Maritime confab slated next month

CEBU, Philippines — The Queen City of the South is set to make waves in maritime innovation and sustainability with the highly-anticipated BLUERISE2025: Sugbo Maritima Expo and Blue Economy Infrastructure Convention (SME | BEIC), scheduled for June 25–27, 2025 at the IC Convention Center, Cebu City.

Touted as the premier maritime and blue economy event in Southeast Asia, BLUERISE2025 aims to catalyze investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in ocean-based industries. The convention is spearheaded by Full-Force MarketStrat Gateway, led by event organizer Frances Gatungay, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Quantum Quatro Ventures Inc., and the Cebu City Government.

“This event promises unparalleled opportunities to elevate brands, forge influential partnerships, and drive meaningful conversations that advance the maritime and blue economy sectors,” said Gatungay during a recent press conference yesterday.

With over 69.2 million metric tons of cargo handled in 2023, Cebu stands as a major maritime gateway in Southeast Asia. It is not only a hub for trade and logistics but also a strategic launchpad for sustainable economic initiatives in coastal development, marine technology, and ocean conservation.

The three-day convention is structured around a mission to unite global and local maritime stakeholders in driving forward eco-conscious innovations and best practices.

With the theme “Sustainable Seas, Thriving Communities,” the event will focus on promoting marine-based technologies and coastal resilience that directly uplift local economies and safeguard marine ecosystems.

The event also highlighted four powerhouse activities designed to offer deep engagement and tangible impact through four major components: a showcase of cutting-edge technologies, services, and innovations across maritime, ICT, energy, tourism, and marine infrastructure sectors; a series of high-level forums featuring industry experts discussing climate resilience, maritime governance, marine technology, and infrastructure sustainability; a legal education session on the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, highlighting the rights and welfare of maritime workers; and a seafarers’ Career Fair On-site job matching and recruitment facilitated by top sea-based manning agencies, connecting Filipino seafarers to global employment opportunities.

It a press statement, the organizers said that the blue economy encompasses all industries and activities that depend on oceans and coastal ecosystems --from fisheries and tourism to renewable energy and marine transport.

“As the climate crisis escalates and food security becomes more urgent, this sector is taking center stage in global development strategies. For the Philippines, an archipelagic nation with immense maritime potential, advancing a sustainable blue economy is both an economic imperative and a moral responsibility,” they added.  BRP (CEBU NEWS)