security, including the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), maritime policing and securing vast maritime domains.

Dr. Azmath Jaleel explored maritime security for SIDS, focusing on the Maldives. Brigadier General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim discussed the challenges of securing a large maritime domain with limited resources and the potential of an artificial intelligence-driven approach. Dr. Athaullah A. Rasheed examined how ports and maritime security can contribute to stronger Maritime Domain Awareness in the Maldives.

A panel discussion brought together these perspectives, examining the connections between maritime policing, security and awareness of activities at sea.

The conference also addressed the changing role of ports and preparedness for maritime emergencies. Mark Assaf of UNCTAD delivered a presentation titled “Future-Ready Ports: Navigating a New Maritime Era,” exploring the future of ports and the evolving maritime landscape.

MPL’s Chief Learning and Development Officer, Aishath Shimla, shared insights on strengthening maritime emergency response in the Maldives. Capt. Ahmed Zubair of Maldives State Shipping discussed institutional readiness, operational protocols, search and rescue, accident prevention and implementation of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The second panel continued these discussions, focusing on safety at sea and emergency response.

Maritime law, international cooperation and emerging technologies formed another key area of discussion. Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Captain Razali Yaacob examined the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the Maldives’ maritime development, while Dr. Esat Güzel explored the role of arbitration and mediation in maritime trade.

Dr. Chong-Ju Chae presented a study on developing a risk assessment framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The third panel considered these topics alongside developments in maritime regulation and technology.

The final session addressed maritime training, port security and emerging threats. Capt. Mohamed Zaid examined the comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its Code, including implications for maritime education and training in SIDS.

Sharishen Bin Redzuan Perpinder explored how Industry 4.0 technologies could support a safer maritime future. Hussain Nazeer discussed access control at small island ports, examining compliance requirements alongside operational realities.

Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed addressed emerging maritime security threats facing the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean. The final panel brought these perspectives together to examine port and ship security, technology, access control and the evolving security landscape.

Through expert presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities, MMC 2026 provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on building a more resilient maritime sector in the Maldives and the wider region.