Arctic Shipping Summit 2026

Matt Jeneroux, Member of Parliament & Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic and Security Partnerships, Government of Canada

Chris Avery, President & CEO, Arctic Gateway Group

Erik Almkvist, Head of Ice Operations, Viking Supply Ships

Corey Curtis, Vice President Fleet Operations, Canship Ugland

Maja Sabolic, Staff Captain, HX Expeditions

Peter Rybski, Director of Polar Intelligence, Davie

Keld Qvistgaard, Head of Ice Services, Danish Meteorological Institute

Freeman Ralph, VP Oceans and Energy, C-CORE

Philippe Lamontagne, Head of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Team, Ocean Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre, National Research Council Canada

Elliot Holland, Chief Operating Officer, West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation

Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson, Senior Director, Development & Delivery, Arctic, EllisDon

Jay Khosla, Executive Director, Economic and Energy Policy, Public Policy Forum

Yiota Kokkinos, Senior Executive Advisor, Energy, Public Policy Forum

Senior Representative, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Sima Sahar Zerehi, CEO, Arctic Opportunities Group

Jeffrey Maurice, Vice President, Partnerships, Arctic Economic Development Corporation

Matthyw Thomas, Senior Program Manager and Principal Engineer, American Bureau of Shipping

Andrew Kinsey, Director, Marine Risk Consulting, Integrated Specialty Coverages

Tom Ekgren, Arctic and Naval Segment Director, Steerprop

John Vandenberg, Executive Director / Founder, Arctic Marine Training Group

Paul Cordeiro, Ice Navigator, Northwest Passage Marine

Martin Roymo Skedsmo, Sales Director Canada & Nordics, Kongsberg Satellite Services

Melanie Matter Welsh, Executive Director & Founder, Alaska Unlimited

Tanya Tourangeau, Reconciliation Strategist & Consultant, Tanya T Consulting

Cedric Goyette, Co-Founder & CEO, InBridge AI

Chris Shapardanov, Senior Associate, David Pratt & Associates

Phillip Buhler, Of Counsel, GrayRobinson

Kyle Ereaux, Legal Counsel, Director, Denroche & Associates

Karl Davenport, Business Manager, Arctic Marine Training Group

Ben Seligman, Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant

• Future Business Opportunities in Arctic Shipping: Growth Drivers, Constraints and Realistic Outlook: Examine where Arctic shipping activity is expanding across transit, destination and project cargo markets, and assess the commercial conditions required for sustainable growth.

• Infrastructure That Enables Operations: Ports, Fuel and Project Delivery: Explore how ports, fuel supply, logistics networks and infrastructure investment influence the viability and reliability of Arctic shipping operations.

• Vessel and Icebreaking Capacity: Gaps, Constraints and Delivery: Assess whether existing ice-capable fleets and icebreaker programmes are sufficient to support growing operational demand across Arctic regions and seasons.

• Regulation vs Reality: Making Policy Work in Arctic Operations: Consider how environmental regulation, fuel restrictions and compliance frameworks translate into real operational consequences for Arctic operators.

• Industry–Community Collaboration: Aligning Commercial Activity with Local Knowledge and Priorities: Examine how Indigenous knowledge, community engagement and long-term collaboration contribute to safer, more effective and more reliable Arctic operations.

• Replicating Successful Arctic Operations: Turning Experience into Repeatable Practice: Explore how operators apply operational learning, voyage planning and vessel capability to consistently deliver successful Arctic operations.

• How Arctic Routes Are Actually Used: Planning, Timing and Operational Reality: A practical examination of how Arctic routes are selected, adapted and managed in response to changing ice, weather and commercial conditions.

• Technology That Delivers: Practical Tools for Arctic Operations: Assess how navigation technologies, ice information systems and operational support tools are improving safety, planning and decision-making in Arctic environments.

• Decision-Making at Sea: Judgement, Thresholds and Accountability: Examine how masters, operators and ice navigators make high-stakes operational decisions under conditions of uncertainty, commercial pressure and limited alternatives.

• Improving the Information Arctic Operators Depend On: Explore how hydrographic data, weather information, ice forecasting and local operational knowledge can be improved to support safer and more flexible Arctic navigation.

