Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference 2024 in November

The Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference is held in South Asia on a rotational basis among the maritime nations of the subcontinent. The conference focuses on bringing together the shipping, ports, and logistics industries to discuss regional developments in each sector.

South Asia, identified as a strong emerging economic region led by India, connects vital shipping and logistics networks in the Indian Ocean, spanning from the Middle East to East Asia through the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Port sector developments and maritime connectivity are considered key pillars for economic growth in South Asian countries.

The conference is designed to discuss regional maritime geography, investments, infrastructure gap analysis, commercial opportunities, and security aspects such as cybercrime. In addition to the maritime and port sectors, the event focuses on logistics, related backward integration services, and talent development. Key topics include emerging competition in the global maritime industry, sustainability in regional ports, and the future direction of port and logistics performance.

The 7th edition of the conference is scheduled from November 27 to 29 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 2025, the Port of Colombo will nearly double its container capacity, positioning Colombo as one of the largest transshipment hubs in the Indian Ocean and focusing on becoming a green port with automated terminals and environmentally friendly fuel supplies. As India is projected to become the third-largest economy by 2030, new opportunities will arise for shipping and logistics companies to expand services to South Asia. Sri Lanka, as a strategic island, will play a key role in supporting regional growth in the shipping and logistics industry.

The conference will feature international port operators, shipping companies, logistics companies, ancillary services providers, and technology partners, offering global perspectives alongside a South Asian focus. It serves as an ideal platform to understand regional maritime economies, explore investment opportunities, and build commercial partnerships to meet increasing logistics demands in the region.

As in previous years, many international speakers will attend the three-day conference, with 500 delegates expected. The event will include port visits and networking sessions.