March 2026 CMA Newsletter
Welcome to the Connecticut Maritime Association
Where shipping business gets done!
The Connecticut Maritime Association is a non-profit organization which was built by its members, for its members, and as such is one of kind.
Unlike many similar organizations which are supported largely by corporate membership, the CMA’s voting membership is comprised only of individuals. From bunker brokers and tug-boat operators to lawyers and underwriters, to ship owners, brokers and managers, shippers and merchants of all kinds of cargo, each CMA member has an equal and separate vote.
The CMA was created to build a community of shipping people, and remains a conduit for the exchange of information and a source of camaraderie and fellowship that is unique and vital to the shipping community. In 2022, the CMA celebrates its 39th anniversary. It prospers with over 1,500 members representing nearly 500 companies and organizations.
1+
Active Users
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Years Serving Our Members
The CMA Education Foundation
The CMA Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to the maritime industry and its future leaders.
Mission: To foster future maritime professionals by promoting and supporting maritime-related education through financial assistance and program initiatives. Programs include Scholarships, Internship Stipends, Career Days, and the Business of Shipping Competition.
CMA SHIPPING EXPO & CONFERENCE
Connecting the North American shipping community worldwide
Our interactive Conference IS well known for its high profile thought-leaders and in-depth discussion points. This year our key topics will include State of the Industry, Decarbonization & Alternative Energy, Freight Markets, Digitalization, Finance, Salvage & Wreck Removal, Integrated Logistics and Finance.
From the Desk of the President…
Dear Members:
CMA Shipping 2026 is in the books—what a week it was!
We gathered to celebrate legacy and collaboration, and the beautiful life of Jim Lawrence. Jim never saw the glass as half empty or half full—he always saw it overflowing. Jim’s spirit was with us all week and thank you to everyone who shared their memories of him at the Commodore Gala Dinner on Thursday evening.
The Jim Lawrence Commodore Award was presented to Dag von Appen—a true gentleman with a career spanning over 40 years in shipping, who built a global shipping conglomerate from Santiago while staying true to his family’s values. Dag is the first Latin American shipowner recognized by the Connecticut Maritime Association. A fitting honoree for the first time this award bears Jim’s name.
Beyond the excellent panels and keynotes, some of my favorite moments happened on the exhibition floor. Walking the booths, I kept running into old colleagues—people I’ve known for years, catching up between meetings, trading stories. That’s the magic of gathering in person. Three days of handshakes, conversations, and parties you simply cannot replicate on a screen.
What struck me most this year was meeting several first-time attendees. Some were new to the industry; others had been in shipping for decades, but they came for the same reasons: to absorb what’s going on in our industry, and to share what they’re working on. The fact that CMA Shipping keeps drawing new faces after 41 years is an amazing testament to how strong this community remains.
And yes, we made some news: CMA Shipping 2027 will head to Houston next, on March 16–18, 2027. It’s not goodbye forever, just for now. I can also promise that we’re keeping the name, our traditions and a desire to keep serving the maritime world, while looking toward new horizons.
Thank you for being part of our enduring legacy in Connecticut. We hope to see you next year in Texas.
Best wishes,
John
John Lindquist
President
Questions About CMA?
Meet Kim Edwards!
To enable the CMA to better serve our members, Kim will be responsible for all membership administration. So if you have any questions regarding your membership please feel free to contact Kim at the contact info below and she will be happy to help. TEL: +1 203-548-7444 FAX: +1 866-548-7720
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