NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2026 DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards, with the maritime logistics industry invited to recognise the people, businesses and initiatives driving excellence across Australia's supply chains.
This year's awards mark a milestone for the event, which will be held in Queensland for the first time, with the Port of Brisbane as Major Host Sponsor.
Long regarded as the industry's night of nights, the DCN Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the innovation, leadership and dedication that keep Australia's supply chains moving - often behind the scenes and away from the public spotlight.
While shipping and logistics have attracted unprecedented public attention in recent years, the industry continues to be powered by thousands of professionals whose contributions are rarely recognised outside the sector. The DCN Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those achievements while bringing the industry together for an evening of recognition, networking and reflection.
The Port of Brisbane's support as Major Host Sponsor reflects its commitment to championing the industry and showcases Brisbane's role as one of Australia's most important freight gateways, connecting Queensland businesses with domestic and international markets.
Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens said:
“We’re delighted to be the Major Host Sponsor of this year’s Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards and to showcase Brisbane and Queensland as a hub for global trade. As one of Australia’s most important multi-cargo gateways, the Port of Brisbane is proud to help bring the industry together to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our sector.”
The 2026 awards will also introduce a new category – the Industry Trailblazer of the Year Award, sponsored by Southern Ports.
The new award recognises individuals who are driving genuine change through innovation, fresh thinking and new approaches across the shipping, maritime logistics and supply chain sectors.
DCN publisher Lindsay Reed said the category was introduced to acknowledge outstanding individuals whose achievements were not always reflected in existing award categories.
"Over the years, we've seen many outstanding individual award nominations that don't fit neatly into traditional categories," Ms Reed said.
"The Industry Trailblazer of the Year Award was created to recognise people who are driving genuine change through innovation, new thinking and fresh approaches across the shipping, maritime logistics and supply chain sectors.
"It complements our existing individual awards by recognising people who challenge convention, introduce new ideas and create measurable industry impact.
"Importantly, the award is open to people of all ages, genders and career stages, recognising that innovation and industry leadership can come from anywhere."
Nominations are now open across all award categories. Winners are to be announced at the 2026 DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards at the Star Brisbane on 26 November. For more information, visit the DCN Awards site.