Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
London International Shipping Week (LISW) is a premier global maritime event uniting industry leaders, government officials, and innovators.
Held in London, it features a week of high-level discussions and networking across hundreds of official events.
This is the 8th edition, continuing its legacy as a key fixture in the international shipping calendar.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: LISW27 runs from 13-17 September 2027 in London, UK.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for the global shipping and maritime industry.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Elaborate Communications and ship.energy.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attracts senior industry leaders, government officials, and innovators.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online with various ticket options.
Why visit
LISW27 runs 13-17 September 2027 across London, with a headline conference, gala dinner and a week-long programme of industry events staged by shipping and maritime organisations. Visitors come to follow regulatory and decarbonisation debates, meet shipowners, charterers, ports and service providers, and join sessions on freight, logistics and maritime technology. The week is structured so delegates can move between the headline conference and the surrounding event calendar rather than a single exhibition floor.
Why exhibit
Sponsor and partner slots at LISW27 give maritime suppliers, classification societies, law firms and logistics providers visibility with shipowners, charterers, port authorities and government maritime representatives. Confirmed Platinum Sponsors for 2027 include DNV and Norton Rose Fulbright, and BMA has been announced as Gala Dinner Transport Sponsor, showing the sponsor tiers available to suppliers targeting the shipping sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Shipowners, ship managers and chartering executives
Port authorities and terminal operators
Maritime lawyers and P&I clubs
Classification societies and marine surveyors
Freight forwarding and logistics operators
Maritime technology and decarbonisation suppliers
Government maritime ministries and regulators
Ship finance and insurance professionals
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Shipping companies and operators
Maritime technology providers
Logistics and supply chain solutions
Environmental and sustainability firms
Consultants and industry experts
Training and education providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Shipping technology and innovations
Logistics and supply chain solutions
Environmental sustainability products
Maritime safety equipment
Shipping services and consultancy
Training and certification programs
Location & Facilities
Venue
London
London, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at London for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Elaborate Communications
ship.energy
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
A LinkedIn post titled 'Wow! What a Week' covered London International Shipping Week and was dated 26 September 2025. The post reflects on the close of the week's events in London. The official LISW website provides further information and updates.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
London, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending LISW - LONDON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WEEK 2027 on 2027-09-13 to 2027-09-13 in London lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Logistics and Material Handling News | Logistics & Handling
ReadLogistics Business News | Logistics & Handling
ReadTransport & Logistics Magazine [T&L]
ReadLogistics News | Logistics Manager
ReadWarehouse & Logistics News | Industry News & Insights
ReadLogistics Matters | The resource for logistics, supply chain ...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
London Heathrow (LHR) is the main long-haul gateway serving London, with the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express into central London. Confirm live timings and fares before travel.
Approx. 23 km / 14 miles west of central London
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min by road; about 15 min to Paddington on the Heathrow Express
by car
London Gatwick
London Gatwick (LGW) is a major second gateway; the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services run to central London. Confirm live timings before travel.
Approx. 45 km / 28 miles south of central London
to venue
Approx. 30-60 min by rail to Victoria; 60-90 min by road
by car
London Stansted
London Stansted (STN) is served mainly by low-cost and European carriers; the Stansted Express links the airport to Liverpool Street. Confirm live timings before travel.
Approx. 50 km / 31 miles north-east of central London
to venue
Approx. 45-50 min to Liverpool Street on the Stansted Express
by car
London Luton
London Luton (LTN) is used by low-cost carriers; Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services run to St Pancras. Confirm live timings before travel.
Approx. 50 km / 32 miles north of central London
to venue
Approx. 30-45 min by rail to St Pancras, plus the Luton DART terminal transfer
by car
London City
London City (LCY) is the closest airport to the Docklands and Canary Wharf and suits European short-haul arrivals. Confirm live timings before travel.
Approx. 10 km / 6 miles east of central London, near the Royal Docks
to venue
Approx. 20-30 min by DLR to Canary Wharf and the City
by car
London Southend
London Southend (SEN) is a smaller gateway east of the city with rail links to Liverpool Street. Confirm live timings before travel.
Approx. 65 km / 40 miles east of central London
to venue
Approx. 50-60 min by rail to Liverpool Street
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Docklands / Greenwich / outer zonesUSD 70–110 / night
e.g. a&o London Docklands Riverside; confirm before travel
Mid-range
Westminster / South Bank / KensingtonUSD 140–220 / night
e.g. Royal London Hotel, Premier Inn Tolworth; confirm before travel
Premium
Westminster / South Bank / Canary WharfUSD 250–450 / night
e.g. Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge; confirm before travel
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
train
Estimated costGBP 12–15
Best forHeathrow Airport (LHR) to Paddington (Elizabeth line)
Elizabeth line direct; confirm before travel
train
Estimated costGBP 25–30
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to London
Fastest option, ~15 min; confirm before travel
train
Estimated costGBP 15–25
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to London
Gatwick Express or Southern; confirm before travel
train
Estimated costGBP 20–25
Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to London
Stansted Express; confirm before travel
train
Estimated costGBP 15–25
Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to London
Thameslink; include DART transfer; confirm before travel
tram
Estimated costGBP 5–7
Best forLondon City (LCY) to London
DLR direct; confirm before travel
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Southend (SEN) to London
Approx. 50-60 min by rail to Liverpool Street; London Southend (SEN) is a smaller gateway east of the city with rail links to Liverpool Street. Confirm live timings before travel.
