The International Harbour Masters’ Association is pleased to announce the selection of Captain Paul O’Regan as its new President. Paul has served as an Officer of the Association since 2012 and as Vice President since 2015.

Paul is currently Harbour Master & Chief Operations Officer for the Port of Cork and Bantry Port Company prior to which he spent 15 years at sea with various companies. He joined the Port of Cork Company in 2004 as a pilot and in 2007 became part of the Harbour Master’s team as Deputy Harbour Master. In 2013 he was appointed Harbour Master and Chief Operations Officer.

IHMA is proud that a long-standing member with such a depth of experience as a harbour master will lead the Association in its next chapter.

Paul O’Regan said of his appointment: ‘I am grateful to the members of the Executive Committee and Council as well as the membership for allowing me to continue to be a part of the Association in this new role.

‘I am an ardent believer in the value of IHMA’s work in promoting safety, security and environmental soundness within ports, and look forward to serving the membership and growing the impact and influence of the Association in the greater maritime sector.

‘I would like to sincerely thank Captain Yoss Leclerc for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as President. He leaves a solid legacy, has grown the reach of the organization and started initiatives that we will continue to take forward.’

Speaking of the Association’s recent biennial Congress which was held in Kuala Lumpur from 27 to 30 June he commented: ‘Our attendance numbers at this congress were lower than usual for many obvious reasons, however those of us that were lucky enough to attend can attest to another successful event, the level of networking between delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers was superb.

‘It was heartening to see many newly appointed Harbour Masters in attendance and others with us for their first congress. The feedback from the new Harbour Masters from Sydney, Melbourne, Halifax, Hamburg, Tangier and Saldanha to name but a few, was extremely positive towards the organization. The content from the speakers was diverse, knowledgeable, and thought provoking.’

Paul’s official first day as President began on 30 June at the traditional post-Congress meeting of IHMA’s Executive Committee.