Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (March 2026)

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Event Update

Maritime Risk Symposium

Maritime Risk

Symposium 2026:

Confronting Emerging Threats Through

Collaboration, Innovation, and Strategic Action © sheilaf2002/AdobeStock

By Dr. Joe DiRenzo III, CDR Robert Crane, USCGR (Ret), and

Colonel Randy Pugh, USMC (Ret) he maritime domain has always been central to platform for government, industry, and academia to identify global stability and our nation’s prosperity. In to- and confront these threats as we collectively seek to shape a day’s rapidly evolving security environment, its more resilient maritime future. This year’s MRS marks the importance has never been more pronounced – or 16th gathering – a long way from its modest start at the

T more vulnerable. Over ninety percent of global trade moves University of Southern California with just 50 attendees!

across the world’s oceans, making maritime transportation MRS 2026, hosted by Sam Houston State University’s the backbone of international commerce, energy distribu- (SHSU) Institute for Homeland Security, will be held 2-3 tion, and economic resilience. Yet this vast ecosystem faces June at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, En- escalating risks including geopolitical tensions, deteriorat- ergy and Technology, San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas ing infrastructure, transnational crime, cyber intrusions, (Houston-Galveston area). Focusing on the theme “Over- environmental disruptions, and the growing complexity of coming Maritime Vulnerabilities Through Private-Pub- global supply chains. These challenges demand not only lic-Academic Partnerships,” the event will bring together awareness but coordinated, cross-sector action. thought leaders, military of? cers, researchers, maritime

The Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) stands at the fore- professionals, port operators, and policymakers to exchange front of addressing the maritime industry’s greatest challeng- insights and develop actionable strategies. The rich agenda es. The event, and the associated community, offer a unique re? ects the multifaceted and complex nature of maritime 16 | MN March 2026