The 8th IHMA Congress in Cork will explore and address the changing landscape of ports and how these changes are redefining the role of harbour masters in the future. Addressing the theme, "Marine experience: Can we manage tomorrow's port without it?" the 2012 IHMA Congress will showcase technical and operational breakthroughs together with international case studies on the development and management of modern port and marine operations across the globe.

The Congress runs from the 14th to the 18th of May and takes in some fantastic learning and networking opportunities. From the traditional welcomes and first session on the role of the Harbour Master in port management and development to the closing site tour with lunch at Jameson Heritage Centre it promises to be a fantastic week.

The Congress will address the following key issues:

The role of the Harbour Master in port management and development

The legal powers of the Harbour Master in new commercial landscape

Managing the decline of nautical expertise in shipping and the port industry 

Port performance, port competition and the Harbour Master

International harmonisation of port rules, regulations and procedures

Cost cutting, efficient and safe operations in tomorrow's port 


Programme;
Monday 14th May 2012, 08.00-17.30 1st congress day
Monday 14th May 2012, 18.00 Congress Welcome Reception

Tuesday 15th May 2012, 08.30-17.10 2nd congress day
Tuesday 15th May 2012, 17.30 Exhibition Networking Drinks

Wednesday 16th May 2012, 08.30-17.10 3d congess day
Wednesday 16th May 2012, 17.10 Launch of the revised edition of The Work of the Harbour Master
Wednesday 16th May 2012, 19.00 Official Congress Dinner

Thursday 17th May 2012, 08.30-10.40 4th congress day
Thursday 17th May 2012, 11.10-16.00 IHMA OGM
Thursday 17th May 2012, 16.30-18.00 Combined IHMA ExCo / Council meeting

Friday 18th May 2012, 09.00-14.30 Technical Site Tour


During the build up to the event a number of key speakers and IHMA members have been interviewed by the Congress team; 

Capt. Kevin Richardson highlighted the importance of the role of Harbour Masters to the marine industry as a whole and how they play a pivotal role in keeping the worlds’ trade gateways moving. 
His motto was "Keep it moving….. but keep it safe!" as the Harbour Master tirelessly works to balance the delicate equilibrium between demand and uplift. “Get it wrong and there are either huge shipping delays or huge terminal traffic delays and probably both.” 

Most recently the Chief Harbour Master of the River Thames, Cmdr. David Phillips also spoke on the equilibrium that needs to be struck between the many user groups that utilize one of the UK’s key waterways, especially in such a busy year for London and the Thames. 

These insights are just a taster as to what will be covered during the Congress week. The IHMA looks forward to welcoming you all to Cork in May.