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Making an impact with continual learning & development

Melissa Williams HM St. John's IHMA

For Melissa Williams, growing up on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, the sea was always prominent. Entering the maritime industry was a logical step and so, in 2002, she enrolled on a Nautical Science programme at the Marine Institute in St. John's. It proved to be the start of a career that would involve a wealth of both theoretical, and practical learning.

Having started her studies, Melissa did not have long to wait to gain some valuable experience on the water, as she explains.

“In the middle of my studies, during my cadet time, I received an offer to stay on board and work on deck. The captain made me promise I would return to my studies afterwards. So, I worked for a year on oil and gas supply vessels before going ashore to complete my studies.”

The experience Melissa gained was to stand her in good stead; on the day she graduated she received an offer for a job offshore. In this role, she continued to learn, combining her work with a distance learning course for a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies.

Melissa IHMA

Her work onboard also prepared Melissa for what was to come later in her career.

“I was working with a diverse group of people. It taught me how to navigate different personalities and how to get along with people of very different backgrounds. I learnt when to speak up – and when not to. It laid the groundwork for my career, that's for sure."

The pairing of work with further education was to become a pattern for Melissa. In 2009, she came ashore once more, taking on the role of Marine Operations Assistant at the local port authority. Here, she continued her studies, this time for a master’s degree in Marine Management. Graduating in 2015, she became the Port of St. John’s first female Harbour Master just one year later. She was all set to make a big impact.

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“When I moved into the role, I had projects in mind that I wanted to carry out. I made quite a few changes.”

There are numerous examples of Melissa’s achievements at this time. A few examples include her upgrading the port’s operations and procedures document, which went from a 20-page to a 70-page document.

Melissa also initiated a shore power programme in St. Johns, centralising shore power facilities under the management of the port authority. Such measures proved to be a boost in the port’s safety, efficiency and sustainability, as well as profitability.

A further example was Melissa’s instigation of a training programme for local firefighters.

“We have a fuel terminal and there are tanks in the hills. If we had a fire, the local fire department would respond, but they had no training in shipboard fires. They wouldn’t know that this was the engine room and that was the bridge. They wouldn’t know where they were going and what life-saving equipment was on board.”

Melissa started working with the fire department towards a solution. This led to her reaching out to the local university with the question could they create a programme training firefighters in shipboard firefighting.

Together, Melissa and the fire department approached port operators to make a contribution to the course – it being in everyone’s best interests to boost the fire department’s capabilities in the matter. The fire department also contributed. Ultimately, 36 firefighters undertook the training.

“That was fantastic,” she says. “Together we created, for the first time, a Port Safety Risk Committee here in St. John’s.”

With such a track record, it’s not surprising that Melissa’s efforts have frequently been recognised. She is, for example, a recipient of the Turning the Tide Next Wave Leadership Award. The same year, she also received the Marine Institute alumni award. Additionally, Melissa was awarded the Canadian Forces Award for providing support to the Canadian Navy during exercises.

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Also recognising Melissa’s work was Yoss Leclerc, former President of the IHMA.

“Yoss had seen some of the work I had done and sought me out. He set up a meeting and asked me to join.”

Somehow, between her work and all the projects she undertakes, Melissa found the time to become an active member of the IHMA.

 “I became part of a few working groups, and, after a while, Yoss contacted me again to inform me there was a place on the council. I was hesitant at first, but Yoss convinced me. I applied for the position, went for an interview and was accepted, which was great.”

Melissa has become a firm advocate for the IHMA, stressing the benefits of pooled knowledge and experience that it offers to its members.

“Before I was introduced to the IHMA I hadn’t realised that I had access to all these people who were working in similar roles on the same challenges and having to make the same decisions as me. We can really draw from one another. That’s of great value to me, and to all the people who are a part of the IHMA.”

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Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference

Conference

As a distinguished professional, working in the fast changing world of dredging, waterborne transport infrastructure or related industries, you are invited to join us at an event on 18 October 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is dedicated to advancing industry knowledge in the arena of sustainable dredging and related topics.

Joining this event also gives you the unique opportunity to network with more than 60 CEOs and senior management of IADC member companies and PIANC platinum members. Therefore, you are also welcome at our special pre-conference networking drink/dinner on Thursday 17 October 2024. 

This exclusive 1-day conference will be organised at the prestigious Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. By attending you have the opportunity to meet professionals from all sectors, involved in the realisation of sustainable dredging projects and sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure with a strong focus on Climate Change and ‘Working/Building with Nature’. Participants will originate from around the world, making it possible for you to take your network to an international level.

Who should attend?

Professionals and companies aiming to deliver dredging projects with longevity which also maximise the benefits to society, nature and economy will find this event to be of particular relevance. The Conference ‘Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development’ will bring essential knowledge for planners, designers, decision makers, regulators, contractors, project owners and environmental advocates. Register by 15 September 2024 to secure your place as space is limited.

The programme

During this day full of interaction and discussion the focus is on two cases, a "greenfield case” and a "brownfield case". In business and project development, a "greenfield case" typically refers to a scenario where a project is initiated on previously undeveloped land or in a completely new and untouched environment. It contrasts with a "brownfield case," where development occurs on land that has been previously developed or used for industrial or commercial purposes.

