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The Maritime Standard Awards 2026 announces finalists following record nominations
The 13th edition is attracting unprecedented interest as maritime companies compete for recognition across more than 25 categories
The Maritime Standard (TMS) has announced the finalists for the 13th annual Maritime Standard Awards 2026, following the strongest response in the history of the prestigious maritime industry awards from companies across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The 2026 edition, themed “Nautica”, will see finalists compete for top honours across more than 25 categories at the awards ceremony on 10th November 2026 at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the TMS Awards 2026 will bring together more than 1,200 senior executives, decision makers and industry professionals from across the maritime and shipping sectors.
The record number of nominations received this year underlines the breadth of activity taking place across the regional maritime industry. Companies from shipping, ports, terminals, logistics, ship management, offshore services, maritime technology, marine insurance, energy and other specialist areas have put forward their achievements for consideration.
The finalists were selected following a detailed judging process conducted by an independent panel of experienced maritime professionals. Entries were reviewed against the specific criteria established for each category, with judges considering factors including business performance, operational achievements, innovation, safety, sustainability, investment, market development and wider industry contribution.
Clive Woodbridge, Chairman of the Judging Panel and Editor of The Maritime Standard, said: “The response to the TMS Awards this year has been remarkable. We received an unprecedented level of interest, and the standard of submissions made the selection process particularly challenging. The finalists have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields and can be proud of reaching this stage. With such strong competition across the categories, the final judging will be closely contested.”
The breadth of the finalist list also reflects the changing nature of the maritime industry. Alongside established areas of operational and commercial excellence, the 2026 awards recognise achievements in technology and innovation, environmental performance, education and training, corporate responsibility, safety, specialist maritime services and other areas that are becoming increasingly important to the industry’s future.
The awards provide an opportunity to highlight companies and individuals that are contributing to the development of maritime business across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. They also provide a platform for the industry to recognise the investments, strategies and achievements that are helping companies respond to changing market conditions.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, said:
“The number of nominations this year is a strong indication of the importance companies place on being recognised by their peers and the wider maritime community. It is also a reflection of the depth and diversity of the industry across the region. The finalists represent organisations that have achieved meaningful results in areas ranging from operations and commercial growth to technology, sustainability and people development. We are looking forward to bringing the industry together in Dubai to celebrate these achievements.”
Now in its 13th year, the TMS Awards have become an established occasion for the international maritime community, attracting senior representatives from across the shipping, ports, logistics and associated sectors. The event combines the presentation of awards with opportunities for networking and engagement between industry leaders, business partners and professionals from across the maritime value chain.
The 2026 edition features more than 25 award categories, covering a broad range of maritime activities. These include Shipping Company of the Year, Ship Manager of the Year, Tanker Operator of the Year, Port of the Year, Terminal Operator of the Year, Marine Insurer of the Year, Technology / Innovation Award, Green Shipping Award, Maritime Education and Training Award and several other specialist categories.
The finalists now enter the final stage of the awards process, with the winners to be revealed during the gala ceremony at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on Tuesday 10the November 2026.
Beyond the awards themselves, the evening will provide an opportunity for the maritime community to come together, exchange ideas, strengthen business relationships and celebrate the people and organisations contributing to the industry’s continued development.
With the record level of participation this year, the 2026 edition is expected to be one of the most competitive and widely attended TMS Awards to date.
The full list of 2026 finalists can be viewed here: https://tmsawards.com/finalists/2026
