17 March 2026, Brussels, Belgium - Applications are open for the Maritime Cyber Lab 2026, an international expert forum convened by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The event will take place on 27–28 May 2026 at the UN House in Brussels and will bring together policymakers, maritime authorities, industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, financial institutions, and international organizations to exchange practical approaches to strengthening cyber resilience in the maritime sector. The Cyber Lab can be attended in person or online and is free of charge.

Oceans connect continents, economies, and societies, while maritime routes form the backbone of international trade and global supply chains. Maritime critical infrastructure, such as ports, port facilities, and vessels, is increasingly exposed to transnational risks that require coordinated international responses. Among these, cyber incidents in the maritime sector are growing in both frequency and sophistication.

When a cyber-attack occurs at a port facility, terminal operations may come to a halt, the entire port may be blocked, and ships alongside may be unable to unload cargo or depart. The consequences can cascade across the international supply chain, causing delays and financial losses for ports, shipping companies, insurers, cargo owners, consignees, and financial institutions involved in maritime trade.

Ports are critical infrastructures and work hand in hand with vessels to move cargo across continents. In this interconnected system, the weakest link will often determine the scale and impact of a cyber-attack. An IT or OT vulnerability in a single port facility, system, or operator can expose the wider network to disruption. 

Strengthening cybersecurity therefore requires particular attention to the most vulnerable nodes in the system. Protecting these weak points is essential to safeguarding the resilience of the entire maritime sector.

Enhancing cybersecurity in the most vulnerable ports and port facilities is therefore critical to ensuring the resilience and continuity of global maritime trade.

The Maritime Cyber Lab is designed as an interactive working environment rather than a traditional conference. Over two days, participants will engage in expert exchanges and moderated discussions to explore practical approaches to strengthening cyber resilience across ports and maritime supply chains.

The Lab will bring together senior CISOs and decision-makers from across the maritime ecosystem, including relevant private-sector stakeholders, public stakeholders and international organizations.

The Lab is organized with active participation from European institutions, including representatives of the European Commission, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA). Financial and insurance stakeholders have also expressed their strong interest in contributing.

In addition, regional partners such as the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and research institutions, including the Institute for Security Studies (ISS Africa), have indicated interest in contributing, reflecting the global relevance of maritime cybersecurity and the potential to connect operational needs across regions.

We further welcome participants to attend in person or online:

• Policymakers,
• Maritime authorities,
• Industry leaders,
• Cybersecurity professionals and chief information security officers (CISO),
• Financial institutions,
• International organizations,
• Universities

By facilitating dialogue between policy and operational communities, the Maritime Cyber Lab aims to strengthen professional networks, support knowledge exchange, and contribute to practical approaches to maritime cyber resilience. The discussions will inform future activities under the Maritime Cybersecurity Capacity-Building Programme, and support continued cooperation to strengthen the resilience of ports and maritime supply chains.

The Maritime Cyber Lab is a free event, but in-person participation will be based on an application process. Interested individuals who come in-person are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed by our team on a rolling basis. Accepted applicants will receive detailed registration instructions via email.

For online participation, individuals can register through Zoom. Automatic acceptance will follow once the required information is provided in the registration form.

In-Person Participation

• In-person application deadline: 15 May 2026.
  • NOTE: Visa support: UNITAR cannot assist with visa applications. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas to enter Belgium. Early contact with relevant consular authorities is strongly recommended. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodation, and insurance.

Online Participation

• Online registration deadline: 22 May 2026.

 Organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and  The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). 

Mr. Christophe Van Maele (cyber lab content-related questions)

• Email: christophe.vanmaele@unitar.org

Ms. Carolina Martinho (logistics-related questions)

• Email: Carolina.martinho@unitar.org