Vlora, Albania - October 2026. The momentum around the 1st BALKANS BLUE ECONOMY SUMMIT, held in conjunction with the second edition of Balkans Sea Fair (BSF), is reaching unprecedented levels. For three days, Marina Orikum and the Safin Hotel will bring together the most influential decision- makers, port authorities, tech pioneers, and academic leaders across the Adriatic-Ionian basin.
Day 1 (Oct 16): Assomarinas opens with the European Marina Forum
Organized in cooperation with ASSOMARINAS (Italian Nautical Ports Association) and chaired by President Roberto Perocchio, Day 1 sets the international benchmark. Focus topics include sustainable marina management, eco-materials, and modern port equipment with representatives from EBI (European Boating Industry), Croatian Marina Association, SMIA, and key regional port authorities (Durrës and Vlora).
Day 2 (Oct 17): Geopolitics, Corridor VIII & infrastructure integration
Saturday, October 17, turns the spotlight on macro-regional strategy under the prestigious patronage of The International Propeller Clubs - Port of Rome.
Day 2 deep dive: strategic panels & focus areas
- Corridor VIII & Balkan Logistics Hubs: strategic analysis of Corridor VIII as a vital intermodal bridge between Italy, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Panelists explore how port expansion connects seamlessly with railway and highway networks.
- Maritime Security & Technological Sovereignty: high-level talks focusing on coastal monitoring, underwater surveillance, and maritime security, with key contributions from defense technology giants like Leonardo.
- Coastal Real Estate & Mega-Developments: a dedicated session on how major regional developers (including Kastrati Group, Balfin Group, and Concord Group) are integrating world-class waterfront real estate with luxury marina facilities.
- Energy Transition in Maritime Transport: discussions on cold ironing, electric propulsion, hydrogen integration, and sustainable bunkering infrastructure for the Adriatic-Ionian fleet.
Day 3 (Oct 18): Blue careers, tech transfer & “Women at the Helm”
Sunday, October 18, places humans, education, and innovation at the center, co-organized with the University of Durrës and CEMA (Center of Excellence for Maritime Affairs).
Day 3 deep dive: human capital & female leadership
- Trans-Adriatic Blue Careers & Youth Opportunity: Bridging the skill gap in maritime transport, naval engineering, and yachting management. Introducing exchange programs between Italian and Balkan naval academies.
- Startups, Research & Technology Transfer: Showcasing innovative maritime startups, AI applied to navigation, 3D digital twin modeling for marinas, and marine biodiversity protection.
- Special Panel "Women at the Helm": An inspiring roundtable celebrating female leaders who are steering the future of shipbuilding, port authorities, scientific research, and international maritime diplomacy.
Program confirmation notice: while key keynote speakers, institutions, and major panels are fully confirmed, the full list of participating regional institutions, guest companies, and partner delegations for Days 2 and 3 is currently being finalized as additional local and international confirmations continue to arrive. The final detailed agenda will be published prior to the event.
Free admission & mandatory registration
Attendance at the Balkans Blue Economy Summit is 100% free of charge to foster cross-border dialogue and empower the next generation of maritime professionals. Due to high interest and hall capacity limits, advance registration is strictly required.
