Arctic & Antarctic Operations Symposium 2026

October 28-29, 2026

Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), Baltimore, MD.

• Without the capability (ships, comms, aircraft, underwater tools) to operate in the Arctic, we as a nation will just be spectators.
• One of the most challenging aspects of the Arctic is achieving sustained presence in a harsh and remote environment.
• The United States and other nations have a duty/responsibility to protect the right of free navigation, natural resources and a critically sensitive environment.

For hundreds of years, the polar regions have been strategically important. Changes in the environmental, geopolitical, and operational landscape continue at an increasingly rapid pace. This has significantly increased national interest in these regions and for the United States, and resulted [finally] in large investments in ice capable vessels and icebreakers.

There are currently more than 100 icebreakers from more than 15 countries operating or under construction for future missions in the Arctic.

ASNE is honored to host a very timely professional Arctic & Antarctic Operations Symposium 2026.

Two full days to discuss naval engineering developments, operating challenges, and advancements in technology and innovation that directly support the nation’s capability to operate, provide sustained presence and perform multiple missions including protection of these regions!

Design-Build contracts for Icebreakers and Ice Capable ships have been awarded in the United States and Canada as well as elsewhere in the world. These new vessels will replace aging vessels and provide increased multi-mission capability that will use present day technology.

The polar regions remain our last frontiers and require enormous and persistent national effort to deliver the capability required to continuously operate and execute the many missions needed by our nation. This vast, volatile and harsh operating environment necessitates innovative approaches to overcoming the many challenges inherent in the polar environment. Even reliable communications is a significant challenge.

The polar regions are challenging multi-mission environments that demand collaboration across the US Government, industry, academia and international cooperation to address mutually beneficial interests such as commerce, environmental stewardship, defense, natural resource management, safety at sea, and scientific study.

Past ASNE Symposia have been true international events that have not only brought together the world's best engineers and leaders, but have also increased the development of partnerships and relationships in both the private and public sectors.

Please mark your calendars for October 28-29, 2026 to join us for this exciting and relevant professional symposium.