• Risk, Responsibility and Commercial Exposure in Arctic Shipping: Consider how operators, insurers, governments and commercial stakeholders define, allocate and price Arctic operational and infrastructure risk.

• Commercial Viability, Risk and Return in Arctic Shipping: Assess where Arctic shipping delivers realistic commercial value, and examine how companies evaluate cost, reliability, uncertainty and long-term investment potential.

ACI’s Arctic Shipping Summit 2026 brings together senior professionals directly involved in Arctic maritime operations, infrastructure, regulation, investment and operational decision-making, including:

• Shipowners, Operators and Ice-Class Fleet Managers: Commercial shipping companies operating bulk, project cargo, offshore support, destination shipping and Arctic-capable vessels responsible for fleet operations, chartering, voyage planning and Arctic strategy.

• Coast Guards, Icebreaking Authorities and Government Operators: National coast guards, marine safety agencies and government organisations responsible for Arctic operations, icebreaking, search and rescue, navigation support and maritime sovereignty.

• Ports, Infrastructure Developers and Logistics Organisations: Port authorities, infrastructure developers, engineering firms and logistics providers involved in Arctic port expansion, marine infrastructure, fuel supply and remote operational support.

• Regulators, Policy Makers and Maritime Authorities: Government departments, regulators and international maritime organisations shaping Arctic shipping policy, environmental compliance, vessel standards and operational frameworks.

• Ice Navigation, Marine Operations and Vessel Management Professionals: Masters, ice navigators, nautical superintendents, operations managers and Arctic specialists responsible for operational execution and onboard decision-making in Arctic conditions.

• Marine Insurers, Underwriters and Risk Advisers: Insurance providers, underwriters and risk consultants assessing operational exposure, infrastructure risk, vessel capability and commercial liability within Arctic environments.

• Hydrographic, Ice, Weather and Navigation Data Organisations: Organisations providing hydrographic services, ice information, weather forecasting, routing support and operational intelligence used in Arctic voyage planning and navigation.

• Vessel Technology, Navigation and Operational Support Providers: Companies developing onboard technologies, navigation systems, communications tools and operational support solutions designed to improve Arctic safety, planning and decision-making.

• Shipbuilders, Naval Architects and Engineering Companies: Shipyards, vessel designers and marine engineering organisations involved in the design, construction and maintenance of ice-class and polar-capable vessels.

• Cruise Operators and Expedition Shipping Companies: Arctic cruise and expedition operators evaluating operational planning, vessel capability, environmental management and passenger safety within polar environments.

• Resource, Mining and Industrial Project Operators: Resource companies and industrial project developers reliant on Arctic marine logistics, seasonal shipping access and remote infrastructure capability.

• Indigenous Organisations and Community Representatives: Indigenous groups, local organisations and regional stakeholders engaged in Arctic shipping discussions relating to operational impact, collaboration, environmental management and long-term regional development.

• Academic, Research and Training Institutions: Universities, maritime academies, simulation centres and applied research organisations contributing to Arctic navigation, vessel operations, marine engineering and policy development.

• Legal, Advisory and Strategic Consulting Organisations: Law firms, strategic advisers and specialist consultancies supporting Arctic shipping activity across regulatory, operational, commercial and governance matters.

• Senior Decision-Makers Across the Arctic Shipping Sector: Previous editions have attracted Chief Executives, Vice Presidents, Fleet Managers, Directors, Heads of Operations, Ice Service Leaders, Commercial Managers, Policy Advisers, Technical Specialists and Arctic Operations professionals responsible for strategy, investment and operational delivery across the sector.

Event Overview

The 2025 edition of ACI’s Arctic Shipping Summit brought together shipowners, operators, regulators, coast guards, infrastructure developers, technology providers and Arctic specialists to examine the practical realities shaping Arctic maritime operations. Across two days of presentations and discussion, the event focused on the operational, regulatory and commercial conditions influencing Arctic navigation, with particular emphasis on applied experience, operational decision-making and the challenges of delivering reliable activity in complex environments.

Operational Risk and Real-World Execution

A major focus of the conference was operational execution and risk management in Arctic environments. Speakers challenged a number of commonly perceived Arctic risks, arguing that factors such as poor voyage planning discipline, overreliance on automated routing systems and inconsistent interpretation of navigation data can present more immediate operational threats than extreme environmental conditions themselves. Real grounding incidents and operational case studies were used to demonstrate how failures in judgement, planning and information interpretation can lead to incidents even in manageable conditions.

