Jesús E. Argente-García, Ana Fernández Martínez
This special issue of the Journal of Maritime Sector Planning is framed within the XII Conference on Marine and Coastal Environment in the Region of Murcia and the Valencian Community, held on March 13 at the University of Murcia under the theme “Strengthening Alliances”. The event brought together more than 80 participants from scientific, institutional, and maritime sector backgrounds, consolidating its role as a platform for exchange between research, management, industry, and society.This editorial introduction contextualizes the special issue through two main dimensions: the trajectory and evolution of the conference series as a consolidated space for cross-sector dialogue, and the main thematic areas addressed in its latest edition, including the contributions of the different speakers and institutions involved. Together, these contributions reflect the diversity of approaches shaping the Mediterranean maritime sector and highlight the role of collaboration as a key element in addressing current challenges.