Washington, D.C. – At a time of rising geopolitical tension, growing cyber threats, and increasing operational complexity across global shipping, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) will bring together maritime leaders, policymakers, and industry experts in Washington, D.C. for the Safety at Sea Seminar and the U.S. Coast Guard AMVER and Benkert Awards during National Maritime Week.
Taking place on May 21st at the ABS offices in Washington, D.C., the event will explore one of the most pressing questions facing the global maritime industry: how to maintain safety and resilience in an era defined by disruption and risk?
With more than 90 percent of global trade transported by sea, maritime safety sits at the center of global economic stability. Yet the environment in which ships operate is changing rapidly, from geopolitical conflicts impacting shipping routes, to digital vulnerabilities in port and vessel systems, to the human pressures faced by crews operating complex vessels in high-risk environments.
“Maritime safety has always required vigilance, but today’s operating environment is more complex than ever,” said Molly Dushay, Executive Director, NAMEPA. “The risks facing the industry are evolving. from geopolitics to cybersecurity to workforce challenges, and it is essential that maritime leaders come together to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and advance solutions that keep shipping safe and resilient.”
The program will open with a keynote examining safety in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, setting the stage for discussions on how global instability is increasingly shaping maritime operations.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers will examine the intersection of maritime safety, national security, operational decision-making, and human performance at sea.
The program will also include remarks from RDML(s) Robert Compher, Director of Inspections and Compliance for the United States Coast Guard, highlighting the legacy and continued impact of the QUALSHIP 21 program in advancing vessel safety and environmental compliance.
Featured speakers include:
· Carleen Lyden Walker, Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight, will moderate discussions on global risk, maritime security, and industry resilience.
· Rear Admiral James Watson (USCG ret.), co-author of Zero Point Four and co-founder of the American Maritime Industrial Coalition (AMIC), will be addressing the relationship between national security and maritime safety including the necessity to revitalize the US maritime industry
· Jan-Willem van den Dijssel, Americas Business Development Lead for Ocean Transportation at Cargill, will be discussing how global conflicts are reshaping shipping routes and operational risk.
· Jan Hagen Andersen, Business Development Director – Americas, Maritime at DNV
· Dr. Robert Roncska, widely known as “Navy Bob,” will be speaking on leadership and decision-making in high-risk operational environments.
· Paul Rosenblum, President of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), will be highlighting the realities of life at sea and the wellbeing of mariners.
· Maria Kolitsdia, Founder of Signal Fusion, will be examining human factors behind maritime incidents.
· Molly Dushay, Executive Director of NAMEPA, will moderate a discussion on building the future of safe maritime operations.
· Buddy Custard, President and CEO of the Alaska Chadux̂ Network will be addressing how the industry must train mariners for rapidly evolving technologies.
· Doug Martin, Chairman of OPA90 Forum will be discussing the safety implications of new maritime fuels.
Additional discussions will address cybersecurity vulnerabilities across maritime infrastructure, operational decision-making at sea, and how the industry must prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.
The seminar will conclude with the presentation of the U.S. Coast Guard’s AMVER Awards, recognizing vessels and companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety at sea through voluntary participation in the AMVER program, a global network credited with saving thousands of lives through coordinated maritime assistance. The Benkert Awards, recognizing companies who go beyond environmental compliance in their operations, will also be announced. Vice Commandant Thomas Allen of the USCG will present both of the awards.
Held annually, NAMEPA’s Safety at Sea Seminar serves as a platform for maritime leaders to exchange insights and strengthen collaboration across industry, government, and the global maritime community.
EVENT DETAILS: NAMEPA Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards – Register Now!
Thursday, May 21, 2026
ABS Offices
80 M Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Registration and networking begin at 12:30 PM, with programming from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Media Contact: Rachel McCloskey, Operations and Communications Director, NAMEPA (r.mccloskey@namepa.net)
About North American Marine Environment Protection Association
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization preserving the marine environment by promoting resilient maritime industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information www.namepa.net