ICMA invites its members and partners to the 2027 Western Europe Regional Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, from 19–22 April 2027.
Hosted in cooperation with the Antwerp Seafarers’ Welfare, the conference will bring together chaplains, ship visitors, staff, volunteers and leaders from ICMA member organizations and partners across Western Europe. The gathering will provide opportunities to share experiences, consider current developments and challenges in seafarers’ welfare and maritime ministry, strengthen cooperation across the region, and enjoy fellowship and worship together.
The main conference sessions will take place in the well-known Auditorium of the Havenhuis (Port House), home of the Antwerp Port Authority, beginning on Tuesday morning, 20 April, and concluding at 13:00 on Thursday, 22 April.
Meeting Location
Havenhuis (Port House), Antwerp, Belgium
Conference sessions will take place in the Auditorium of the Havenhuis from Tuesday, 20 April at 09:30 until Thursday, 22 April at 13:00.
Accommodation
Antwerp Harbour Hotel, Antwerp, Belgium (Noorderlaan 100, 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium)
[Further information concerning accommodation, included nights, rates and booking arrangements will be provided.]
Registration
Registration opening soon.
Participation is limited to 60 persons, so early registration is encouraged once registration opens.
Programme
The programme is currently being developed by the Antwerp Seafarers’ Welfare working group.
The opening session is planned for Tuesday, 20 April, with invited guests including the Bishop of Antwerp and the Belgian federal minister responsible for Justice and the North Sea.
The programme will include presentations and discussions on current issues affecting seafarers and seafarers’ welfare, updates from ICMA and its members, opportunities for regional exchange and cooperation, and times of fellowship and worship.
Monday, 19 April
- Arrival of participants
- [Evening welcome / informal gathering – details to be confirmed]
Tuesday, 20 April
- 09:30 – Conference opening
- Welcome and introductions
- Opening session
- Invited guests: Bishop of Antwerp and Belgian federal minister responsible for Justice and the North Sea
- ICMA presentation and update
- Conference sessions
- [Evening programme – to be confirmed]
Wednesday, 21 April
- Conference sessions
- Regional discussions and member presentations
- [Visits / worship / evening programme – to be confirmed]
Thursday, 22 April
- Morning conference sessions
- Concluding regional discussions
- Conference conclusions
- 13:00 – Conference concludes
- Afternoon departures
A more detailed programme and speaker information will be published as arrangements are confirmed.
Who Should Attend?
Leadership, chaplains, ship visitors, staff and volunteers from ICMA member organizations and partners in Western Europe Region are warmly invited to participate.
The conference is intended especially to strengthen relationships among those engaged in Christian maritime ministry and seafarers’ welfare across the Western European region, while providing space to learn from one another and consider opportunities for greater cooperation.
Regional Contact
Rev. Marc Schippers, Antwerp Seafarers’ Welfare working group
ICMA Contact
For more information: gensec@icma.as