Weather
September in London is early autumn: expect mild, changeable weather with daytime highs around 18-20C and night-time lows around 11-13C. Rain showers are common in any given week, so pack a light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella and dress in layers. Indoor venues can be warm, so removable layers help. Confirm the forecast close to travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, Three and O2) offer prepaid SIM and eSIM plans, and 5G coverage is widespread across central London. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes and many venues, but availability varies by LISW event, so confirm with each host. The UK uses Type G three-pin plugs at 230V, so bring an adapter if needed.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payment
The currency is pound sterling (GBP). Contactless cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere, so keep only a small amount of cash for smaller vendors.
Tipping
A discretionary service charge of around 10-12.5% is often added to restaurant bills; tipping taxi drivers is optional but appreciated.
Business dress
Smart business attire is the norm for LISW conference sessions, with business formal for evening receptions and dinners.
Punctuality and travel time
Meetings start on time. Build in extra travel time, as central London traffic and Tube crowding can slow cross-city journeys.
Time zone
London runs on Greenwich Mean Time in winter and British Summer Time (GMT+1) in September.
Emergencies
Dial 999 for police, ambulance or fire; dial 111 for non-emergency NHS medical advice.
Networking style
LISW networking is relationship-driven; business cards and prompt follow-ups are common, and industry receptions often run into the evening.
Language
English is the working language, and the London maritime community is highly international.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LHR
Book into London Heathrow (LHR) for most long-haul arrivals, as it has the fastest rail links to central London; London City (LCY) suits European short-haul travellers staying near the Docklands. September is a busy month in London, so book early for better fares. Compare arrival airports, factor in transfer time, and confirm baggage and change policies. Amounts here are approximate only; confirm live fares before booking.
Visa
Most overseas visitors attending LISW27 for business meetings, conferences or negotiations travel to the UK under the Standard Visitor route, which permits business visits. Some nationalities must apply for a visa before travel; check the GOV.UK Standard Visitor guidance and the current UK visa requirements list for your nationality before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GOV.UK publishes dedicated business-trip and Standard Visitor pages; a supporting service PDF (UK Visa Requirements) and business.gov.uk visa-type overview were also captured. Confirm permitted business activities and required documents on GOV.UK before applying.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 45-60 min by road; about 15 min to Paddington on the Heathrow Express; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 30-60 min by rail to Victoria; 60-90 min by road; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 45-50 min to Liverpool Street on the Stansted Express; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 30-45 min by rail to St Pancras, plus the Luton DART terminal transfer. Allow road or rail time to London; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near London: Docklands / Greenwich / outer zones: Docklands / Greenwich / outer zones; Westminster / South Bank / Kensington: Westminster / South Bank / Kensington; Westminster / South Bank / Canary Wharf: Westminster / South Bank / Canary Wharf.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FREE NOW operate in London, and ride-hailing is widely used for airport transfers and cross-city journeys. Expect surge pricing at peak times and during heavy traffic. Black cabs can be hailed on the street or booked through the Gett app and accept contactless payment. Approx. figures only; confirm live fares in the app before you travel.
Public transit: Transport for London (TfL) runs the Tube (London Underground), buses, the Elizabeth line, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground and trams. Pay with a contactless bank card, mobile wallet or Oyster card; fares are capped daily and weekly. The Elizabeth line links Heathrow to central London, and the DLR serves Canary Wharf and the Royal Docks. Use the TfL journey planner and Citymapper to route between LISW venues, and confirm current routes and fares on the TfL website.
Parking: LISW events are spread across central London, where on-street parking is limited and expensive and there is no single event car park. Using public transport is usually simpler. Central London charges a Congestion Charge and operates the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ); check the TfL website for current charges and hours. Some venues have nearby commercial car parks, so confirm parking options with your specific event host.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: September (early autumn in London)
Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 18-20C and night-time lows around 11-13C. These are indicative ranges only; confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Changeable, with a mix of bright spells and showers, and rain possible on several days. An umbrella and water-resistant shoes are useful.
