United Kingdom Harbour Masters' Association (UKHMA)

United Kingdom Harbour Masters' Association, UKHMA

The Harbour Masters’ Association of the United Kingdom, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (UKHMA) was formed in May 1993 at an inaugural meeting held at the University of Wales in Cardiff. The Association consists of seven regional constituencies, including an active group in Scotland that includes both mainland and island Members.

The objectives of the UKHMA are to:

Encourage the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports
Promote the interests and professional competence of harbour masters
Represent by way of professional advice and support the views of harbour masters to governmental bodies, to organisations representative of port authorities and other persons within the United Kingdom and abroad concerned with marine operations, both within and near port waters.

Visit www.ukhma.org to find out more.

Latest News & Events

Sailing a different course

Port of Halifax’s Parsons discusses his maritime heritage and route to becoming a Harbour Master.

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IHMA Expertise Contributes to UNCTAD TrainForTrade Programme in Mauritania

IHMA member, Captain Stéphane Grunenwald, Harbour Master, Port Atlantique La Rochelle, recently participated as a member of the examination panels for the UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme in Nouakchott, Mauritania, held from 14–17 July 2026.

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Become a sponsor

Become a sponsor of the IHMA today and reap the benefits for your business:

Worldwide exposure

Prominence on the IHMA website

Instant access to your services and products for your existing and potential customers

Access to the key decision makers on marine operations in Ports – the Harbour Master

The opportunity to showcase your services and products at an international congress every two years

Be a part of the future of a vibrant, respected, professional and influential maritime organisation...IHMA

Latest Events

138th UKMPA Conference & AGM 18th - 20th November 2026 - Bristol

The Bristol Hotel, United Kingdom

Wed, 18/11/2026 - 09:00

The UKMPA is excited to announce the themes of our 138th Conference focusing on “Navigating Change” and “Building Best Practice”.

This event is designed for:

Maritime Pilots
Tug Masters
Harbour Masters
Port Marine Leaders
Vessel Operators
Marine Safety & Training Professionals

View the event flyer here.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend an additional UKMPA Masterclass on Escort Towage: Techniques, Practice & Collaboration. This masterclass will be a focused, high-level session examining modern escort towage operations – strengthening pilot–tug collaboration and advancing best practice across UK ports.

Why attend?

Refine escort tug performance understanding
Strengthen bridge-tug communication
Learn from real operational case study insights
Align standards across ports and operators
Contribute to raising industry-wide best practice

View more details on the masterclass here.

To find out more information and book tickers, click here.

Are you a member interested in attending? Log in to claim your 10% off your ticket.

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress, Maritime Events

SEAWORK: THE EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL MARINE & WORKBOAT EXHIBITION

Mayflower Park, Southampton, UK

Tue, 10/06/2025 - 00:09

Seawork 2025

Over 20 years on, Seawork is still the key meeting place for the commercial marine industry and marine civils sector, where businesses connect with their customers to discuss the latest innovations and solutions within their respective industries.

This exhibition offers a comprehensive experience, featuring cutting-edge product launches, an insightful conference programme, and captivating demonstrations. Attendees can engage in hands-on showcases, interactive exhibits, and in-depth discussions with experts, gaining valuable insights into emerging technologies and best practices.

Seawork also serves as a vital networking hub, fostering collaboration and partnerships among professionals from diverse sectors, including vessel design, marine engineering, offshore renewables, and port operations.

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress, Maritime Events

The Second African Harbour Masters' Committee Seminar

Southern Cape Sun Hotel

Wed, 02/04/2025 - 08:00

The African Harbour Master committee (AHMC), an African chapter of the International Harbour Master Association (IHMA), will be hosting it’s second seminar for African Harbour Masters. The seminar will be hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority in Cape Town, South Africa from 2 – 4 April 2025 in partnership with the Port Management Association of
Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA).

The Theme of the seminar is “Navigating the future – Sustainable Port Management in Africa.”

