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Cape Town to Host Strategic Oceans Economy Conference as Global Maritime Tensions Recast the Importance of Sea Power and Trade Security

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Cape Town, South Africa – At a time when escalating geopolitical tensions, disrupted shipping lanes and rising instability across key maritime corridors are reshaping global trade, South Africa’s maritime leaders will gather in Cape Town for the 2026 Oceans Economy Conference, hosted by the South African Navy.

Under the theme “Moving from Maritime Security to Strategic Economic Security,” the conference will bring together senior government leaders, defence experts, economists, port authorities, investors and industry stakeholders to address the urgent realities facing South Africa’s maritime economy. The programme will examine how growing instability in global shipping routes, including tensions in the Middle East and broader maritime conflict risks, are reinforcing the strategic importance of secure sea lanes, efficient ports and sovereign maritime capability.

As one of the world’s most strategically positioned maritime nations, South Africa sits astride one of the busiest shipping routes on the planet. With increased vessel traffic around the Cape of Good Hope driven by instability in traditional global trade corridors, the country’s ports, logistics infrastructure and maritime security capability have never been more critical.

Conference discussions will explore the full value chain of the blue economy – from port efficiency and trade logistics to maritime defence capability, coastal job creation, shipbuilding, aquaculture, investment in maritime infrastructure and the future skills required to build a competitive oceans economy. Key sessions will include strategic discussions on safeguarding South Africa’s ports and sea lanes, unlocking blended finance for maritime infrastructure, capacitating the South African Navy, and positioning the country as a regional hub for shipbuilding and repair.

Hosted with the support of leading industry partners Transnet National Ports Authority, FFS Refiners, Unipro and Yamaha, the conference reflects a growing recognition that maritime security is no longer solely a defence issue – it is a core economic imperative.

Rear Admiral leadership and senior maritime experts from across government and industry are expected to underscore the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to protect trade corridors, improve port competitiveness and unlock the full economic potential of South Africa’s oceans economy.

The 2026 Oceans Economy Conference aims to drive practical, strategic dialogue around one central truth: in today’s world, maritime security and economic security are inseparable.

For more information visit https://oceanseconomy.co.za/

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Oceans Economy Conference. Photo: Supplied by Client

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.