Senior leaders from the maritime industry, and the cybersecurity community will gather in Manila for the Maritime Cyber Security Conference 2026, taking place on 15–16 April 2026 at SEDA Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.

The event is jointly organized by the Norwegian Training Center in Manila, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Nordic Maritime Cyber Resilience Centre (NORMA Cyber), and the Philippine Norwegian Business Council.

The conference will host distinguished speakers, government and maritime leaders, providing a strategic platform to examine cybersecurity risks and resilience across global shipping and maritime operations.

A Strategic Dialogue on Maritime Cybersecurity

As digital technologies continue to transform maritime operations from vessel connectivity to advanced automation the need to strengthen cyber resilience across the industry has become increasingly important.

The conference aims to facilitate strategic dialogue among maritime leaders, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals, focusing on shared challenges and the importance of collaboration in safeguarding maritime systems and supply chains.

The Philippines and Norway share a long-standing maritime partnership built on cooperation in seafarer development, maritime safety, and industry innovation. The conference reflects this continued commitment to strengthening collaboration between the two nations and the broader maritime community.

A Two-Day Program for Industry Leaders and Practitioners

The first day of the event, on 15 April, will feature a conference bringing together senior executives, government representatives, Chief Information Security Officers, and industry experts. The program will include keynote addresses and panel discussions led by prominent voices from government and the maritime sector.

On 16 April, the program will continue with specialized workshops designed for cybersecurity practitioners, vessel officers, and professionals involved in maritime training and operations. These sessions will explore both technical and operational aspects of maritime cybersecurity in a more interactive format.

A Platform for Partnership and Collaboration

The Maritime Cyber Security Conference 2026 aims to strengthen cooperation between governments, maritime organizations, and cybersecurity experts in addressing emerging risks in an increasingly digitalized industry.

By bringing together key stakeholders from across the maritime ecosystem, the event seeks to foster dialogue, promote knowledge exchange, and support the continued development of resilient maritime operations.

Norwegian Training Center has recently identified a fraudulent Telegram account online impersonating our organization. The account is not affiliated with Norwegian Training Center and may attempt to mislead individuals or solicit personal or financial information under false pretenses.

For your protection, we strongly advise the public not to interact, transact, or share any personal, sensitive, or financial information with suspicious accounts claiming to represent Norwegian Training Center. We have already reported the fraudulent account to the appropriate authorities and are actively coordinating with them to have it removed as soon as possible.

To ensure your safety, please communicate and transact only through our official channels. Our official website is https://ntcm.com.ph/, and our verified email address is sales@ntcm.com.ph. Any legitimate communication from Norwegian Training Center will only come from these authorized platforms.

If you encounter any suspicious accounts or profiles claiming to represent Norwegian Training Center, we encourage you to report the account directly on the platform where it appears and notify our official page so that we can take appropriate action.

We appreciate your vigilance and cooperation in helping protect our community. Staying informed and cautious online helps prevent fraud and ensures a safer environment for everyone.

The Norwegian Training Center recently participated in the Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and Code, themed “Navigating Change: Regional Action on STCW Compliance,” held from February 17–19, 2026, at Okada Manila.The high-level forum provided a platform to explore practical solutions to pressing maritime challenges, including deployment constraints and evolving competency requirements. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, officially opened the event and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in maintaining global standards and preparing seafarers for the demands of modern shipping.

A central theme was whether approved seagoing service could be partially substituted with alternative measures. Panelists explored how technology can enhance learning, strengthen specific competencies, and prepare seafarers for the operational realities of onboard service, while still preserving the integrity of the STCW standards.

Among the distinguished panelists was Capt. Nebuchadnezzar C. Rabaya, Director of Training of the Norwegian Training Center, who highlighted that while simulators are effective for reinforcing procedures and assessing specific skills, they cannot fully replicate the complexities of shipboard operations. Simulation can enhance preparation and supplement practical learning, but it does not replace the depth of experience gained at sea. Exposure to real-time conditions, operational pressures, and the dynamics of working onboard remains essential to fulfilling the intent of the STCW Convention and ensuring professional readiness.

Also contributing to the discussion were Sanjeev Thasari of Wartsila Voyage APAC, Capt. Hari Subramaniam of Howden Specialty, Fang Xinliang of the China Maritime Safety Administration, and Second Engineer Vera Christine Dadula of the United Maritime Training Center of the Philippines, who shared their insights on navigating change, developing competencies, and upholding global standards in maritime training.

The forum reinforced the shared commitment to advancing maritime education and training while preserving globally recognized standards. It underscored that although technology can support learning, actual seagoing service remains crucial in developing competent, resilient, and globally competitive seafarers.

For the Norwegian Training Center, the event reaffirmed its mission to provide high-quality maritime training that equips Filipino seafarers to navigate a rapidly evolving industry and remain ready for the future of shipping.