ADVANTUM at the 23rd CSA Executives’ Conference: Driving Maritime Security and Digital Innovation
The 23rd CSA Executives Conference sparked dynamic discussions and renewed momentum in Fort Lauderdale on May 19th and 20th, bringing together the Caribbean’s maritime leaders, innovators, and policymakers to help shape the future of the shipping industry. Representing ADVANTUM at the forefront were CEO Dr Frances Yeo and Communications & Marketing Executive Tsahai Morgan, who championed bold dialogue and reaffirmed our position as a catalyst for industry-wide advancement.
ADVANTUM’s participation closely aligned with the conference’s core themes of security, digital transformation, and strategic resilience. These are areas in which we continue to lead through innovation and robust regional collaboration.
Advancing Maritime Security in the Caribbean
Prior to the conference, the CSA Security Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr Frances Yeo and co-chaired by CSA past president Juan Carlos Croston, convened to reinforce its vision of a secure, resilient, and forward-thinking maritime environment. The committee’s agenda focused on three key priorities: cyber security, disaster preparedness, and the mitigation of illegal trafficking.
As the Caribbean’s shipping infrastructure becomes increasingly digital, the need for coordinated security initiatives has never been more urgent. The committee emphasised collaboration, policy standardisation, and the sharing of best practices as essential strategies to safeguard ports, supply chains, and communities throughout the region.
Pushing Digital Boundaries: Transformation & Data Strategy
Dr Yeo also contributed as a member of the CSA Maritime Digital Transformation & Data Committee, which convened to further its mission of cultivating a digitally empowered regional shipping sector. This committee is committed to the implementation of advanced technologies to modernise port operations, enhance data transparency, and boost regional competitiveness.
The group discussed practical strategies to support the uptake of digital tools, streamline logistics, and prepare ports for a more agile and technology-driven future. ADVANTUM’s own solutions, centred on automation, integration, and operational efficiency, are closely aligned with this direction.
Building Bridges Across Borders
During the conference, ADVANTUM reconnected with longstanding partners and formed new connections. Dr Yeo and Tsahai Morgan engaged with the management team from RVAM Haiti, ADVANTUM’s first international client outside of Jamaica, highlighting the enduring trust and collaboration between the two organisations.
Key Conference Takeaways: AI and Business Continuity
The conference sessions underscored the growing relevance of digital innovation and resilience planning within the maritime and logistics sectors. The session on Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Maritime & Supply Chain, led by Daniel Acosta of Grydd Inc. and Alex Marraquin, a U.S. Tech Industry Board Advisor, strongly aligned with our dedication to the shipping industry. It delivered practical insights into how AI can be effectively implemented to enhance operational performance and support strategic decision-making.
Meanwhile, Shane Ram of Shane Ram Coaching and Consulting delivered a session titled Business Continuity in Action: Preparing for the Unexpected, emphasizing the importance of integrating preparedness into organizational strategy. The discussion focused on how shipping companies can sustain operations amid disruptions, an increasingly vital concern for the Caribbean region.
These topics strongly resonated with ADVANTUM’s core offerings, which are designed to help clients adopt digital tools and uphold operational continuity under any circumstances.
CSA’s Role in Regional Progress
Since its inception in 1971, the Caribbean Shipping Association has played a pivotal role in supporting maritime development across the region. What began as a forum for port mechanisation coordination has evolved into a vital organisation with over 100 members and representation from 12 national shipping associations spanning the Caribbean and the Americas.
With a multilingual and cross-sectoral approach, the CSA is uniquely positioned to address the diverse challenges facing the industry today, from shifting regulations to technological modernisation.
Looking Ahead
For ADVANTUM, the 23rd CSA Executives Conference served as a pivotal opportunity to engage with regional leaders, reinforce strategic partnerships, and champion the Caribbean’s most urgent maritime priorities. Whether addressing the need for enhanced security or accelerating digital transformation, ADVANTUM continues to lead with innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth and resilience across the region’s shipping industry.
Our presence at the event reaffirmed our role as a trusted technology partner for ports, shipping lines, and logistics organisations across the region and beyond. To learn more about ADVANTUM’s suite of solutions and how you can achieve greater operational efficiency, book a free one-hour demo at www.advantumpcs.com.