Maritime symposium set to tackle big industry issues

SUSTAINABLE maritime supply chain opportunities at a time of growing protectionism are focuses of this year’s AMLRN Annual Symposium on 30 November.

The symposium, which has previously been held in Melbourne and Adelaide, is being held at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

Organising committee member Professor Vinh Thai from RMIT said in an era marked by intensifying geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and economic nationalism, the maritime supply chain is navigating a period of profound transformation.

“The urgency of the climate crisis and the global push for net-zero emissions have placed sustainability at the forefront of supply chain strategy,” Professor Thai said.

“This dual pressure presents both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities for innovation.

“This symposium explores the intersection of protectionism and sustainability in the maritime logistics sector.”

While protectionist policies can disrupt global supply flows, reroute trade lanes, and increase regulatory complexity, they also serve as catalysts for regional resilience, green shipping corridors, and sustainable procurement strategies.

“The symposium will delve into how maritime logistics companies e.g. shipping lines, ports, etc. and policymakers can leverage this shifting landscape to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies, digital transparency, and circular logistics practices,” Professor Thai said.

“By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, this event will foster a critical dialogue on redefining competitiveness in a protectionist world, not through isolation, but through strategic, sustainable transformation.”

Some of the many topics for discussion include:

• Resilient and reconfigured maritime logistics in global supply chains.
• Sustainable maritime logistics in global supply chains.
• AI for decision-making and sustainable innovation in maritime industries.
• Maritime logistics in a time of geopolitical uncertainties.
• Impact of protectionism on the adoption of Industry 5.0 in maritime supply chains.
• Maritime cybersecurity.
• Automation in port and shipping.
• Digital transformation in the maritime industry (i.e. maritime single window, port community systems, etc.).
• Emission accounting and reporting.
• Human-centric maritime logistics design.
• Human factors and future of work in the maritime industry.
• Circular economy in ports.
• Decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
• National strategic fleet.
• Other related topics.

“We would like to call for participation from AMLRN academic and industry members and your affiliates in the AMLRN Annual Symposium 2026,” Professor Thai said.

The symposium is to be held using the hybrid mode and proudly hosted by the Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovations (rCITI), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW.