About Maritime Convention of the Americas (MCA)
Hosted by the Panama Maritime Chamber, MCA 2026 brings together global decision-makers to explore investment opportunities, strengthen regional alliances, and showcase Panama as the strategic maritime hub of the Americas.
Promote high-level networking between international companies, investors, and institutions.
Present Panama’s National Maritime Strategy to the global market.
Facilitate real business opportunities through the Doing Business program.
Encourage innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the sector.
Who Attends MCA 2026
- Shipowners, fleet managers and maritime operators
- Port authorities, terminals and logistics hubs
- Government authorities, regulators and international institutions
- Technology, services and solution providers for maritime and logistics
- Academic institutions and training organizations
What Makes MCA Different
Conference Program
High-level plenary sessions with global leaders and regional authorities.
Certified Courses
Professional training designed to strengthen talent and capabilities across the sector.
Doing Business
A structured B2B matchmaking engine that connects buyers and suppliers through pre-scheduled meetings.
Technical Tours
Site visits to key maritime and logistics facilities to experience the hub firsthand.
Panama City · May 7–8, 2026
MCA 2026
Academic Agenda
Maritime Chamber Annual Conference · Preliminary Program
* Program subject to updates
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Protocol and Global Leadership
Registration
Networking Coffee Break
Opening Ceremony
Gerardo Bósquez · President, MCA 2026 Organizing Committee
René Gómez · President, Panama Maritime Chamber
H.E. Arsenio Domínguez · IMO
H.E. José Raúl Mulino · President of the Republic of Panama
Plenary Session: Securing Global Trade and Maritime Transportation in an Age of Uncertainty
Trade Under Pressure: The Commercial Reality of Shipping
Paul Pathy · President & CEO, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
Building Resilient Energy Supply Chains in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty
Tim Wilkins · Managing Director, Intertanko
Juan Diego Reyna · President, Panamanian Shipowners Association (introductory remarks)
Merchant Marine
Ramón Franco · Director General of Merchant Marine, Panama Maritime Authority (AMP)
Maximizing Fleet Performance: Technical and Operational Strategies for Energy Optimization
Hosted by APOMPanama, the Strategic Hub for Global Logistics
Comfort Break
Colón Free Trade Zone: Strategic Maritime Logistics
Dovi Eisenman · President, Colón Free Trade Zone Chamber of Commerce
How Maritime Governance Incorporates Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Juan Lorenzo Castillo Paulino · Head of the Mining Department, General Directorate of Customs of the Dominican Republic
Geopolitics and Global Trade: 2026 Update
Lucas Gastaldi · Partner, McKinsey Panama
Friday, May 8, 2026
Strategy and Sustainability
Registration & Networking
Opening Remarks
René Gómez · President, Panama Maritime Chamber
David Loosley · Secretary General & CEO, BIMCO
National Maritime Strategy
Rodolfo Sabonge · Director General of National Planning, Institute for Development Planning (MEF)
Panama Canal Authority — Revenue Diversification Program
Rafael Pirro · Ancillary Activities Development Officer, Panama Canal Authority (ACP)
Modernization, Sustainability and Cooperation: The Panamanian Model in the Fisheries Sector
Eduardo Carrasquilla · Chief of International Cooperation, Panama Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP)
Vision on Water Resources: National Source and Use Matrix
National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP)
Coffee Break & Visit to the Exhibition Area
Beyond the Horizon: Forging Ahead Through Uncertainty
Thomas Kazakos · Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping
CSA's Strategies and Vision for Regional Maritime Development
Milaika Capella Ras · General Manager, Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA)
Future Ports in a Changing World: Dutch Innovation for a Sustainable and Connected Maritime Future
Erik Plaisier · Regional Business Developer for Latin America, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Training & Talent: Facing Industry Challenges
Mercedes Pardo · CEO, Spanish Maritime Institute (IME)
Víctor Luna Barahona · President, International Maritime University of Panama (introductory remarks)
Energy Markets
H.E. Rubén Argüelles Sánchez · Consul of Panama in Rio de Janeiro (introductory remarks)
The Future of Maritime Regulation: Balancing Innovation, Safety and Global Trade
Hugo Canella · Account Manager for Brazil, Panama, Guyana & Suriname, Lloyd's Register Latin America
Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors and Hubs: Feasibility Study of the Green and Digital Corridor Algeciras–Panama
Hosted by Global GatewayFinancing Forum
CAF / Banking Sector
Closing Plenary & Networking Cocktail
