CEBU CITY — From naval architecture to national security, Cebu is set to take center stage in shaping the future of the Philippine maritime industry.
Organizers formally announced the return of the annual Cebu Maritime Expo 2026 during a press conference in Cebu City on Jan. 27, 2026.
The three-day event will take place from April 22 to 24, 2026, at the IEC Convention Center Cebu, also known as the IC3 Convention Center.
Industry leaders said hosting the expo in Cebu reflects the province’s central role in the sector, noting that Cebu is the “heart of Philippine shipbuilding and domestic shipping,” while also advancing the National Maritime Industry Development Plan.
Engr. Sammuel Lim, chairman of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and the One Maritime Group (OMG), said the expo aims to translate national maritime policies into concrete outcomes by grounding discussions in technical application.
“We are moving from ‘Policy to Practice.’ We aren’t just discussing the MIDP; we are applying the technical expertise of naval architects to ensure that the ships built here are globally competitive, safe, and technologically advanced,” Lim said.
Organizers said maritime security and sustainability will form a major pillar of the event.
Retired Rear Admiral Margarito Sanchez Jr., vice chairman of The Maritime League, said the maritime domain must remain secure to support long-term economic activity.
“Security is the foundation of sustainability,” Sanchez said, adding that the expo emphasizes protection of the Blue Economy through stronger interagency cooperation against illegal activities and environmental degradation.
Meneleo Carlos III of the Shipyards Association of the Philippines said local shipyards already have the capacity for larger and more complex vessel construction if supported by appropriate policies and investments.
“From the shipyard perspective, we are advocating for the SBR Development Bill. We are using this Expo to showcase that Filipino yards are ready for larger, more complex builds if we get the right policy support and investment,” Carlos said.
Industry leaders said the expo will feature discussions on technical standards, vessel safety, operations, logistics, and digital transformation.
Representatives of the Philippine Register of Shipping said the event will highlight compliance with international safety conventions, while marine technical superintendents and ship managers will tackle vessel maintenance, performance, fuel efficiency, and crew welfare as shipping transitions toward real-time data systems and greener operations.
Organizers also said the expo will highlight public awareness and media engagement, noting that maritime activity often remains unseen despite its direct impact on trade, travel, and daily life.
They said the event aims to bridge that gap by translating technical developments into stories that resonate with the public.
OMG has opened booth reservations for companies and organizations interested in participating in the Cebu Maritime Expo 2026 happening at the IC3 Convention Center.
Organizers said a built 6-square-meter shell package measuring 3 meters by 2 meters is priced at P60,000, inclusive of booth partitions.
A 9-square-meter space-only package measuring 3 meters by 3 meters costs P160,000, while a 9-square-meter shell scheme booth package of the same size is priced at P190,000.
Organizers said the Cebu Maritime Expo 2026 is designed as a working platform rather than a traditional trade show, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technical experts, and communicators to strengthen collaboration and deliver practical outcomes for the Philippine maritime industry.