Human Judgement and Operational Experience

Multiple sessions highlighted the importance of operational judgement and experience within Arctic navigation. Discussions examined how masters, ice navigators and operational teams combine radar, satellite imagery, onboard systems and visual observation to interpret changing ice conditions in real time. Speakers consistently emphasised that formal training alone is insufficient without practical operational exposure, drawing a clear distinction between theoretical competence and real-world decision-making in Arctic environments.

Vessel Capability and Arctic Navigation

Operational case studies provided detailed insight into vessel performance and Arctic navigation practices. One presentation explored several years of operational experience aboard a high-specification polar vessel, demonstrating how vessel capability, routing decisions and real-time operational adjustments interact during Arctic voyages. Speakers also highlighted the variability of ice conditions between regions and seasons, and the need for operators to continuously adapt speed, routing and planning strategies during operations.

Commercial Reality and Route Viability

The conference also explored the commercial dimension of Arctic shipping. Presentations examined route economics, scheduling reliability and insurance exposure, while assessing where Arctic operations currently deliver practical commercial value. Speakers noted that most Arctic shipping activity remains destination-based rather than transit-driven, and discussions considered whether concepts such as convoy systems and integrated logistics models could improve predictability and support future commercial growth.

Regulation, Governance and International Frameworks

Regulatory and governance frameworks formed another major theme throughout the event. Sessions examined international maritime law, regional cooperation mechanisms and evolving environmental frameworks affecting Arctic operations. Speakers discussed the operational implications of differing national approaches to navigation systems, infrastructure and vessel management across Arctic regions, while also highlighting ongoing uncertainty around liability, operational responsibility and incident response in remote environments.

Indigenous Engagement and Local Knowledge

Several presentations focused on the role of Indigenous organisations and local stakeholders within Arctic shipping activity. Discussions highlighted the importance of consultation, co-management frameworks and the integration of traditional knowledge into operational planning and environmental assessment processes. Speakers emphasised that effective engagement is an ongoing operational requirement rather than a one-time consultation exercise, particularly in regions where shipping activity intersects with local livelihoods, wildlife management and community priorities.

Technology Supporting Arctic Operations

Technology discussions at the summit focused primarily on practical operational application rather than theoretical innovation. Presentations explored the use of simulation environments, digital twins and operational modelling tools to improve training, voyage planning and decision-making in Arctic conditions. Speakers positioned these technologies as tools designed to support operators and improve understanding of vessel limitations, operational scenarios and human performance rather than replace operational expertise.

A Practical Industry Discussion

Overall, the 2025 Arctic Shipping Summit reflected an industry focused on operational realism, applied knowledge and practical delivery. Across the programme, discussions consistently returned to the interaction between vessel capability, infrastructure, operational judgement, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder collaboration in determining how Arctic shipping can be conducted safely, effectively and commercially realistically in practice.

OCIANA® (previously Global Spatial Technology Solutions or GSTS) is a global maritime intelligence company helping organizations move from awareness to action. For defence and security missions, OCIANA® helps teams identify the behaviours that need investigation, detect threats earlier, interpret intent faster, and act with confidence. For maritime supply chain organizations, OCIANA® powers smarter voyage and resource planning, reducing fuel consumption, easing port congestion, and streamlining vessel turnarounds. For more information, visit OCIANA.com.

Steerprop is a leading designer and manufacturer of marine propulsion systems for the most demanding applications and the toughest conditions.

Since our founding in Finland in 2000, we have delivered purpose-built propulsion units for hundreds of vessels, including every third icebreaker with azimuth propulsion currently in operation around the world.

Our unrivaled Arctic experience and fit-for-purpose solutions are a testament to our commitment to continuous development, steadfast dedication to meeting our customers’ needs, and our unwavering resolve to deliver exceptional performance.

www.steerprop.com

Founded in 1841, NOV BLM designs and manufactures high-performance equipment built to pull, push, and lift in some of the world’s harshest sea environments, including for Ice Class Vessels.

Based in Nantes, France, our fully integrated facility brings engineering, machining, electric motor production, assembly, testing, and service together under one roof. This structure ensures consistency, quality, and control from concept through commissioning and long-term support.

