Cape Town is set to become the focal point of Africa’s maritime and bunkering sector once again as Maritime Week Africa 2026 (MWAF26) lands at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, from 20–22 January 2026.
Now in its 17th edition, the event is organised by ship.energy and will assemble an influential mix of government representatives, energy suppliers, shipowners, ports, traders, regulators, and industry specialists from across the continent and beyond.
This year’s programme promises to go well beyond conference talk. Delegates can expect a rigorous examination of Africa’s bunkering landscape, with particular emphasis on South Africa’s fiscal, legal, and operational competitiveness and the broader shifts taking place across the continent’s marine fuels market.
With global energy transition pressures intensifying, MWAF26 provides fresh insights into Africa’s current position and the direction of momentum.
Ship.energy has positioned the event as a platform for pragmatic, market-relevant debate. Rather than theorising about distant futures, MWAF26 focuses on realistic timelines, regulatory realities, and commercially viable paths to marine fuel transition across African geographies.
Shipping and Freight Resource is a proud media partner for Maritime Week Africa 2026..
What to expect at Maritime Week Africa 2026
The three-day programme blends market analysis, expert-led sessions, specialised training, and curated networking that brings together senior decision makers who shape Africa’s bunker supply, regulatory frameworks, and maritime fuel strategies.
Key focus areas include:
- Market intelligence — traditional and emerging fuels, technology and regulation updates, and pan-African bunkering trends.
- South Africa deep-dive — fiscal, legal, and operational barriers; expected input from DoT, TNPA, SAMSA, and SARS.
- Training & experiences — Liquid Cargo Business & Vessel Chartering course (20 January), two networking lunches, two evening receptions, and a post-conference boat tour of Cape Town Harbour.
Who will be there
MWAF26 is designed for:
Bunker buyers and suppliers, shipowners, traders, brokers, refiners, fuel testing entities, storage and barging companies, maritime lawyers, regulators, standards bodies, and anyone invested in Africa’s marine fuels market and energy transition.
If your business relies on the future of bunkering in Africa, this forum should be on your calendar.
Registration and pricing
Standard Conference Pass: £795
Vessel Owner Pass: £245
Training Course: £245
Group bookings are available, and Premium members benefit from a 5% discount.
Registration is open via the official MWAF26 event page.
Event details
Event: Maritime Week Africa 2026
Dates: 20–22 January 2026
Conference: 21–22 January
Training: 20 January
Venue: Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Granger Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Organiser: ship.energy
Partnership and sponsorship opportunities
Ship.energy offers a range of sponsorship and exhibition tiers, from Diamond to Bronze, plus bespoke branding, speaking, and delegate packages. A limited number of Platinum and Gold slots remain available.
About ship.energy
ship.energy provides news, insights, and research focused on the global maritime energy transition. The organisation curates specialist events such as Maritime Week Africa, convening stakeholders to discuss the evolving marine fuels landscape and future energy pathways for shipping.
