Ship Repair USA heads to Jacksonville for 2026, opens call for speakers

Credit: Shutterstock/Matej Kastelic

Marine Log’s Ship Repair USA 2026 is moving from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Fla., for this year’s presentation, bringing ship repair, retrofitting and maintenance professionals together in one of the Southeast’s most active maritime hubs. The event takes place June 23-24.

Created to address the unique challenges facing small and medium-sized ship repair yards—along with the vessel owners and operators who rely on them—Ship Repair USA focuses exclusively on the operational, technical and regulatory realities of the ship repair and maintenance sector. The conference is designed to deliver practical, real-world insights that attendees can apply directly to their operations.

Leveraging Marine Log’s extensive industry network, the program features expert-led sessions on maintenance and retrofit planning, cost-effective project execution, regulatory compliance and workforce development. Case studies anchor the agenda, providing actionable takeaways to help shipyards and operators stay ahead of emerging trends and future-proof their operations.

For shipyards, Ship Repair USA addresses topics such as modernizing repair processes, integrating new technologies, managing complex projects and building a skilled workforce capable of supporting long-term growth. For vessel owners and operators, the event explores affordable repair and maintenance strategies, risk management, supplier and yard selection, and innovations that reduce downtime and extend vessel life.

SNAME is returning at the event’s official association partner.

Call for Papers now open

Ship Repair USA 2026 is currently accepting presentation proposals for conference sessions. The program committee is seeking educational, experience-driven presentations that reflect real challenges and solutions across the ship repair and vessel operations sectors.

Proposed topics include, but are not limited to:

• Yard selection: Matching repair capabilities to project scope, schedule and budget
• Repair contracts: Balancing risk, cost and delivery between owners and yards
• Funding and financing: Small Shipyard Grants, Title XI updates and modernization support
• Decarbonization: Preparing for hybrid, electric and alternative fuel retrofits
• Regulatory compliance: How repair yards can help operators meet evolving U.S. Coast Guard and IMO rules
• Coatings and corrosion: Advances in surface preparation, application and environmental control
• Digital tools: Using data, sensors and predictive maintenance to optimize repair periods
• Workforce and safety: Recruiting, retaining and training skilled trades in a competitive market
• Cybersecurity: Managing risks as vessels and yard systems become increasingly connected
• Afloat vs. haul-out: Determining what work can be done pierside versus in drydock
• Supply chain and scheduling: Overcoming bottlenecks and capacity challenges

Presentation proposals are due February 27, 2026. Submissions should include a brief presentation synopsis and a short business biography and be sent to Heather Ervin at [email protected]. Proposals from suppliers should focus on educational, non-promotional case studies.

Hotel and venue information

Ship Repair USA 2026 attendees can reserve accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront at a special group rate of $179 per night (plus taxes and fees). The group rate is available through June 1, 2026, or while rooms last.

Sponsorship opportunities

Ship Repair USA offers a range of sponsorship packages, including tabletop exhibits, branded sessions, lead generation opportunities, custom email deployments and more. For sponsorship information, contact David Harkey at [email protected] or 212.620.7223.