Official Media Partners

Save the Date | 8–9 September 2026

The annual International Maritime Forum "Global Compass" will take place in Varna on September 8-9 / 2026, under the theme "Visionary and Actionable Horizons: Turning Maritime Policy into Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Practice"

"Thank you so much again for the kind invitation. It was an excellent and very enjoyable event. Everyone from the Bulgarian shipping community was very welcoming and friendly and Varna was very special and memorable too - especially the beautiful singing."

Simon Bennett,

International Chamber of Shipping

Official Acknowledgements

We are honored to share an official acknowledgement from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, in response to the invitation to participate in the Global Compass Forum. View the official letter (PDF)

You can watch all Global Compass 2025 sessions and highlights here.

Watch the key highlights from Global Compass 2025 in the video below.

Propeller Day 2026 – Celebrating Maritime Partnerships

As part of the Global Compass Forum, the flagship annual event “Propeller Day” will take place on 10 September 2026 with the participation of the International Propeller Club (IPC). Recognized as a key highlight of the maritime calendar, Propeller Day will bring together industry professionals for high-level discussions, networking opportunities, and exchange of insights on current trends in the maritime sector. The detailed agenda, including topics, panel sessions, and guest speakers, will be announced soon.

What is "Global Compass" International Maritime Forum?

Welcome to the International Maritime Forum "Global Compass". Our Forum is a premier gathering of maritime professionals, academics, and industry leaders dedicated to shaping the future of the maritime industry. The Forum aims to do more than just present the current state, regulations, and innovations in maritime transport. It seeks to create a dynamic platform for connecting people from the business sector, international and national maritime administrations, and representatives of scientific and educational institutions. Join us at the International Maritime Forum "Global Compass" as we navigate towards a sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Our Venue

Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel Guests can book a room directly from the website.
Address: 111 Knyaz Boris Blvd.

Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

Address: 73 "Vasil Drumev" Str.

The Bulgarian Maritime Training Centre is located on the premises of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

The stylish Boutique Hotel Horizont, part of Horizon Complex. Guests can book a room directly from the website.

Restaurant La Veranda, part of the Horizon Complex, Address: Complex Horizont, Sea Garden

Four Panel Discussions:

I. MARITIME INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

AI-Driven Decision Making and Predictive Operations
Advanced Vessel Automation and Operational Efficiency
Integrated Ship Systems and Data-Driven Operations
Alternative Fuels and Carbon Reduction Solutions
Maritime Cybersecurity and Protection of Critical Ship Systems

III. PORTS & TERMINALS: OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT

Port Compliance, Safety, and Quality Standards
Environmental Protection and Spill Response
Cargo Logistics and Terminal Performance Management
Green Ports and Decarbonization Strategies
Smart Port Technologies and Cyber-Physical Security
Multimodal and Integrated Transport Chains

II. GEO-POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN SHIPPING

Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Disruptions
Sanctions, Tariffs, and Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Sea Lanes and Global Trade Risks
Maritime Law, Insurance, and War Risk Management
Global Shipping Markets and Economic Cycles
Maritime Security and Emerging Threats

IV. SEAFARERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SKILLS

Legal Protection and Crew Advocacy
Physical and Mental Wellbeing at Sea
Human Rights, Diversity, and Harassment Prevention
Seafarer Development for Emerging Technologies
Piracy, Maritime Security, and Crew Safety
Digital Communication and Cyber Awareness

Forum Agenda 2026 will be announced soon

Time Zone: UTC+03:00

About

Speakers & Participants

John Lloyd

The Nautical Institute, London, Chief Executive

Anders Ivarsson

Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director

Alexander Kalchev

Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS); Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA)

Yavor Velchev

SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder

Managers from DNV

Guest Speakers – TBC

Gavin Allwright

International Windship Association (IWSA), Secretary General; member of the IMO Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCC)

Luciano Crapanzano

Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, DPA and Technical and Marine Director

Stanislav Stoyanov

Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Deputy DPA

Nikolay Bedzhev

PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner

Managers from RINA

Guest Speakers – TBC

Thomas J. Wiker

Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President

Marcello Pica

Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Vice President; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director

Dimitar Dimitrov

PhD, Confederation of European Shipmasters’ Associations (CESMA), President

Deyan Dimitrov

PhD, Institute for the State and the Law - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Lecturer, Attorney at Law, Senior Assistant at New Bulgarian University (NBU)