Every industry has its flagship events where competitors become colleagues, business conversations become partnerships, and achievements that often happen quietly behind the scenes receive the recognition they deserve..
For South Africa’s maritime and shipping community, the South African Shipping Gala IS THAT EVENT..
A night dedicated to the maritime industry
Held every year in November, the South African Shipping Gala in collaboration with eThekwini Maritime Cluster, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, South Africa, and SAASOA returns for its 3rd instalment on Friday, 13 November 2026, again at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC)..
The South African Shipping Gala will bring together leaders from across South Africa’s shipping, freight, logistics, port, maritime, and international trade sectors..
Beyond the elegance of the evening itself, the event continues to provide an opportunity to recognise the people, organisations, and partnerships that have helped shape the South African maritime industry while looking ahead to the next generation of innovation, investment, and growth..
For the 3rd year running, one of the evening’s highlights will be the induction of two distinguished industry leaders into the Shipping Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding lifetime contributions to South African shipping..
More than an awards evening and dinner
The maritime industry is built on relationships, and the South African Shipping Gala creates a unique opportunity for decision-makers from across the value chain to meet in one place..
These conversations frequently lead to:
- New commercial partnerships
- Business development opportunities
- Industry collaboration
- Knowledge sharing
- Greater visibility for participating organisations
- Stronger connections across the maritime ecosystem
For organisations looking to expand their presence in Southern Africa’s shipping sector, the South African Shipping Gala also offers sponsorship opportunities designed to provide a level of concentrated industry engagement not available elsewhere..
These include:
- Diamond Sponsor — exclusive branding, five VIP tables, extensive media exposure, and prominent main-stage presence.
- Gold Sponsor — premium branding, four VIP tables, and media recognition.
- Silver Sponsor — strategic brand positioning, three VIP tables, and recognition across printed event materials.
- Bronze Sponsor — logo placement, two VIP tables, and valuable industry exposure.
- Premium Sponsor — branded social media exposure, reserved seating for ten guests, premium table positioning, and curated hospitality.
Informing the industry
At Shipping and Freight Resource (SFR), our mission has always been to inform the industry, amplify credible voices, and connect South African businesses with a global audience and as an Official Media Partner for the South African Shipping Gala, SFR will be working alongside the organisers to:
- Highlight participating sponsors and partners
- Share event updates and industry news
- Increase international visibility for the Gala
- Showcase the organisations helping shape South Africa’s maritime future
- Extend the event’s reach to SFR’s global readership across shipping, freight, logistics, and international trade
While the Gala is proudly South African, the audience it reaches is truly global..
Event details
📅 Date: Friday, 13 November 2026
🕕 Time: 18:00
📍 Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC)
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information:
☎ Tel: +27 31 824 1388
✉ Email: ics@icssa.co.za