The discussions spanning 2 days will focus on technical presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as port infrastructure, single window, and gender equality.

Speaking to the IHMA Secretariat on the launch, Capt. Thulani Dubeko, President of the AHMC, said: “The second meeting of African Harbour Masters looks to build on the excellent work achieved at our inaugural event in Tangier in 2023. African Harbour Masters must continue to work together, share ideas and learn from one and another in order to keep abreast of the ever chaning maritime industry."

The event will be held at the Southern Cape Sun Hotel. Programme details and event registration to be released shortly.

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress, Maritime Events

Registration open for the 15th International Harbour Masters Congress from 9 to 12 June 2026, Rotterdam

Theater Zuidplein

Tue, 09/06/2026 - 09:00

The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are pleased to announce the 15th International Harbour Masters Association Congress, to be held from 09–12 June 2026 at Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam.

The theme of the IHMA Congress 2026 is Connecting Horizons – Building Future Resilient Ports Together, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability across the global maritime sector.

The IHMA Congress is a biennial event offering a vital forum for IHMA members, industry stakeholders, innovators, and suppliers from across the ports sector. The Congress enables attendees to connect, share insights, and explore the latest advancements in technology and best practices.

For full details visit the dedicated event website: https://ihmacongress2026.harbourmaster.org

What’s On The Agenda?

The event will open at 09:00 on Tuesday, 09 June 2026, with a formal Opening Ceremony, followed by plenary sessions and panel discussions, keynote addresses, workshops and games. Over three days, the Congress will explore the following core themes:

Emerging Technologies
Sustainable Together
Resilient Ports

On the final day, Friday, 12 June, participants will have the opportunity to join an exclusive Port Tour, inside the biggest port in Europe, organised by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s largest ports.

Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony

The Congress Gala dinner takes place in the heart of Rotterdam on the evening of Thursday, 11 June and will include the announcement of the IHMA award winners.

Launched in 2018, the IHMA awards are held to recognise and celebrate the contributions Harbour Masters make to ensuring safe, secure and efficient ports around the world.

The awards will be judged in three categories:

Safe, Efficient and Secure Port
Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Profession of Harbour Master
Port Operations Photograph of the Year

Nominations are now open. For more information, please contact secretary.ihma@harbourmaster.org

What Our Leaders Say

IHMA Congress Chair Gary Wilson: “We’re very much looking forward to the next IHMA Congress in Rotterdam. The theme, Connecting Horizons – Building Future Resilient Ports Together, promises to spark essential discussions. Coming together to share our recent experiences is always a privilege.”

Harbour Master, Port of Rotterdam Authority - René de Vries: “We look forward to welcoming IHMA members in Rotterdam next year. It will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss resilience and new technologies in our ports. We are honoured to host this event in Rotterdam.

IHMA President Paul O’Regan: “From the port to the city, Rotterdam has it all. Experiences we can all learn from. I’m truly excited about reconnecting with colleagues and delivering a superb programme that will empower us all to build more resilient ports.”

Sponsor & Exhibition Opportunities

Sponsorship and exhibition packages will be available. Companies interested in showcasing their solutions or supporting the Congress are encouraged to reach out for more information. Please email ihmacongress2026@harbourmaster.org for more information.

Registration Now Open

Registration is open to all members of the maritime community.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://ihmacongress2026.harbourmaster.org/ticketshop

Coming Next

Call for Papers – September 2025
IHMA will invite professionals to submit abstracts for proposed papers in their area of expertise. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute forward-thinking ideas and practical solutions for building more resilient ports.
Innovation Hub & Student Showcase – November 2025
Aimed at highlighting future talent and voices of the next generation, we will be inviting start-ups and students to present their boldest ideas for the future of sustainable ports.

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress, Maritime Events

Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference

Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Fri, 18/10/2024 - 09:00

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.

PIANC-IADC Conference.pdf

Maritime Events

Download the IHMA Constitution

The IHMA constitution sets out the establishment of a region of the IHMA, the committee role and authority, its formation and management.