Splash247: Speak up for our sector

Maritime leaders must use a single voice to challenge roadblocks and spotlight opportunities in an operating landscape that is fraught with turmoil, writes Intent Communications CEO Namrata Nadkarni.

The maritime industry is no stranger to volatility, but the start of 2026 has brought a convergence of crises that would test even the most seasoned veteran. The mix of geopolitical turbulence, combined with regulatory uncertainty and lowered access to investment has created a perfect storm. In this climate, we must take every opportunity to have our voices heard, which is no easy task given the tsunami of geopolitical changes that dominate the newscycle. 

While participation in the 2025-26 ICS Maritime Barometer Survey may (understandably) feel trivial in the current climate, the call for participation is not just a request for data—it is a call for collective advocacy. We must have a single source of information that we can point to as being representative of our views. When the source is easily accessible and backed up by data that outlines challenges and opportunities for growth, this increases our chances of being heard by those with the power to effect change, both in the short and long term.

Sector under siege

At present, most of the attention is rightfully devoted to navigating the volatile geopolitical landscape, with every effort being extended to secure the safe passage of vessels and their crew. It is heartening to see maritime leaders united in their calls for action to protect human life. This, as always, must remain a priority.

However, we also know that unless we are in a situation where the supply chain begins to show cracks, the global spotlight rarely remains focused on maritime needs. This is to our detriment given the challenges that we are facing with regard to decarbonisation, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate funding, complex overlapping regulations, cyber threats, climate change and more.

Without the attention, resources and political will to move the dial on some of these issues, maritime is unlikely to keep pace with the wider expectations of our stakeholders when it comes to transparency, emissions and more.Compounding this situation is the specter of a global recession. When margins tighten, the first things to be cut are often the very initiatives that ensure long-term survival—investment in new fuels, green infrastructure, and the vital upskilling of our maritime workforce.

Without champions fighting our corner, maritime concerns risk becoming a footnote in the budgets of distracted governments, invisible to the wider public or risky to potential investors. But we must arm these champions with the resources needed to successfully advocate for our future.

Advocacy through data

The ICS Barometer works as an ideal tool that reflects the reality for our sector on the bridge and in the boardroom. The annual report has been mapping changing attitudes of maritime leaders on risk/impact factors and confidence levels to handle these challenges for four years now and this evolving narrative has been showcasing pain points that must be addressed – as well as areas where investment or intervention would be welcomed. The report has already been used to interact with:

• Governments: A clear, data-driven report facilitates policymakers recognising the tangible impact of geopolitical instability on global trade security.
• Investors: Solid evidence of how the sector is preparing for—and hindered by—regulatory uncertainty can help de-risk the maritime space, encouraging the flow of private capital even in a downturn.
• The media: The media requires a reliable narrative to explain an industry that is complex. The trade-press – including Splash – use the barometer to provide context for their articles. It is also used by the wider media to provide context when supply chain disruptions affect the cost of living for the average person.

Survey closes soon

Whether you are in dry bulk, ports, tankers, maritime law, insurance, shipbuilding or even marketing, your specific sub-sector challenges deserve a platform. The ICS Barometer allows us to dive deep into the data and show that while we are one industry, our pain points are diverse and require nuanced solutions.

The survey is brief—taking only 10 minutes—but its impact lasts for the entire year. However, the survey officially closes this Friday (but answers will be accepted until Sunday evening).

We cannot talk about a lack of support if we do not provide the evidence of our need. I urge every leader, owner, and operator to share your views and fight for our future. Let’s provide our advocates with the ammunition they need to fight for a resilient, funded, and secure maritime future.