In three weeks, the maritime community will once again gather at the ICC Durban for one of the most anticipated evenings in the South African shipping calendar: South African Sailing Festival 2025..
This year’s theme “Anchor in Heritage, Nurturing Tomorrow’s Shipping Leaders,” It couldn’t be more appropriate. It beautifully illustrates where the industry has come from and where it needs to go.
A subject with a purpose
Anchor in Heritage speaks to generations of South African seafarers, dock workers, shipping professionals, shipbrokers, brokers and maritime educators who have played a role in building a resilient and proud industry.
Their stories, challenges and achievements form the bedrock of South Africa’s maritime identity.
“Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders” puts the spotlight firmly on the future. Young logistics, innovators, technologists, port engineers, entrepreneurs, and future captains who will shape the next era of African shipping.
As global business continues to change and digitalization transforms supply chains, it is these new leaders who will lead the industry through transformation and opportunity.
Putting these two ideas together creates a powerful message: honor the past, empower the future.
What to expect at night
Gala to Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban in Friday, November 28, 2025promises another unforgettable night of recognition, celebration and unity of the industry..
Some key points are:
- Honoring maritime excellence through a range of industry awards.
- Recognize lifetime contribution by inducting distinguished individuals South African Shipping Hall of Fame..
- A collection of influential voices from across shipping lines, port authorities, logistics companies, freight forwarders, trade bodies, and maritime training institutions.
- A powerful platform to celebrate South Africa’s maritime heritage while highlighting the innovation and leadership that is shaping the future of the sector.
This event is co-hosted Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers of South Africa (ICSSA), eThekwini Marine Clusterand SAASOAwith partners and sponsors joining to raise the collective impact of the industry.
Why is this night important to the maritime community?
The South African Shipping Festival is more than just a formal dinner. It is a space where the industry pauses to appreciate its achievements, confront its challenges and chart a path forward.
It is a moment when:
- Celebrate the people behind the ships, ports, cargo and trade corridors.
- Highlight excellence and leadership that often operate behind the scenes.
- Showcase rising stars who bring new energy and ideas to the evolving sector.
- Communicate as a community and reaffirm South Africa’s important role in global shipping.
At a time when the maritime world is facing new regulatory, technological and economic pressures, the gala serves as an anchor point for reflection, collaboration and inspiration.
Look forward
Excitement is building throughout the department as the countdown continues. South Africa’s Maritime Festival has steadily grown into an outstanding event that reflects the strength and diversity of the country’s marine ecosystem.
This year’s theme reminds us that the industry’s greatest strength lies in its people. Those who shaped its legacy and those who will continue its legacy.
Transport and Freight Source will be attending the South African Transport Festival as a media partner and we look forward to seeing you there.
The stage is set.. the industry is ready.. and the future is waiting to be celebrated..
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