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Conference programme announced for ITS Convention 2026
Tug owners, builders and designers will tackle key towage and salvage challenges at the premier industry convention in 2026, as pressure rises on operators to reduce emissions and enhance safety and security in global ports
Riviera Maritime Media has unveiled the conference programme for the 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards (ITS 2026), in association with Caterpillar Marine, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 19-21 May 2026.
The three-day conference will bring together industry leaders, owners, operators, regulators, salvors and technology providers to address the most significant business, technical, commercial and operational challenges facing the global tug, towage and salvage sector.
Recognised as the world’s premium biennial gathering for the industry, ITS 2026 comes at a time of profound change, with operators navigating increasing regulatory pressure, evolving environmental expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and the need to invest in resilient, future-ready fleets.
The conference programme has been developed by leading industry experts and covers a broad range of topics, including fleet adaptation, alternative fuels, emergency response and salvage operations, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, port collaboration, propulsion technologies and strategic planning for long-term investment.
Sessions will explore how global events are influencing operational decision-making and future-proofing strategies across the sector.
Programme highlights include market outlooks and strategic pathways to 2035, case studies on fleet modernisation and sustainable propulsion solutions such as hybrid, battery, methanol and biofuelled tugs, and insights from pioneering projects including Uzmar Shipyard’s methanol-powered tug.
Delegates will learn from major salvage operations, bridge clearance and fire-fighting cases, as well as developments in smart vessel integration, simulation tools and pilot-tug collaboration.
The programme features keynote addresses, technical presentations, panel discussions and audience Q&A sessions, designed to encourage open dialogue and knowledge sharing.
These are complemented by dedicated networking breaks, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, and lunches sponsored by Uzmar Shipyard, providing further opportunities for delegates to connect and exchange ideas.
The conference runs alongside the industry-leading exhibition, offering a platform for technology providers, designers, shipbuilders and service companies to showcase the latest innovations and solutions to tug owners and operators from around the world.
ITS 2026 includes a full programme of sponsored social and networking events, including a day of golf, drinks receptions, the Tug Presentation Technical Tour and the highly anticipated Gala Dinner & Awards, celebrating excellence across the tug, towage and salvage sectors.
The success of the ITS 2026 conference is underpinned by the expertise of its advisory panel, made up of senior industry figures whose insights have shaped a forward-looking programme addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Sponsors of the ITS 2026 Convention include Baudouin, Berg Propulsion, Bureau Veritas, Damen Shipyards, Kongsberg Maritime, Med Marine, Rolls-Royce, Robert Allan Ltd, Sanmar Shipyards and Uzmar Shipyard.
Organisation supporters include the European Tugowners Association and the Workboat Association.
Tickets and Registration
Join industry leaders in Gothenburg to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of tugboat innovation. Early-bird registration is available until 30 January 2026.
For more information, visit here or contact Indrit Kruja at indrit.kruja@rivieramm.com or +44 20 8370 7792.
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