The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has announced that this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will place a strategic focus on maritime trade, as global supply chains face fresh challenges and opportunities in an evolving economic landscape.
Set to hold in Rotterdam, one of the world’s busiest ports, the 2025 AGM will convene top business leaders, policymakers, trade experts, and maritime stakeholders from across the globe to explore pathways for strengthening global shipping, enhancing port infrastructure, and promoting sustainable ocean commerce.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the ICC emphasized that maritime trade remains the backbone of international commerce, accounting for over 80% of the world’s traded goods by volume. The AGM will explore key themes including digitalization of shipping logistics, environmental regulations, piracy and maritime security, as well as boosting trade access for developing nations.
“Given current disruptions in global shipping from climate-related incidents to geopolitical tensions it is critical that we place maritime trade at the heart of this year’s discussions,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton. “The resilience and modernization of sea trade routes are essential to ensuring a stable and inclusive global economy.”
Industry leaders from shipping giants such as Maersk, COSCO, and DP World are expected to deliver keynote addresses, while breakout sessions will focus on smart ports, green shipping technologies, and trade facilitation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The ICC also revealed that it would unveil a new Global Maritime Trade Index at the event a data-driven tool designed to monitor trends, risks, and opportunities within sea-borne commerce in real time.
Observers say the ICC’s spotlight on maritime trade comes at a crucial moment, as nations look to revamp logistics systems in the post-COVID era, amid rising energy costs and calls for decarbonization.
The 2025 ICC AGM is expected to set a new policy and investment agenda for the global shipping sector, reinforcing the role of the maritime industry as a key driver of international development.
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