The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) convened maritime executives, government officials, industry innovators, and environmental leaders for its 2026 Annual Conference on October 29 at the 3 West Club in New York City. Held under the theme ‘Balancing Commerce & Conservation’, the conference brought together influential voices from across the global maritime community to address the complex challenges facing international shipping and explore opportunities to strengthen environmental stewardship, operational resilience, and industry collaboration.
The conference featured keynote addresses from Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President and CEO of Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN); Captain Steven Koch, Chief of the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards for the United States Coast Guard; and Jan-Willem van den Dijssel, Americas Lead at Cargill Ocean Transportation and incoming NAMEPA Chairman.
Together, the speakers emphasised the increasingly interconnected nature of maritime commerce, environmental responsibility, national security, and workforce development, reinforcing the need for cooperation across the global maritime community.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos (pictured, with daughtgers), one of the international shipping industry's most prominent and respected leaders. Addressing the effects of ongoing international conflicts, disruptions to global trade routes, and threats to maritime security, Dr. Tsakos emphasized the essential role commercial shipping plays in sustaining international trade and global energy security.
His remarks underscored the growing risks confronting seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters and the responsibility of the international maritime community to prioritize the safety of those who keep global commerce moving.
Dr. Tsakos also reflected on the importance of industry-led environmental stewardship, highlighting the longstanding contributions of organizations such as HELMEPA and NAMEPA in advancing marine environmental protection through education, cooperation, and voluntary industry action.
Looking toward the future, he proposed strengthening international maritime education and collaboration through an exchange initiative connecting American and Greek maritime cadets. The concept would provide opportunities for future maritime professionals to gain international experience, strengthen professional relationships, and develop a broader understanding of the global shipping industry.
Captain Steven Koch delivered a keynote address titled ‘Protecting America's Maritime Domain—Where Safety, Stewardship, and Innovation Converge’, outlining the Coast Guard's priorities for maritime safety, operational resilience, environmental protection, and industry collaboration.
Capt. Koch emphasised that maritime safety and environmental stewardship are fundamentally inseparable, noting that preventing marine casualties is among the most effective means of protecting the marine environment.
“We do not view sustainability and safety as a trade-off. We view safety as the essential prerequisite for sustainable technology to succeed,” he stated.