Where is the Seabed Security Conference 2026 being held?

The conference is scheduled to take place in the city of Troia, PRT.

What is the duration of the Seabed Security Conference 2026?

The conference is a multi-day event.

Seabed Security Conference 2026

Name: Seabed Security Conference 2026
Start: 2026-10-13T00:00:00Z
End: 2026-10-14T00:00:00Z
Location: Troia

Oct 13–14, 2026Troia, PortugalIn-person

Registration open

The Seabed Security Conference 2026, held in Troia, PRT, focuses on the critical and evolving challenges surrounding the security of underwater infrastructure. This event brings together experts to discuss strategies for protecting vital seabed assets, which are increasingly vulnerable to various threats. Given the global reliance on subsea cables for communication and energy, the conference aims to foster international cooperation and innovation in safeguarding these essential networks.

Why it matters

The security of seabed infrastructure is a topic of growing international concern. Subsea cables and pipelines form the backbone of global communication, finance, and energy transfer, making their protection paramount for economic stability and national security. Disruptions to this infrastructure, whether accidental or malicious, can have far-reaching consequences, impacting everything from internet connectivity to energy supplies across continents.

This conference provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to address these vulnerabilities. Discussions will likely cover a range of threats, including state-sponsored sabotage, espionage, and environmental hazards. The insights shared will be vital for developing robust defense mechanisms and fostering a collective understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the underwater domain. Effective protection of these assets requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating technological advancements with strategic policy development and international collaboration.

How to prepare

Delegates preparing for the Seabed Security Conference should focus on understanding the multifaceted nature of underwater threats and the various actors involved. A thorough stakeholder mapping exercise, as outlined in the Model Diplomat lesson, would be beneficial to identify key players, including governmental bodies, private sector entities, and international organizations, who have a vested interest in seabed security. Understanding their respective roles and potential influence is crucial for effective engagement.

Furthermore, participants should consider the lessons on Dynamic Analysis to anticipate how threats to seabed infrastructure might evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes. The concept of Hidden Stakeholders is also highly relevant, as the underwater domain often involves actors whose interests and capabilities may not be immediately apparent. By applying these analytical frameworks, delegates can contribute more effectively to discussions on Engagement Strategies and collaborative solutions for safeguarding critical subsea assets.

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

Portugal

As the host nation, PRT is likely to emphasize the importance of maritime security and international cooperation in protecting critical underwater infrastructure, given its extensive coastline and strategic location.

Role in topic

PRT, as the host country, plays a significant role in facilitating discussions on seabed security. Its geographical position in Europe, with access to the Atlantic Ocean, makes it keenly aware of the importance of protecting subsea cables and pipelines that traverse its maritime zones. PRT is likely to advocate for enhanced surveillance, information sharing, and collaborative defense strategies among nations to ensure the resilience of these vital assets.