British Marine Passenger Boat & Commercial Marine Conference 2027
About this Event
Aboard the Dixie Queen | Butler’s Wharf, London
Headline Sponsor: ProMarine UW Ltd
Step Aboard for a Conference with a Difference
Get ready for a conference with a view!
The British Marine Passenger Boat & Commercial Marine Conference 2027 brings together two key areas of the marine industry for a unique day of networking, discussion and industry updates — all aboard the iconic Dixie Queen paddlesteamer on the River Thames.
Hosted by the British Marine Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Associations, this event offers the perfect opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with fellow professionals and hear about the latest developments affecting the sector, while enjoying an unforgettable setting in the heart of London.
And with the Dixie Queen cruising beneath Tower Bridge as part of the experience, this is certainly not your typical conference!
Hear from British Marine's New CEO
One of the highlights of the programme will be the opportunity to hear directly from British Marine's new CEO, Earle Stanner.
Discover their vision for the organisation, priorities for the future and plans for supporting members, alongside an update on the successes and achievements already delivered by British Marine.
The programme will also feature sector updates, guest speakers and discussions covering the key issues, developments and opportunities currently shaping the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine sectors.
Make the Most of Your Day
Your ticket includes everything you need for an enjoyable and valuable conference experience:
- Arrival aboard the Dixie Queen at Butler’s Wharf, London
- The unique experience of attending a conference on an iconic paddlesteamer
- Refreshments on arrival
- Morning refreshments and snacks
- A delicious two-course hot lunch
- Updates from British Marine and guest speakers
- Plenty of time to meet and network with fellow marine professionals
- Networking drinks following the conference
- A cruise beneath Tower Bridge and along the Thames, providing spectacular views of London's iconic skyline
More Than Just a Conference
The day is designed to combine business, industry knowledge and networking with a memorable experience.
Hear what's happening across the sector, share experiences with colleagues, discuss the challenges and opportunities affecting your business and make new connections — all in a relaxed and informal environment. Please see Agenda below for more details.*
Whether you're catching up with existing contacts over lunch, meeting new people during the conference or continuing conversations over drinks, there will be plenty of opportunities to build relationships across the wider marine community.
Then sit back and enjoy the cruise as the Dixie Queen passes beneath Tower Bridge, providing the perfect finale to the day.
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for professionals working across the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine sectors, including:
- Passenger boat owners and operators
- Commercial vessel operators
- Boat builders and shipyards
- Equipment and technology suppliers
- Marine service providers
- Designers, engineers and technical professionals
- Marine consultants and surveyors
- Business owners and senior managers
- Anyone involved in, or interested in, the future of the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine sectors
Whether you're looking to keep up with industry developments, meet potential business contacts or simply spend a valuable day with fellow marine professionals, this is an event not to be missed.
Your Day on the Thames
📍 Venue: Dixie Queen, Butler’s Wharf, London
📅 Date: Wednesday 20 January 2027
⏰ Time: 09.00 - 16.00
Headline Sponsor: ProMarine UW Ltd
Book Your Place Today
Don't miss the chance to be part of this unique British Marine event.
Join colleagues from across the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine sectors for a day of industry updates, expert speakers, networking, great food and an unforgettable cruise along the River Thames.
Places are limited, so secure your ticket today!
🎟️ Book Now
Click the "Get Tickets" button to reserve your place aboard the Dixie Queen.
Tickets are £85 + VAT for British Marine Members and £135 + VAT for Non-Members
Need More Information?
For speaker or general event enquiries, please contact Lisa Jupp ([email protected]).
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nickie Sanders ([email protected]).
We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Dixie Queen at Butler’s Wharf for a fantastic day of connecting, learning and cruising along the Thames.
*Programme subject to change.
With Thanks to Our Sponsors:
ProMarine UW Ltd - Headline Sponsor, Passenger Boat Association
Fieldbase Services Ltd - Headline Sponsor, Commercial Marine
We would like to thank ProMarine UW Ltd & Fieldbase Services Ltd for their valued support of the British Marine Passenger Boat & Commercial Marine Conference 2027.
Network with delegates from the below companies on the day:
British Marine
C-Quip Ltd
Deputy Head of Marine Safety (Government)
Fireboy-Xintex UK Operations Ltd
Houston Casualty Company London
International College of Professional Celebrants
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Minister of Shipping
Port of London Authority
ProMarine UW Ltd
Seaglaze Marine Windows Ltd
Tokio Marine HCC
Wave International Ltd
You & Sea Ltd
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration & Refreshments
Info: Join us aboard the Dixie Queen at Butlers Wharf!
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:40 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Conference Master of Ceremonies
Info: Welcome, housekeeping and overview of the day
🕑: 09:40 AM - 09:50 AM
Ministerial Address
Host: Keir Mather, Minister for Shipping & Inland
Info: Pre-recorded message
🕑: 09:50 AM - 10:35 AM
Workboat Code 3 and Sport & Pleasure Vessel Code Panel
Host: New Code Vessel Team Lead, Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Info: Panel discussion to look at what the codes are, updates and amendments post rollout, what it all means and how they affect businesses.
🕑: 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM
Morning Break
Info: Refreshments available
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Boatmasters Licence Review
Host: Harry Deans, Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Info: An update on the Post Implementation Review and the ongoing work following this alongside the review of MSN 1853
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:35 AM
Business Rates Relief
Host: Kit Rabbette, Director of Rabbette Chartered Surveyors
🕑: 11:35 AM - 11:50 AM
Innovation & Infrastructure Updates
Host: Adam Layer, Harbour Master at Port of London Authority
Info: An update on current innovations and changes to the infrastructure regarding electrification and alternative fuels (hydrogen, etc).
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
Digital Twinning
Host: John Peacock, Director at St Agnes Boating
Info: What is digital twinning and how can it help with diagnostics, training and safety shoreside.
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Weddings on Board
Host: Stuart Morris, Director at ICOP
Info: An important update on the proposed changes in legislation to hosting weddings on board non-stationary vessels.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:35 PM
Networking Lunch
Info: Tuck into a sumptuous lunch consisting of the following: Mains
Treacle-glazed feather blade of beef / Roast corn-fed chicken with smoked buttermilk and black garlic / Winter vegetable Wellington (for vegetarian and vegan guests only)
Sides
Garlic and rosemary roast potatoes (V)
Broccoli with confit onions and toasted almond flakes (VE)
Dessert canapé
Salted caramel chocolate brownie with coconut chantilly (VE)
🕑: 01:35 PM - 02:00 PM
Risk Management & Strategies for Growth
Host: Joe Barnard, Clegg Gifford
Info: Explore ways to mitigate risk for your business and strategies to help it grow.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Afternoon Break
Info: Refreshments available
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Associations Sector Awards Presentations
Host: Martina Morosanu, Fireboy / Chair of Commercial Marine
Info: Presentation of the Sector Awards 2026 / 2027 for both Associations. The awards categories are Sustainability, Product or Service of the Year and Business of the Year.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Networking Drinks & Cruise On The Thames
Info: Round off the day with networking and drinks while enjoying a cruise along the Thames under an open Tower Bridge and back to Butlers Wharf.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 109.80 to GBP 173.96
