NAMEPA Marine Operations Conference

DNV is proud to be a sponsor and moderator at 2026 NAMEPA Marine Operations Conference.

This year's theme, entitled Precision in Practice: Navigating Safely and Efficiently in Today’s Waterways, which will be a pragmatic look at how domestic and global operators achieve and maintain precision in maneuvering, communication, and decision-making within our nation’s most complex commercial waterways. 

This event is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources.

Session:

1:00 PM – Panel #1: Navigating Complexity: Enhancing Safety & Efficiency in Congested Waterways  
A high-level operational discussion exploring how pilots, tug operators, terminals, and fleet leaders maintain exceptional safety and reliability against the backdrop of growing vessel traffic, changing regulations, and evolving operational demands. 

MODERATOR: Marco Romero, Business Development Manager, DNV Maritime, Americas:

  • How Geopolitics Changes What We Demand Cargill, Invited 
  • When Global Energy Meets Local Water MOL Chemical Tankers, Invited 
  • First Line of Defense: How Pilotage Manages Risk When Traffic, Draft, and Cargo All Increase Captain Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots 
  • The Safety Net: How Escort and Assist Tugs Keep Energy Moving Moran Towing
  • Throughput Is Safety: Why Scheduling, Berths & Infrastructure Matter – Darren Shelton, Sales Director, Moran Shipping Agencies 

For the full conference agenda and to register see the event website.

BIO

Marco Romero, Business Development Manager – Decarbonization Specialist, brings almost 20 years of experience to the Maritime industry. In his current role, he is focusing on decarbonization, alternative fuels, environmental compliance, energy efficiency, digital and new technologies within the Maritime industry. Marco began his career in the offshore, energy and drilling industries, where he became a global subject matter expert in subsea BOPs and led the DNV team on the certification of the new high pressure high temperature (20K) drilling systems. Marco also led global regulatory initiatives for marine drilling riser and chaired the API group on Diverter Systems. He has also served as Key Account Manager for major OEMs of Oil and Gas equipment, serving as a technical service manager as well as strategic growth planner.  

Marco has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of SNAME, North America Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA), BlueSky Maritime, and IMarEST