75 Chao Phraya Express Boat will host Interferry’s next annual conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 October to 4 November 2026 200 million vehicles from Europe’s roads annually. Taxing this green alternative while road transport remains exempt risks a contradictory incentive where cargo and passengers shift back to congested motorways. Furthermore, we must address the lack of transparency in how ETS funds are used. We call for 100 per cent of these revenues be reinvested into the maritime sector – as would be the case if the global framework under the IMO is agreed. Specifically, we seek investments for shore power, e-fuels and electrification, rather than the revenues vanishing into national budgets. Another of our ongoing priorities is improving safety, a commitment best exemplified by the FerrySafe initiative. While the global industry has made great strides, domestic ferry safety in developing regions remains a challenge we are determined to overcome. Building on our successful 2024 Africa Safety initiatives, the 2025 conference in Lagos and our partnership with Lagos State Waterways Authority in Nigeria, we will launch an intensive 18-month mentoring and training programme in 2026. We are also deepening our ties with the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa and maintaining our engagement in Southeast Asia. This year, we will continue to work closely with the IMO alongside local ferry operators and national associations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to share best practices and help build first-class safety management systems. 2026 is our golden jubilee year, marking an ideal time to reflect on 50 years of collaboration. Ferries are unique, even within the shipping sector, and we are proud to represent the broad interests of our favourite industry on behalf of global members every day. Since our founding, Interferry has grown into an industry association representing over 280 member companies. We will celebrate this legacy throughout the year, culminating in the 50th Annual Interferry Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 October to 4 November 2026. Hosted by Chao Phraya Express Boat, the conference will be more than a celebration; it will be a platform where senior decision makers tackle the issues shaping our next 50 years. We are ‘Stronger Together’, and as we look towards Bangkok, I invite you to join us in helping define the future of the ferry industry. Over the coming months, Interferry will invite selected members to share their insights into what makes Interferry a vital player in the global ferry industry via its LinkedIn page, which can be found at: www.linkedin.com/company/interferry
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