The Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT) hosted its first Shipping and Logistics Conference on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. The Conference coincided with its 88th Annual General Meeting, which was convened on 26th March 2026.
Minister of Works and Infrastructure, the Honourable Jearlean John delivered the feature address on day one of the Conference and the Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj delivered the feature address on day two.
The Conference filled a gap in the local conferencing landscape, by bringing local shipping and logistics stakeholders together in one space to discuss pertinent matters affecting trade and marine transportation. It showcased renowned international speakers, local shipping and logistics executives, business executives as well as government officials, combining their expertise, experience, data; identifying challenges and offering recommendations and solutions.
Speakers included Lars Jensen, international maritime consultant and advisor; Dr. Jan Hoffmann, maritime transport and port specialist at the World Bank; the Comptroller of Customs and Excise, Mr. Riad Juman; local port executives; shipping agents; marine pilots; towage operators; leaders of local business chambers, legal and insurance specialists and environmental professionals.
The Conference agenda featured engaging and relevant content. Topics of presentation included the international context of shipping; port operations in relation to trade and transport; the evolution and future role of shipping agents; trade facilitation – needs of the business sector, the role of Customs, the function of marine operations and safety, and the role of technology; risk management related to marine and cargo interest; decarbonization in the shipping industry and capacity building.
The Conference’s goal is to share pertinent information, analysis, perspectives and schools of thought on critical issues affecting trade, the shipping and logistics industry. It aligns with one of the SATT’s strategic pillars of sharing of information and knowledge transfer to members and stakeholders.
The SATT created an agenda that added value to all interests in shipping and logistics, including ship owners/operators; shipping agents; port and terminal owners/operators; freight forwarders and other trade intermediaries and marine services providers. Also, to benefit were all users and suppliers to the industry, including: manufacturers; imports and exporters; government agencies and regulators; financial institutions and investors, business chambers and associations. In addition, the Conference featured an exhibition space showcasing several members and other service providers, providing useful information on their respective services and products.
Considering an estimated 80% of world trade, by volume, is carried by seaborne transport; our industry plays a critical role in getting everyday items into our homes. Therefore, the current geopolitical environment marked by the Middle East conflict created a high degree of uncertainty and risk for shipping via the Strait of Hormuz, with further implications for shipping, international trade and economics worldwide. The timing of this Conference was therefore opportune; offering an intervention for industry stakeholders to receive up to date information that will improve decision making.
Details about the SATT
The SATT was established in 1938 and has evolved into a focused business support organisation, which actively advocates for its membership of over 80 organisations involved in ship agency, ship owning/operating, port and terminal operations, warehousing, trade intermediaries, marine transportation and marine services providers among others.
It has been a constant and consistent supporter of development in the shipping industry over the years. We have provided support to our membership, Government and other supply chain stakeholders though the provision of:
- Advocacy services – consultation with membership to establish common positions on issues affecting the industry and communicating such positions to relevant entities, including government, statutory agencies among others.
- Technical advice – cooperating with relevant membership and conducting research on pertinent matters, which can be shared with membership, government or the wider industry, thus adding value to the body of industry research. This also adds value to our advocacy services.
- Training and Development – hosting of training and seminar events featuring well-reputed and specialist speakers presenting up-to-date information on pertinent topics to our membership and the wider industry.
Further Information;
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Contact: 623-3355 / 609-3352 Cell:786-2611
Email: gm@shipping.co.tt
www.shipping.co.tt
Source: https://www.whoswhotnt.com
