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.
Latest News & Events
Ship repair activity at Gibraltar’s Gibdock continued to be rock solid, despite uncertainties through the first three quarters of 2020 (to end September) relating to Covid-19 and Brexit. Occupancy levels remained high, contracts continued to be agreed and scheduled dry dockings are already booked into 2021, the Gibraltar-based yard reported in mid-October.
In the words of Richard Beards, Gibdock’s Managing Director: ‘The outlook is set fair.’ He went on to identify potentially greater revenue streams in LNG-related projects and renewables business for the months ahead. Beards said that Gibdock’s location at the gateway to the Mediterranean remains a key advantage but added that the repeat business included in forward bookings: ‘Shows that customers continue to put reliability, quality of work and on-time redelivery at the top of their priority lists.
‘In 2020, being part of a tight-knit business community where fast communications enable rapid response times and the immediate implementation of any changes to health or travel regulations has also proved advantageous. We are in constant dialogue with the Port Authority, and we have frequent contact with Gibraltar Civil Contingencies, the Director of Public Health, local agents, subcontractors, hotels and transport providers.’
Beards pointed out that close ties with the local ship agency network mean that Gibraltar is well-established as a safe and efficient location for crew changes.
The International Harbour Masters' Association (IHMA) is delighted to announce that its new President is Captain Yoss Leclerc of the Port of Quebec. He succeeds Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority, Canada.
Captain Leclerc was elected on 8 October at the conclusion of the IHMA Ordinary General Meeting held remotely for the first time due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The OGM was contributed to online by delegates from 13 countries.
In a statement to members Captain Leclerc pledged to help the Association meet the challenges facing Harbour Masters to ensure the sustainability of ports in the future.
"I like to quote the Japanese writer Ryunosuke Satoro who said, "Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean".
I lived this philosophy at sea when you knew that it was necessary to work together in order to face any and all challenges and even more, to fight adversity.
My story continues when I came ashore and joined many different and amazing teams from Canadian Ports who were on the ground 24/7 to ensure safe, secure and fluid operations.
Harbour Masters are the embodiment of dedication, collaboration and teamwork. They are the magicians that make everything seem seamless, smooth and easy to the neophyte and even often to old-timers. I have so often heard the following comment after a port visit, "there's nothing happening here!" and I always respond: "because magic is going on behind the scenes where a dedicated and painstaking Port team looks after every aspect ensuring the show is going".
There are many challenges ahead of us, including environment (climate change, air emissions, ballast water, etc.), technology (digitalization, automation, etc.) and health (pandemics) that we will need to grasp and tackle together in order to ensure our ports' sustainability.
At the international level, IHMA has worked very hard to acquire its standing and ability to influence decisions regarding many aspects that have considerable impact on our operations and we will, with your help, continue to consolidate our position.
As a father of two wonderful daughters involved in the maritime field, I am glad to see the interest of women in "Harbour Mastering" and will continue to support the movement within my capacity.
I am very honoured and humbled to take the helm of this prestigious organization and will endeavour to sail the ship with the collaboration and support of you all to our next port of call, the 2022 Congress in Port Klang."
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