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
OceanWise Charting Water Workshop

Brought to you by OceanWise and Brewzone Africa - Join the first Charting Water Workshop entitled “Harnessing Environmental Data for Hydrography" which is running on the 15th - 16th April 2024 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Nigeria.

Bringing hydrography professionals together from all over West Africa, this intimate 2-day workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure. We will also have a number of key real-world case studies and local experts in attendance to provide some best practice and recent hands-on experiences.

Full details of the developing programme and registration can be found here on our Eventbrite page

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited so please register now to secure your place.

What will it cover?
This workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure.

Who is it for and why should I attend?
This is for professionals with an interest in Hydrography based in, or working in, West Africa.
Ideal for individuals from a variety of industries including Ports, Harbours, Inland Waterways, Oil and Gas, Education, Navy, Maritime Authorities, Research and Development etc etc
It offers a friendly and interactive environment to expand your knowledge, network with fellow professionals and collaborate on real-world case studies.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts, share your experiences, and receive a certification of completion on day two

How do I book?
Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and registration

QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai - Grand Foyer

Harbour Master & Towgae Conference

Hollywood Beach Marriott
Navtech Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Navtech Conference 2023

Attention deep water and ocean towing masters, pilots, fleet management administrators, regulators and navigation operations professionals!

Join us in Fort Lauderdale for the maritime industry’s premier annual navigation forum!

Navtech, 5th and 6th December 2023, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Learn about developments in navigational best practices, technology and regulation.

  • Engage with the regulatory and manufacturing sectors about your experiences, and your challenges.

  • Get access to the operations sector that actually uses navigation hardware and software.

Tanger Med Port Centre, Morocco
IHMA Congress 2024

Join us on a marine adventure in Morocco. The 14th International Harbour Master Congress will take place at Tanger Med Port Centre from 21-24 May 2024. This year’s theme is The Marine Adventure – Evolving and Adapting to Change in Today’s Ports. You are welcome to come along for three days of presentations, deliberations and discussions covering every step of the port call process. On the fourth day, you can enjoy a guided tour of the Port of Tranger Med. To learn more, or to register for the event, please visit the IHMA Congress Website.

 

INTRODUCING TANGER MED

Tanger Med is the 1st port in Africa and in the Mediterranean.

It’s a global logistics gateway located on the Strait of Gibraltar and connected to more than 180 ports worldwide with handling capacities of: 9 million containers, exports of 1 million new vehicles, transit of 7 million passengers and 700,000 trucks on an annual basis.

CARGOES HANDLED

CONTAINER TRAFFIC: SURPASSING TEH 8 MILLION MARK

In 2023, Tanger Med Port processed 8,617,410 TEUs*, marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port's nominal capacity, was accomplished 4 years ahead of targets.

The outstanding performance is attributed to the successful operations of terminals TC1 and TC4, managed by Maersk-APM, and the continuous development of terminal TC3, operated by Tanger Alliance (A joint venture owned by Marsa Maroc with a 50% stake, in partnership with Eurogate holding 40% and Hapag Lloyd holding 10%). Additionally, 2023 witnessed record productivity levels, surpassing monthly peaks of 800,000 TEUs handled.

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, 477,993 trucks were processed, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. Industrial product traffic saw a significant surge of 14.3% compared to the previous year, offsetting a 7.7% decrease in agribusiness product traffic.

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC
The two vehicle terminals in the port complex handled 578,446 vehicles in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from 2022. This traffic primarily includes 341,758 vehicles for export, produced by Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca, along with 176,208 vehicles exported by the Stellantis plant in Kénitra.

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC
Liquid bulk traffic experienced a 6% growth compared to 2022, a total of 9,838,157 tons of handled hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, solid bulk traffic witnessed a 44% increase from the previous year, totalling 581,042 tons processed.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL
In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH
Tanger Med Port Complex handled 122 million tons of goods in 2023, reflecting a 13.6% increase from 2022, with 21% in Import/Export. This recorded global traffic is highest at the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean. This traffic also represents more than half of the total tonnage handled by all ports in Morocco.

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, a total of 16,900 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, marking a 17% growth from 2022, including 1,113 mega-ships (over 290 meters), representing a 16% increase from the previous year.

These results underscore the relevance of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for this strategic project.
Tanger Med remains firmly focused on the future, ready to face new challenges and strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in Morocco and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

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Latest News & Events

GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category

GSTS is excited to announce it has been selected with Port of Montreal as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category. Our project… FIND OUT MORE

SANMAR news Sanmar delivers fourth tug to Boluda Towage in under a year

Spain-headquartered major international maritime service provider Boluda Towage has taken delivery of a versatile multi-purpose tug from Sanmar… FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

GSTS is excited to announce it has been selected with Port of Montreal as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category. Our project nomination was selected from 71 submissions across the globe. 

Spain-headquartered major international maritime service provider Boluda Towage has taken delivery of a versatile multi-purpose tug from Sanmar Shipyards – its fourth delivery from the Turkish tug builder in under a year.

Formerly part of Sanmar’s own fleet, where she was known as BOĞAÇAY LIII, the tug has been renamed VB SEEBULLE by her new owners and is the twin sister of VB TRAGEN, which was delivered to Boluda Towage last February.