We specialize in deck machinery (winches, windlasses), launch and recovery systems, and transfer solutions for cruise, cargo, LNG, and naval vessels. As the market leader in cruise deck machinery, we deliver tailored systems designed for reliability, space efficiency, and long service life.

Every solution is engineered for purpose and built for lifecycle value. Our global aftermarket teams provide inspection, service, and retrofit support to keep vessels operating safely and efficiently.

For more than 180 years, BLM has evolved with the marine industry, combining heritage, innovation, and manufacturing expertise to help our customers perform with confidence at sea.

BLM | NOV

Our vision is to be the preferred partner in polar and harsh environments, delivering safe, effective, and sustainable operations by combining our expertise with tailored vessels.

Viking Supply Ships (VSS) core business is within the Offshore and Offshore/Icebreaking segment on a Worldwide basis. The fleet now comprises of 8 AHTS vessels (6 with high ice class).

VSS holds a unique expertise within the general offshore industry dating back to the start of the company in 1974. Customization and innovation, combined with a leading position in safety and the environment are key success factors. Our history with Arctic operations goes far back in time, we have a proven track record within Arctic offshore operations, both as ship operators of combination offshore-icebreakers, management of governmental icebreakers, arctic research icebreaker and providers of ice-management and logistical solutions of more than 25 years’ with vast range of experience of different icebreaking and offshore work. In addition to a modern AHTS fleet customized for icy operations the company Viking Ice Consultancy was established in 2015 as a part of the Viking Supply group.

www.viking-ice.com

KSAT- Kongsberg Satellite Services is the leading provider of Ground Network Services and Earth Observation Services. KSAT owns and operates a global network combining the unique polar location with a vast and rapidly expanding mid-latitude stations.

Today, KSAT continues to unlock the full potential of our partners’ missions through a global network of several hundred antennas across 30+ ground station locations, optimized for polar, inclined and equatorial orbits. In addition, we provide Earth Observation services with some of the fastest delivery times available – supporting time-sensitive, operational decision-making when every minute counts.

Our customers include public and commercial users with urgent operational requirements, as well as satellite owners and operators who depend on high-performance ground services.

www.ksat.no

With a highly trained staff of over 70 people and world class technology facilities,
C‐CORE is a multi‐disciplinary innovative company addressing complex challenges in the oceans, on land and in space.  In addition to world‐leading specialized engineering expertise for arctic shipping, oceans and energy developments and operational decision support, C‐CORE has 50 years of experience in advancing physical and numerical modeling and developing AI/ML technologies for environmental and industrial monitoring, marine surveillance and natural resource management, particularly in harsh environments. Key areas of expertise are:

• Specialized engineering support for arctic shipping and offshore developments, including advanced modeling and data analytics for environmental processes, structural response, operational exposure and class selection, design basis development, concept and detailed design, and operational efficiency;
• Satellite based earth observation services, including sea ice and iceberg monitoring and forecasting, custom ice charting for shipping and offshore operations, maritime surveillance and security including sensor fusion and ship/iceberg classification for defence, shipping, and energy industries; and
• Data science, including state-of-the art AI/ML methods, that draw insights from large volumes of data to solve problems and optimize processes.

www.c-core.ca

ACI has put together a range of packages to suit your requirements. These range from branding options, to full scale partner solutions and can be tailored to meet your objectives and budgets.

If you are launching a new product or service and wish to gain visibility and brand recognition within your industry, contact us today!

For commercial opportunities, please contact:

Sam Cormack

Tel: +44 20 3141 0609

Email: [email protected]

MARITIME MAGAZINE

A privately-owned Canadian bilingual (English and French) web/print quarterly trade publication, for over 30 years, Maritime Magazine is devoted to in-depth coverage of the maritime/multimodal/logistics industry in the Canada-US Great Lakes/St. Lawrence region, the Canadian Atlantic and Pacific coast trades as well as the evolution of Arctic shipping, with timely features and news stories within the scope of an analytical and journalistic approach.

Following a distinguished career as a Paris-based foreign correspondent and Canada Bureau Chief of the Journal of Commerce, as Editor of Maritime Magazine since 2003 Leo Ryan has transformed the niche publication with quality content appreciated by shippers and readers on five continents.

