Description forthcoming.

This session will examine the practical realities of lithium-ion battery safety aboard commercial workboats, with a focus on towboats and other vessels that routinely carry battery-powered tools, radios, tablets, phones, e-cigarettes and other devices. The discussion will address fire risks associated with charging, storing, transporting and handling small-format lithium-ion batteries in the vessel environment, while also considering lessons learned from larger marine energy storage systems.

The conversation will explore practical risk-reduction strategies operators can apply today, including designated charging locations, use of manufacturer-approved equipment, battery inspection before use or charging, limits on unattended charging, improved storage practices, crew awareness and emergency response preparation. It will also consider lessons from other maritime sectors, including the yacht industry, where operators have adopted controlled charging spaces, fire-resistant storage, enhanced detection and clearer procedures for personal devices and portable equipment. These examples may offer useful insights for commercial operators seeking to reduce risk through practical controls, crew training and evolving safety standards.

As newly constructed towing vessels continue to enter service under Subchapter M, the transition from shipyard delivery to operational handover remains one of the most complex—and least discussed—phases of the process. This panel brings together perspectives from across the lifecycle of a new construction vessel, including the shipyard, professional engineer, surveyor and managing operator, to examine what it takes to move from concept to construction and certificate of inspection (COI) issuance and into active service under the towing safety management system (TSMS) option.

Panelists will walk through the key stages of a new construction project, from early planning and coordination through inspection, testing, and COI issuance, focusing on where breakdowns most often occur and how they can be avoided. The discussion will highlight coordination challenges, differing Coast Guard expectations and practical considerations when transitioning from delivery to operations.

Attendees will gain practical insight into roles, responsibilities and best practices to support a smoother transition from concept to COI. This session is designed for operators, surveyors and shipyard personnel seeking a clearer understanding of how to navigate new construction under the TSMS option.

In 2026, a wave of studies and reports—issued by both public agencies and private organizations—has taken a deep dive into the most pressing issues facing inland marine transportation. What do they really tell us?

This session distills the key findings and explores proposed solutions on topics ranging from cost overruns and construction delays at locks and dams to the waterways’ critical role in the future of American agriculture, the administration’s Maritime Action Plan and the Mississippi River’s national significance, among others.

Together, these reports point to one clear conclusion: our industry must remain united in educating and advocating with elected officials who make the funding and authorization decisions that shape the future of our waterways.

Workforce development is one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges, but building the next generation requires collaboration across industry, education and students themselves.

This panel brings together Board Members, Advisory Council leaders, a Career and Technical Education educator and Junior Advisory Council members, representing both the current industry and those preparing to enter it. Together, they will share insights on connecting students with meaningful maritime careers and strengthening the workforce pipeline.

Panelists will explore:

• What students and early-career professionals are seeking in maritime careers
• How educators are preparing students for industry opportunities
• Gaps between industry needs and workforce readiness
• Practical ways companies can support education and career awareness
• The impact of mentorship, hands-on engagement, and early exposure on career decisions

Attendees will leave with practical ideas to better engage future talent, strengthen workforce pipelines and foster meaningful connections between industry, educators and the next generation of maritime professionals.

As has been frequently observed in many quarters, the U.S. maritime industry is enjoying a spotlight that it has not received for many years. This increased attention presents financing opportunities for industry stakeholders, particularly programs offered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The panel will present updates to two programs that could be utilized to greater potential: the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) program and the Small Shipyards Grant program.

The discussion will include an explanation of how the CCF program and the newly restored 100% first-year depreciation deduction can both play a role in financing vessel construction and capital improvements. The panel will also illustrate projects that would be eligible for the Small Shipyard Grant program but which operators of marine facilities on the inland waterways might not have thought would qualify.

Medical events on board vessels are among the most disruptive and costly operational and safety challenges facing the inland marine industry. Operators must balance crew health, vessel safety, regulatory compliance and operational continuity—often while operating in remote environments with limited clinical resources.

This collaborative panel will explore best practices for managing onboard medical events, combining insights from more than 10,000 real-world telemedical vessel encounters alongside perspectives from marine safety leaders, fleet operations professionals and maritime medical experts.

The discussion will focus on practical, field-tested strategies operators can implement to improve safety outcomes, support crew wellbeing and reduce unnecessary operational disruptions.

New U.S. Coast Guard cybersecurity compliance requirements are now in effect for U.S.-flagged vessels. For many operators, particularly small and mid-sized fleets, the rules raise practical questions about how to translate complex information technology (IT), regulatory and audit requirements into everyday vessel operations. Many companies are navigating these expectations without dedicated cybersecurity staff or extensive IT resources.

