The Organizing Committee appointed by the International Maritime History Association invites proposals for panels and papers to be presented at IMHA’s 8th International Congress of Maritime History in Porto, to be hosted by CITCEM – U. PORTO (Transdisciplinary Research Centre Culture, Space and Memory – University of Porto) on June 30 – July 03, 2020.

The main theme will be “Old and New Uses of the Oceans”, and the aim is to investigate the many aspects of the relationship between humans and the oceans. We sail the surface of the oceans, harvest their resources, and exploit the minerals on and under the ocean floor. The oceans are also used as inspiration, for literature and other forms of art, and they shape relations among humans – both distant and close ones.

As with previous congresses, ICMH8 adopts a broad concept of maritime history, treating it as an interdisciplinary field that covers all historical periods and areas and all aspects of humankind’s relationship with the sea.
Papers will be welcome on a wide range of research areas reflecting people and their activities and interest in, on, around and under the waters of the world. The Organizing Committee also welcomes proposals for full panels and roundtables.

The Congress theme provides opportunities for researchers to share their work with colleagues in their various areas of interest and with researchers in adjoining fields.

Participants are invited to submit a short proposal in English indicating the scope of their intended paper, panel or roundtable, plus short biographical notes for all prospective participants.

Papers from the Congress will be considered for publication by the International Maritime History Association in its International Journal of Maritime History.