Packing: Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for cross-city travel, and business attire for conferences and receptions. A UK Type G plug adapter is worth bringing.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at LISW - LONDON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WEEK 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2LISW - LONDON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WEEK 2027 registration concourse
London
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
London
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£140.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£290.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether LISW - LONDON INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WEEK 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is London International Shipping Week (LISW)?
LISW is a week-long programme of conferences, seminars, receptions and networking events held across London for the global shipping and maritime services industry. It brings together shipowners, charterers, brokers, insurers, maritime lawyers, ports, regulators and technology providers.
When and where is LISW held?
LISW takes place in September 2027 across multiple London venues rather than a single exhibition hall. Check londoninternationalshippingweek.com for the confirmed dates, the official programme and the venue for each event.
Who attends LISW?
Shipowners and operators, charterers, shipbrokers, classification societies, P&I clubs and insurers, maritime law firms, port and terminal authorities, ship managers, technology and fuel suppliers, and government and regulatory bodies.
Is LISW a public event or trade-only?
LISW is a business-to-business industry week. Many sessions are trade-only and some receptions are invitation-only, so register through the official site and each host organisation.
How do I register for LISW?
Register via londoninternationalshippingweek.com and through the individual event hosts. Some events require a separate RSVP or invitation, so plan ahead.
Which London airport is best for LISW?
London Heathrow (LHR) is the main long-haul gateway with fast rail links to central London. London City (LCY) is closest to the Docklands and Canary Wharf for short-haul arrivals. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton connect by express train.
What is the dress code at LISW events?
Smart business attire for conference sessions and business formal for evening receptions and dinners.
What currency and payment methods are used?
Pound sterling (GBP). Contactless cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere; keep a small amount of cash for smaller vendors.
Do I need a visa to attend LISW?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Many visa-exempt visitors need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, while other nationalities need a Standard Visitor visa. Check the official UK government guidance on gov.uk well in advance.
How do I get around London during LISW?
Use Transport for London's Tube, buses, Elizabeth line and DLR, paying with a contactless card, mobile wallet or Oyster card. Because LISW events are spread across the city, group your schedule by district to limit cross-London travel.
Glossary
- IMO (International Maritime Organization)
- The United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution. It is headquartered in London, which is a large part of why the sector's policy debate concentrates in the city during London International Shipping Week.
- MEPC
- The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee, which develops the greenhouse-gas and pollution rules that dominate LISW conference agendas.
- SOLAS
- The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the main IMO treaty setting vessel safety and construction standards.
- MARPOL
- The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, covering oil, chemicals, sewage and air emissions from vessels.
- Decarbonisation and net-zero framework
- Shipping's pathway to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, including the IMO's net-zero goals and the shift to alternative fuels discussed across LISW panels.
- Alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, ammonia)
- Lower-carbon marine fuels increasingly ordered by shipowners; their supply, safety and bunkering infrastructure are recurring LISW themes.
- CII and EEXI
- The IMO's Carbon Intensity Indicator and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index, which rate and regulate a ship's operational efficiency.
- EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime
- European regulations that extend emissions trading and fuel-emission limits to shipping, shaping how operators trading with Europe plan compliance.
- Bunkering
- Supplying fuel to a vessel. Bunker quality, pricing and the availability of green fuels are core commercial topics at LISW.
- Charterer
- The company that hires a vessel or its cargo capacity from an owner, usually under a time or voyage charter. Charterers are a main LISW audience.
- Dry bulk and tanker markets
- The two principal freight sectors for raw commodities (dry bulk) and liquid cargoes such as oil and chemicals (tankers); freight-rate cycles in both are widely debated at LISW.
- Classification society
- An organisation such as Lloyd's Register or DNV that certifies a vessel's compliance with design, construction and safety rules.
- Flag state and port state control
- The country where a ship is registered (flag state) and the authorities that inspect foreign ships in port (port state control). Both shape compliance and enforcement.
- P&I club
- A mutual protection and indemnity insurer covering third-party liabilities such as crew injury, pollution and cargo damage for shipowners.
- Shipbroker
- An intermediary who matches ships with cargoes and negotiates charter or sale-and-purchase deals. Broking is one of London's leading maritime professions.
- Laytime and demurrage
- Contract terms governing how long a ship may load or discharge (laytime) and the penalty paid if it is delayed (demurrage).
- Maritime London
- The London-based cluster of shipowners, brokers, insurers, lawyers and regulators that makes the city a global shipping-services hub and the natural host of LISW.
- Green corridors
- Specific trade routes where port and shipping partners aim to deploy zero-emission vessels and fuels, a recurring LISW collaboration topic.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- LISW 2027
- London International Shipping Week 2027
- LISW London 2027
- shipping conference London 2027
- maritime conference London
- global shipping event London
- LISW London shipping week
- London shipping and maritime event
- shipping logistics conference UK
- maritime logistics trade event
9 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.