The conversation will focus on practical guidance to help operators understand what the requirements mean in operational terms and how to approach compliance in a manageable way. Topics will include:

• What the U.S. Coast Guard is looking for during cybersecurity audits, including common areas of risk and exposure
• Which actions operators should prioritize now and which elements may be implemented over time
• How cybersecurity awareness and compliance practices can be incorporated into daily vessel and shoreside operations without creating unnecessary burden for crews
• How effective shoreside IT support and thoughtful system design can simplify monitoring, reporting, incident response and ongoing compliance

With the rule now in effect and phased compliance deadlines approaching, the topic is increasingly relevant for vessel operators. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how compliant systems and processes can help IT teams interpret requirements, establish practical next steps and strengthen overall cybersecurity reliability across the organization.

Working near water presents constant fall-to-water and man-overboard risks in marine construction and waterfront operations. This session explores how organizations can move from reactive response to proactive prevention by strengthening hazard recognition and pre-planning.

The discussion challenges how we traditionally view falls into water, shifting the focus from rescue and response to preventing the fall from occurring in the first place. Attendees will gain practical strategies to improve fall-to-water safeguards.

Learn how leadership engagement and tools can help crews recognize hazards early, change how teams think about fall-to-water risks and build a culture that prevents incidents before they happen.

The U.S. inland marine industry faces a pivotal moment: a barge retirement cliff, constrained newbuilds amid elevated steel prices and labor challenges, persistent tariffs/global economic pressures on key commodity flows (feed, fuel, fiber) and renewed investment in inland port infrastructure. Current realities, emerging opportunities/roadblocks and longer-term unseen factors color this panel as it convenes leaders from liquid and dry barge operations, shippers and the equipment manufacturing sector. Together, we’ll reflect on transition strategies, resilience and delivering reliably for domestic needs and global demands, especially as events like the 2026 World Cup underscore the world’s reliance on efficient supply chains.

Shipyards are dynamic and complex environments. While tools like artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality and automation will make yards more efficient, skilled craftsmen and women will always be needed as part of the production and operational processes. Humans complete the design of shipyard systems.

Humans are the best and most adaptable problem solvers but also are prone to errors. In many safety-critical industries, a scheme of management and communication systems has been instituted to reduce the probability of a mishap. In the maritime industry, these practices are collectively called Bridge Resource Management (BRM) or Engine Room Resource Management (ERM). Similar practices have not been globally adopted in shipyards to date.

Mariners with underway experience are uniquely suited to work in shipyards and to improve successful outcomes across the breadth of key performance indicators, specifically because of their practiced skill with BRM or ERM. I will discuss the background of BRM / ERM and explain how it relates to shipyard operations and how they can use their afloat experience to increase successful operations ashore.

While focused on shipyards, this is equally true for port and longshoreman operations.

In 2025, seventy-five percent of SCI’s Ministry on the River crisis calls involved mariners facing physical or mental health challenges—an insight that comes at a pivotal moment as SCI launched the 2026 U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment in partnership with the Yale School of Occupational Medicine. The report examines the key stressors of inland maritime work and evaluates existing support systems. Using these findings as a foundation, SCI is engaging industry stakeholders in discussions to better understand the results and identify durable and meaningful solutions. Mariners are the backbone of our industry, and now is the time for us to come together to better support those who take on this demanding and essential work.

Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals (IRPT) serves as a resource to our members and encourages a resilient and reliable supply chain. One way to reduce the impacts of disasters on the nation’s ports and terminals is to invest in enhancing resilience–the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from and more successfully adapt to adverse events. Enhanced resilience anticipates disasters and reduces disaster losses. Rediscover the strength of America’s inland rivers.

When it comes to understanding the needs of today’s towing vessel operators, there is nothing like hearing it first-hand from those who live it. The Waterways Journal is honored to welcome another esteemed panel of Port Captains to the stage this year to give insight and knowledge taught by experience. Panelists will share what is on the minds of those responsible for moving over half a billion tons of cargo safely and efficiently along our working waterways. Attendees will hear how the Port Captains earned their rank and how others can do the same, as well as best practices on topics including crew safety and wellness, aids to navigation and times of low/high water. Audience participation encouraged!

IMX 2026 concludes with an awards ceremony honoring both young leaders and a person who has already left a mark on the maritime industry. The session will begin with the IMX 40 Under 40 leadership awards, which recognize rising stars in the maritime industry. Whether you’re working on a vessel or onshore, in sales or maintenance or construction, in economic development or for a government agency, together you make up an industry that’s essential, vibrant and honorable. The 40 Under 40 award is our way of recognizing the young leaders who will shape the industry of the future.

In closing, the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award, presented by TVIB, will recognize Joseph M. Tyson as the 2026 recipient, awarded posthumously. Tyson served as senior vice president of operations for Canal Barge Company and was nominated for this recognition based on his profound influence across the industry, his dedication to building a culture of safety and his commitment to developing the next generation of maritime leaders.