Posted on: 9 November 2026
The 2027 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum Overseas Promotion Event and accompanying Maritime Silk Road Partner Ports Salon were held in London last week (4 November). The event attracted over 100 representatives from port and shipping companies, financial institutions, shipping lines, industry associations and research organisations from 26 countries, serving as the first stop of the Forum’s global promotional campaign and the inaugural London edition of the Maritime Silk Road Partner Ports Salon.
Speakers included Li Peng, Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom; Ye Zhihang, Deputy General Manager of Zhejiang Seaport Group and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group; and Mark Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Maritime London.
Mark Williams said as follows in his opening address:
“Less than two weeks ago I returned from Shanghai, where I took part in Pudong International Shipping Week and its UK Day. I came home struck by the energy, ambition and international outlook of China’s maritime sector — and by the value of meeting our counterparts face to face.
Today’s gathering looks ahead to the Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum in Ningbo next May. Its theme — ‘Open, Resilient, Together; — offers an excellent way to think about the future of our industry.
First, OPEN. Shipping is the great enabler of international trade. Its success depends on open markets, open channels of communication and openness to new ideas. Ningbo Zhoushan, the world’s largest port by cargo tonnage, demonstrates this on an extraordinary scale. Its connections reach across continents and into the daily lives of businesses and consumers around the world.
London contributes a different, complementary set of strengths. Our maritime cluster brings together ship finance, insurance, law, arbitration, shipbroking, consultancy and technology. These services help trade move, investment flow and commercial risks be managed. The more effectively operational centres and professional-services centres work together, the greater the benefit to the global maritime economy.
Second, RESILIENT. The past few years have reminded us that maritime supply chains cannot be taken for granted. Geopolitical tensions, disruption to trading routes and the physical risks of a changing climate all demand stronger networks and better preparation.
At the same time, shipping must undertake two major transitions: decarbonisation and digitalisation. Cleaner fuels, new vessels, smarter ports and better information systems require sustained investment, shared standards and confidence in long-term partnerships. Resilience is not simply about withstanding the next disruption. It is about building an industry capable of adapting and prospering through change.
Third, TOGETHER. No single country, port or maritime centre can deliver these changes alone. A ship may be built in China, financed in London, insured in the London market and operate between ports on several continents. That is not an unusual arrangement; it is the essence of international shipping.
The Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum is valuable because it brings together people able to turn discussion into practical results. I welcome its emphasis on connecting institutions, sharing knowledge and creating tangible outcomes. There is much that Chinese ports, shipping companies and shipbuilders can achieve alongside British financiers, insurers, lawyers, technology providers and advisers.
Of course, our maritime centres will compete. Competition drives innovation and excellence. But it need not stand in the way of cooperation, particularly when our strengths are so complementary.
At Maritime London, we are committed to strengthening those relationships and helping our members find opportunities to contribute. I hope today renews friendships, opens new conversations and builds momentum towards the Forum in Ningbo in May 2027.
A great distance of ocean separates our two nations. But perhaps we should think of ourselves as living on opposite sides of the same maritime street.
As the Chinese saying reminds us, 好邻居，金不换 — A good neighbour is a priceless treasure.”
In conclusion, Maritime London CEO Mark Williams added: “Ports connect places. Maritime communities connect people.”
The event attracted senior representatives from leading ports, shipping companies, maritime organisations, chambers of commerce and trade promotion agencies worldwide. Participants included representatives from the IMO, the Baltic Exchange, Hutchison Ports, Port of Barcelona, Port of Valencia, the Port Klang Authority, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Port of Esbjerg, Peel Ports Group, Port of Felixstowe, COSCO Shipping (UK), DFDS, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, Lloyd’s Register, China Classification Society, Clarksons Research and other major industry stakeholders.
