--- title: "WEST 2027: Premier Sea Services Event — San Diego" description: "WEST 2027: Premier Sea Services Event is a professional conference in San Diego, United States, Feb 16–18, 2027. Dates, deadlines, fees, and prep links." url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/conferences/professional/west-2027-premier-sea-services-event-2027" --- # WEST 2027: Premier Sea Services Event Feb 16–18, 2027[San Diego, United States](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1\&query=San%20Diego%2C%20United%20States)In-person [Registration open](https://www.westconference.org/West27/Public/enter.aspx) WEST 2027 is a significant gathering for professionals involved in sea services, hosted in San Diego, United States. This event serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among military, government, and industry leaders, focusing on the evolving challenges and innovations within maritime operations. It provides an opportunity to engage with key decision-makers and explore future directions in naval and marine capabilities. ## Committees & topics - International Maritime Organization International Maritime Organization (IMO): Decarbonizing Global Shipping and Securing Sea Lanes ## Why it matters The maritime domain remains a critical arena for global security, trade, and geopolitical influence. Events like WEST 2027 are vital for fostering a shared understanding of the complex issues facing sea services, from technological advancements to strategic partnerships. The discussions held here can directly influence policy, procurement, and operational strategies, impacting how nations project power, ensure economic stability, and respond to crises at sea. Furthermore, the convergence of military, government, and industry stakeholders at this event highlights the interconnectedness of these sectors in addressing maritime challenges. Effective collaboration is essential for developing comprehensive solutions, whether in enhancing naval capabilities, securing supply chains, or responding to environmental concerns. Understanding these dynamics is key to appreciating the broader implications of maritime policy and technological development. ## How to prepare To effectively engage with the discussions at WEST 2027, it is crucial to conduct a thorough stakeholder mapping exercise. Consider not only the obvious participants, such as naval officers and defense contractors, but also the '[hidden stakeholders](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders)' who may exert significant influence behind the scenes. This includes representatives from academic institutions, think tanks, and even non-governmental organizations that shape public opinion or provide critical research. Prior to attending, a 'dynamic analysis' of current maritime geopolitical trends would be beneficial. This involves understanding the strategic priorities of key naval powers, emerging threats in contested waters, and the impact of new technologies on naval warfare and logistics. Familiarity with these broader contexts will enable more informed participation in discussions and networking opportunities. Additionally, reviewing 'engagement strategies' can help in preparing for interactions with diverse groups, ensuring that your contributions are impactful and well-received. ## Country perspectives Where the most-relevant 3 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile. [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [As the host nation, the USA is a primary driver of discussions on naval modernization, technological superiority, and global maritime security.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [The USA plays a central role in shaping global maritime strategy, investing heavily in naval capabilities and leading international security initiatives. Its perspective at WEST 2027 will likely focus on maintaining a technological edge, enhancing interoperability with allies, and addressing challenges in key strategic regions.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [China's rapidly expanding naval power and assertive maritime claims are a significant, albeit often implicit, backdrop to many discussions on naval strategy and regional security.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [While not a direct participant in the same capacity as the host, China's growing naval presence and its implications for international waters are a constant consideration. Discussions on naval strategy, technological competition, and freedom of navigation will inevitably be framed, in part, by the evolving capabilities and actions of the Chinese navy.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [The United Kingdom, with its historical maritime legacy, contributes to discussions on advanced naval technologies, international partnerships, and maintaining global maritime order.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [The United Kingdom, as a significant naval power and key ally, will likely contribute to discussions on advanced naval technologies, joint operations, and the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security. Its experience in expeditionary warfare and global deployments offers a valuable perspective.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) ## Topics & background The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it. 1 ### International Maritime Organization (IMO): Decarbonizing Global Shipping and Securing Sea Lanes Established by the 1948 Geneva Convention and active since 1959, the International Maritime Organization is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. Its foundational instruments — SOLAS (1974), MARPOL (1973/78), STCW (1978), and UNCLOS-adjacent regulations — govern an industry that moves roughly 80 percent of global trade by volume. In recent years, the IMO's agenda has been dominated by two converging pressures: the climate impact of a sector responsible for nearly 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the resurgence of threats to freedom of navigation in strategic chokepoints. On decarbonization, the 2023 IMO Revised GHG Strategy committed member states to net-zero emissions from international shipping 'by or around' 2050, with indicative checkpoints of 20–30 percent reductions by 2030 and 70–80 percent by 2040. In 2025, the Marine Environment Protection Committee approved the 'IMO Net-Zero Framework,' combining a global fuel standard with an economic measure (a per-ton GHG price on non-compliant fuels), scheduled for formal adoption and entry into force later this decade. Disputes persist over the level of the levy, the use of revenues for a just transition, and the treatment of alternative fuels such as LNG, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels. In parallel, Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since late 2023, persistent piracy concerns in the Gulf of Guinea, gray-zone incidents in the Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz, and suspected sabotage of subsea cables in the Baltic have pushed maritime security back to the top of the agenda, alongside enforcement against the 'dark fleet' of sanctioned tankers evading insurance and flag-state oversight. The IMO now sits at the intersection of climate policy, trade, and naval security. Delegates must reconcile the demands of small island and climate-vulnerable states for ambitious mitigation and adaptation finance, the concerns of major exporters and developing economies about freight cost pass-through, and the operational imperatives of flag states, port states, and navies tasked with keeping sea lines of communication open. Key players - [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Leading naval power underwriting freedom of navigation operations and a major flag and port state shaping security and emissions rules.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) - [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [World's largest shipbuilder, top exporter, and operator of the largest merchant fleet by ownership, central to any global fuel and emissions regime.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) - [Panama](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/panama) [Largest open registry, whose flag-state practices are pivotal to enforcement of MARPOL, SOLAS, and sanctions compliance.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/panama) - [Marshall Islands](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/marshall-islands) [Major open registry and climate-vulnerable Pacific state, vocal advocate for an ambitious shipping GHG levy and just-transition financing.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/marshall-islands) - [Greece](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/greece) [Home to the largest shipowning community in tonnage terms, decisive voice on fuel standards, fleet renewal, and market-based measures.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/greece) - [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Host state of the IMO and influential broker on decarbonization timelines, autonomous vessels, and maritime security coalitions.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) ## Resources News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for WEST 2027: Premier Sea Services Event. Recent reporting to ground your prep [North Korea's Nuclear Navy Developments](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/north-koreas-nuclear-navy-developments) [India Naval Edge: Three Ships Commissioned](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/india-naval-edge-three-ships-commissioned) [AUKUS Launches Underwater Drone Project](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/aukus-launches-underwater-drone-project) [AUKUS Alliance Unveils Undersea Drone Plan](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/aukus-alliance-unveils-undersea-drone-plan) Lessons Bite-sized lessons to build the basics [Hidden Stakeholders](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders) [Engagement Strategies](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/engagement-strategies) [Dynamic Analysis](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/dynamic-analysis) [Stakeholder Mapping Workshop](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/stakeholder-workshop) Courses Guided courses that go deeper on the topic [Advanced Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/advanced-negotiation) [Multilateral Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/multilateral-negotiation) [Policy Brief Writing](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/policy-brief) [Conflict Resolution](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/conflict-resolution) The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Panama](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/panama) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/panama) [Marshall Islands](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/marshall-islands) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/marshall-islands) [Greece](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/greece) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/greece) [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) ## Frequently asked questions - - - Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. 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