INTERCEM Shipping Forum 2026

Event host partner Nova Algoma's opened the conference by positioning the Mediterranean and Naples as important centres of the global cement and maritime trade. The address reflected on the region's long history in cement production and shipping while highlighting the continued importance of reliable maritime connectivity for the movement of cement and clinker. It also recognised the growing impact of geopolitical disruption, changing fuel economics and the transition towards lower-carbon shipping.

Looking ahead, the speech emphasised the need for closer collaboration between shipowners and cargo interests as the industry navigates shipping decarbonisation. While vessel technology is developing, the availability of suitable low-carbon marine fuels and supporting infrastructure remains a key challenge. The address also highlighted the value of industry events in bringing together stakeholders to share market intelligence, develop practical solutions and strengthen relationships across the cement shipping supply chain.

Managing uncertainty became a central commercial issue as shipowners, charterers and cargo interests faced changing emissions rules, fuel requirements and geopolitical risk. Long vessel investment cycles made decisions particularly difficult while maritime decarbonisation regulations and future fuel options continued to develop.

The discussion examined the balance between retaining and transferring risk, including the effect of geopolitical events on war-risk insurance and reinsurance costs. Operational knowledge, data, safety, leadership and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions were also identified as important elements of shipping resilience.

The Mediterranean remained an important market for dedicated self-unloading cement carriers, with changing regional trade flows altering vessel demand. Egyptian supply had largely replaced Turkish cement exports to Israel, while Italy absorbed additional Turkish volumes and domestic short-sea movements expanded in markets including Greece.

Across the wider dry bulk market, geopolitical disruption and cargo diversions increased tonne-miles and vessel utilisation, supporting freight rates. Fleet growth remained an important consideration for the medium-term outlook, with new vessel deliveries expected to add capacity as some temporary disruptions eased.

European cement, clinker and SCM trade was being reconfigured by carbon regulation, changing supply sources and the declining availability of traditional supplementary cementitious materials. Clinker imports into Europe had fallen, while intra-European trade and cement imports remained comparatively resilient.

Scarcity of traditional SCMs increased interest in imported materials and alternatives including calcined clays, limestone and natural pozzolans. This placed greater emphasis on flexible ports and terminals capable of handling multiple products and origins as logistics became more closely connected to both decarbonisation and security of supply.

Higher-than-anticipated CCUS costs and uncertainty around funding were influencing European cement decarbonisation strategies. With free carbon allowances being phased out under the EU ETS and CBAM changing the economics of production and imports, producers faced growing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining plant utilisation and competitiveness.

Greater use of SCMs was examined as an increasingly important route to reducing clinker factors. Declining availability of traditional sources such as slag and fly ash increased interest in calcined clays, natural pozzolans and imported SCMs, with significant implications for future maritime trade, storage and distribution.