maritime risk symposium
Purpose
The Arctic maritime region involves risks and complexities unlike many other across the globe. As sea ice diminishes the Arctic region is becoming more accessible and there are a multitude of Indigenous, International, Interagency, Industry, Investment, Infrastructure, and Scientific considerations, challenges, and opportunities to address.
The 2025 Maritime Risk Symposium will bring together maritime industry partners, researchers, academics, international Arctic allies, and other interested federal, state, local, and tribal entities to examine:
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How is the geo-strategic importance of the Arctic changing and what are the implications for U.S. National Defense and Security?
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What actions are necessary to protect U.S. sovereign interests in the Arctic region and what maritime risk(s) are associated with these changes?
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What are some key emerging Arctic maritime issues, risks, and opportunities and how could they to be addressed?
About
The 2025 Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and informed discussions on the evolving risks and opportunities in the Arctic maritime domain. This year’s theme, “Protecting and Defending U.S. Arctic Maritime Sovereignty Interests through Deterrence,” underscores the importance of safeguarding national interests in the region. The symposium will take place on May 13, 2025, as a virtual event, with limited in-person attendance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, Alaska. By bringing together key stakeholders—including maritime industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and international Arctic allies—MRS 2025 aims to foster dialogue on the strategic, economic, and environmental complexities shaping the future of the Arctic.
To further enhance participants’ understanding of the region, an optional Arctic Fundamentals Seminar will be offered on May 12 (8 am - 12 pm AKDT), providing critical insights into Arctic governance, security dynamics, history, and international frameworks. Through these discussions, MRS 2025 will support informed decision-making and collaborative approaches to addressing the pressing maritime risks and opportunities in the Arctic.