The Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) announced the winners of the 2026 Maritime Award of the Americas.  This award, established in 2014, recognizes institutions and leaders who are driving a more competitive , sustainable, and secure port system throughout the continent. Michelle Scipio-Hosang was also named Outstanding Woman in the Port and Maritime Sector 2026 .

In this twelfth edition, held under the theme ” Recognizing Outstanding Port Management ,” the jury analyzed a total of 30 applications from eleven different nations . The selected projects demonstrated a commitment to innovation and leadership, meeting the highest standards of efficiency and regional replicability.

The Port of São Francisco do Sul , located in Brazil, won the award in the Green Initiatives in Ports and Terminals category. The recognition is due to its sustainable dredging practices, which have significantly reduced the environmental footprint of its daily operations.

In the Digital Transformation category, Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) was the winner for its advanced Port Community System . This national tool has optimized the transparency and agility of services, thereby increasing Barbados’ competitiveness in the international logistics market.

Finally, in the Port Security and Risk Management category, the National Port Commission (CPN) of Guatemala was the winner . The authority was recognized for its excellence in Risk Management, strengthening the physical protection of its terminals and ensuring operational continuity in the face of emerging threats.

Scipio-Hosang was also recognized with the 2026 Maritime Award of the Americas. With a 26-year career at National Energy of Trinidad and Tobago , she is a pioneer, being the first female naval engineer in her country . Under her leadership as Vice President of Port Management, the company increased its market share in towing services from 25% to a robust 75%.

Furthermore, he led a historic financial expansion, going from revenues of 18 million to more than 160 million Trinidad and Tobago dollars.

Beyond the numbers, Scipio-Hosang’s work was outstanding for her promotion of gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated industry . Currently, half of the management positions in her division are held by women, whom she has mentored since their cadet days.

The winners will receive their official award during the Fourteenth Ordinary Meeting of the CIP , which will take place in Bridgetown, Barbados, in June 2026. This event will serve as a platform to disseminate best practices and foster technical cooperation among the ports of the Hemisphere.

*The photo shows the winners of the Digital Transformation category. Credit: Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) Facebook page.

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