Increasingly too, it covers the many strategic “green” initiatives of industry stakeholders worldwide to build a zero-carbon economy. Distributed nationally and abroad, it has a targeted readership of decision makers in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa.

Weblink: https://maritimemag.com/

The Nautical Institute is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Our aim is to promote professionalism, best practice and safety throughout the maritime industry and to represent the interests of our members.

Weblink: www.nautinst.org

Project Cargo Network(PCN) is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified organisation established to provide a networking platform for the world’s top project cargo specialists. Our Members handle the transportation of oversized and heavy items or shipments that consist of complex components that must be disassembled, shipped and then re-assembled. They offer project cargo management for engineering, procurement and construction companies servicing energy, mining, chemical, petrochemical, pipeline, infrastructure and other sectors. Our fast-growing organisation comprises of 220+ specialists in 105+ countries.

Weblink: projectcargonetwork.com

Robban Assafina, the regional maritime media platform has been sailing in the maritime reporting and networking since 2009, with direct connections to regional and international decision makers, who ensured a high level of participation, and still, in all accomplished activities and events.

Robban Assafina is keen to provide an effective yard for access, exchange of maritime knowledge and networking. With our progressive and synergistic maritime approach, we are able to offer distinguished themes and new directions for you to navigate your course safely and seek the best opportunities for your business development.

Robban Assafina, the unique maritime MENA publication, website, and smart phones’ application, is a regional intensive maritime media services developed side by side with training courses/workshops in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region, with a specialized crew of maritime experts, masters & engineers, who focus directly on shipping, shipbuilding, ships, ports, offshore, and everything related to the world of marine navigation, communication and machineries.

Weblink: https://www.assafinaonline.com

Worldoils is a company that combines the power of marketing as well as the in-house expertise for the Oil, Gas, Offshore and the Maritime industries. Worldoils’ web portalwww.worldoils.com has become a truly central platform for visitors who need information regarding oil and gas products and services, research, training, conferences, news and events as well as a popular advertising base for providers of Oil, Gas, Marine and Offshore services. Worldoils has also launched the jobs system and a marketplace. In the recent months, Worldoils has strengthened its position as a fast developing central place for buying and selling of land rigs, offshore rigs, barge rigs and other oilfield and subsea equipment.

Weblink: http://www.worldoils.com/

ASD Media is an online media company. We provide professionals in dedicated markets with news, intelligence, and interaction opportunities. During the last five years we developed dedicated websites for events, reports, news distribution and source data, and changed the name of the ASD-Network to ASDNews to emphasize the news focus.

Weblink: http://www.asdmedia.nl/

Taking place the afternoon before the Arctic Shipping Summit opens, this beginner-friendly workshop gives attendees a practical and enjoyable introduction to Inuktitut in a relaxed setting. The session is designed for people with no, or very limited, previous knowledge of the language, helping everyone start from the same level. The workshop will combine language learning, pronunciation practice and light networking, giving participants the opportunity to meet other attendees before the main conference while learning something directly relevant to their work and the discussions taking place over the following two days.

Participants will gain familiarity with respectful greetings, simple introductions, selected practical vocabulary and key terms connected with Arctic shipping, communities, infrastructure and marine planning. The workshop will also introduce relevant Nunavik place names, organizations and government bodies that attendees may hear during the conference.

2.00pm-2.45pm –Introduction, Greetings & Pronunciation: An accessible introduction to Inuktitut for complete beginners, including where it is spoken, respectful greetings, professional introductions, basic pronunciation principles and simple words or phrases that attendees can begin using with confidence.

2.45pm-3.00pm – Refreshment Break

3.00pm-3.45pm –Practical Vocabulary for the Arctic Shipping Summit: A guided introduction to selected words, terms and names connected with the conference themes, including ice, weather, ships, safety, communities, policy, ports, marine planning and Arctic operations. The session will also include pronunciation practice for relevant Nunavik place names, Inuit organizations and government bodies

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is intended for registered conference attendees who are complete beginners or have only very limited knowledge of Inuktitut. It will be especially useful for those working in shipping, ports, infrastructure, policy, regulation, marine operations, community engagement, environmental planning or Arctic project development.

Important Information

This workshop is free to attend for registered Arctic Shipping Summit attendees, but spaces are limited to 20 participants and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration is required.