The World’s most important Port Conference comes to Hamburg

This year’s IAPH World Ports Conference will be held in Hamburg. From June 1st - 5th, international representatives from business, politics and science will gather to debate changing
demands and alternative actions required in our times of globalisation and climate change. The conference will focus on the smartPORT concept developed by the host of the conference, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA). During the five-day conference delegates will get to hear about what Hamburg, Europe and the world mean by intelligent port management.

In this context Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, will show how IT-supported infrastructure makes economic and logistical processes more efficient and sustainable in the Port of Hamburg. Michael Pal, Principal Logistics Analyst for Fremantle Ports, will demonstrate an Australian perspective on intelligent port management on the example of “Truck Marshalling Automation and Key Performance Indicator Control”. On top, representatives from Stockholm, Valencia and the Far East will present answers to the question of what makes a port a smartPORT.

The conference will kick-start with a discussion about ship size development: among others, the panel will explore the challenges facing ports, terminals and shipmasters when it comes to handling mega carriers and whether there is a limit to a ship’s size. Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, and Dr Christian Growitsch, Director of the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI), will introduce the topic by delivering a general overview of global economic developments.

The last day of the conference will focus on cruise shipping, port legislation and air quality in ports, presented in parallel sessions. Moreover, the IAPH Women’s Forum will meet to discuss how diversity contributes to smart thinking. In the session on cruise shipping Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Cruise Guides, will explain the “wow” effect and why delivering it is crucial to cruise business. In the session on port legislation legal experts from Rotterdam, London and Hamburg will, for instance, talk about location factors and the role they play in maritime legal proceedings.

They will also examine if today’s insurance policies adequately cover the risk of marine accidents in ports. Are cargo shipments sufficiently insured? Who is liable for harm to persons or property in ports?
The conference will be enhanced by an enjoyable social programme that will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore beautiful Hamburg and network with international colleagues.

 The evening events will be held at historical buildings located right in the heart of the Hanseatic city. Several tours will invite delegates to experience the smartPORT Hamburg from up close. More detailed information about the conference programme is available at www.iaph2015.org.