SOUTH AFRICAN SHIPPING GALA

Networking and Fundraiser

After a sell-out inaugural event in 2024, the highly-anticipated South African Shipping Gala returns to the maritime calendar this year on November 28.

DATE: 28 November 2025
VENUE: ICC, Durban
FORMAT: Gala Dinner
COST: Contact organisers for ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities

The South African Shipping Gala is more than just an event - it is an opportunity to come together as an industry to celebrate excellence, foster meaningful connections, and pave the way for future growth. Taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre on 28th November 2025, this gala has been crafted to align with the maritime industry’s goals of expansion, innovation, and fostering economic opportunities.

With the theme "Oceans of Opportunity: Charting New Horizons", the event aims to showcase the accomplishments within South Africa's maritime sector while also serving as a catalyst for new possibilities in global markets.

The South African Shipping Gala will bring together industry leaders and professionals, government and policy makers, as well as educational and research representatives who share a passion for the growth and development of the maritime sector.

Attendees will include:

Maritime Companies: Shipbrokers, shipping lines, and logistics providers.
Key Government Departments involved in transportation, shipping, and economic development.
Maritime Academies and Universities, represented by key educators and researchers looking to innovate in the industry.

The core vision of the South African Shipping Gala is to:

Strengthen professional networks by bringing together industry leaders, government stakeholders, and maritime institutions.
Celebrate industry achievements through exclusive recognitions, such as the Shipping Hall of Fame induction.
Foster collaboration and innovation, helping to address key challenges in the maritime sector while unlocking future economic opportunities.

The gala is hosted in partnership with ICS SA, SAASOA and EThekwini Maritime Cluster, organizations that are deeply committed to the growth of South Africa’s maritime capabilities.

Attendees can look forward to:

Hall of Fame Inductions: Recognizing leaders who have made significant contributions to the maritime sector, including
Gala Dinner & Live Entertainment: Enjoy an elegant, seated dinner and cultural performances that celebrate the heritage of South Africa.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with key industry figures during and after the formal program.

Join us as we celebrate the present and chart a course for the future of maritime growth.

970

SAFEGUARDING, PRESERVING AND RESTORING GLOBAL KELP FORESTS

10/7/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The session will bring together perspectives on current initiatives, emerging challenges and practical actions to strengthen kelp forest conservation and restoration in South Africa and beyond.

7Oct2026

ILLICIT DRUG TRADE BETWEEN NORTH AMERICA AND AFRICA: ROUTES, PATTERNS AND RESPONSES

10/7/2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Africa Center invites you to a webinar, in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies–Africa, to examine the linkages between Western Hemisphere cartel activity and drug trafficking in and through West Africa, as well as to discuss West African government responses and their implications for international security. The webinar is open to all Africa Center alumni, partners, communities of interest, and US government colleagues.

8Oct2026

INSIDE THE MEPC: NEGOTIATION, CONSENSUS AND THE ROAD AHEAD

10/8/2026 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Drawing on the unique experience of the Chair of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, this webinar will offer an inside perspective on how the Committee works in practice.

RSS

1 2

RSS Upcoming Events

5 Oct 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARINE BIOINVASIONS 10/5/2026 - 10/7/2026

The International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB) is an international forum where scientists and policy makers from around the world meet to review current challenges in the global management of invasive marine organisms and to share new developments in science and policy.

20 Oct 2026 AFRICAN BOATING CONFERENCE 2026 10/20/2026 - 10/21/2026

Following the landmark success of ABC 2025, Africa’s premier B2B recreational boating conference is back. Join us as we continue to unite the continent’s marine industry and drive economic growth through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

22 Oct 2026 INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN ENERGY, OIL AND GAS SUMMIT 10/22/2026 - 10/25/2026

The Organising Committee of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS 2026), in collaboration with strategic partners and co-host Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has officially issued a global call for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to converge in Windhoek.