Curaçao Hosts Caribbean Maritime Leaders for CSA 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference

From May 17–19, Curaçao hosted the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC), welcoming 347 participants from across the Caribbean, as well as the United States, Canada, Europe, Panama, Venezuela and Costa Rica. The conference, organized by the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), the region's leading maritime industry association, brought together regional and international maritime professionals for three days of dialogue, knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration on the future of Caribbean shipping and trade.

This marks the fourth time the conference has been hosted in Curaçao, underscoring the island’s continued role as a regional maritime hub. Among those present were CSA President William Brown, CSA Vice President Maria del Mar Rodriguez, and CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras, as well as Humberto de Castro, CEO of Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), the host organization.

The conference opened with an official ceremony attended by the Governor of Curaçao, Maurits de Kort and Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper. The program featured a wide range of presentations and panel discussions addressing key developments shaping the maritime sector.

Throughout the conference, several themes stood out. Discussions highlighted the importance of building a resilient maritime economy, including a presentation by the International Maritime Organization’s regional senior coordinator Vivian Rambarath Parasram. Other sessions focused on digitalization and the growing role of artificial intelligence in maritime operations, as well as sustainability and the transition toward renewable energy. Panels also explored opportunities to strengthen intra-Caribbean trade and regional collaboration.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras stated: "The success of this conference reflects the growing recognition that the Caribbean's future prosperity depends on strong regional partnerships, modernized port operations and sustainable maritime development. As the voice of the Caribbean maritime sector, the CSA remains committed to bringing industry leaders together to exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships and advance initiatives that strengthen the region's competitiveness and resilience."

Curaçao Ports Authority presented on developments within the local port, while local organizations such as CITRO and Damen Shiprepair Curaçao contributed to discussions on corporate social responsibility and industry practices. The diversity of speakers reflected the global and regional relevance of the topics addressed.

Beyond the formal program, the conference provided valuable opportunities for networking. Participants used the event to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships. The cultural evening, featuring local music and cuisine, was well received and offered a relaxed setting for informal interaction.

A dedicated spouse program introduced accompanying guests to Curaçao’s culture and landscape, with visits to the city centre, local workshops, Hato Caves, Shete Boka National Park and Dokterstuin.

The first day of the conference coincided with the International Day for Women in Maritime, marked by a group photo of female participants, highlighting the growing presence of women in the sector.

A key milestone during the conference was the launch of the CSA's new membership portal, designed to enhance member engagement and provide access to industry research, studies, publications, networking opportunities and career resources. The initiative forms part of the CSA's broader strategy to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Caribbean maritime sector. CMAR members can access this platform using their CMAR login credentials and are encouraged to contact the board for more information. 

In addition, the CSA is conducting a survey to identify member needs in the area of training and professional development, including interest in online and in-person courses. Through its collaboration with APEC Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, CSA members may benefit from training opportunities at reduced or no cost.

Looking back on the event, Sau Bridgewater-Chong, Manager Public Relations & Communication at CPA, noted: “We are grateful for the opportunity to host the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference here in Curaçao and to bring together key leaders from across the regional and international maritime industry. The conference created valuable discussions on regional resilience, digitalization, artificial intelligence, intra-Caribbean trade, maritime security and the future role of ports as energy and logistics hubs.

For Curaçao’s port and business community, the value goes beyond the conference itself. It gave local stakeholders direct access to network, exchange ideas and build relationships with leaders from across the shipping industry without leaving the island.”

Click the image for the recap video on Facebook.

The conference concluded with a port tour, giving participants the opportunity to experience Curaçao’s maritime infrastructure firsthand.

Building on the momentum generated in Curaçao, the CSA will continue advancing regional dialogue and collaboration at its 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for October 25–28, 2026, in Guyana.