Promoting safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound marine operations in port waters

Welcome to the IHMA

The International Harbour Masters' Association is the professional body for those with responsibility for the safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in port waters.

With members in more than 50 countries, the Association brings together Harbour Masters and all those who hold a managerial position in aspects of the control of marine operations within a port.

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Role of Harbour Master/ Port Operations Professional
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Security
Port Call Optimisation icon
Port Call Optimisation
Vessel Traffic Services icon
Vessel traffic services
Registration for the 15th International Harbour Masters' Congress in Rotterdam …
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Safety
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Emergency Management icon
Emergency Management
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Environment
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videos & webminars
Videos & Webinars
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seafarers
IHMA Initiative to Support Seafarers

Our Sponsors

Latest News & Events

Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller
Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller

Harbours And Their Masters is the untold story of the Harbour Master and the harbours they manage.

FIND OUT MORE
IHMA - UNCTAD MoU
The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Programme Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its TrainForTrade Programme have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing capacity building and knowledge sharing for port communities worldwide.

FIND OUT MORE

Become a member.

Join the world’s premier professional body for harbour masters. As an IHMA member, you will receive access to:

  • The IHMA forum - join the discussion
  • Details of your fellow members, including their contact coordinates
  • ExCo news and meetings
  • IHMA President's blog
  • Congress and Seminar Papers
  • Reports from IMO and IALA
  • Multimedia gallery
Sign up now

IHMA has Non-governmental international Organization Consultative status at IMO

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

Find out more
Role of Harbour Master/ Port Operations Professional
Security
Port Call Optimisation
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Vessel Traffic Services
Safety
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Emergency Management
Environment

Become a Member

Join the world’s premier professional body for harbour masters and receive up-to-date information on the industry and access to the members' area of the website.

SIGN UP NOW

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

MORE INFO

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EHMC newsletter

Our Sponsors

Latest Events

SEAWORK: THE EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL MARINE & WORKBOAT EXHIBITION
Mayflower Park, Southampton, UK
Seawork 2025

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
The second African Harbour Masters Committee Seminar

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 First IHMA Seminar - 21 to 23 May 2025, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast Harbour Office
IHMA Seminar Belfast

Building on the successful European Harbour Masters Committee Seminars, the IHMA is proud to present the first IHMA Seminar in Belfast on 21-23 May 2025. IHMA Seminars will now be held every two years in non-Congress years.

IHMA has chosen ‘BEYOND CONVENTION – Innovation through diversification’ as the theme for the Seminar which will be hosted in Belfast by Belfast Harbour Commissioners from 21 to 23 May 2025.

The seminar will look at how harbour masters are preparing for the profound changes which are affecting the port industry today and into the near future. The intense focus on decarbonisation in every aspect of business is a critical driver in the need for ports to look at innovation through diversification – to go Beyond Convention.

The IHMA Seminar will quickly become established as an important event for IHMA members, industry stakeholders, innovators and suppliers across the global ports sector to collaborate, network, share information, and provide updates on the latest industry technology and solutions and fill the gap between Congress events.

Alongside the high-class debate and discussion on the conference floor an exhibition showcasing port marine products and innovation is available. This conference and exhibition offer sponsors and exhibitors a unique opportunity to connect, build relationships and do business with the principal decision makers for global port and marine operations.

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress, Maritime Events
Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference
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.

PIANC-IADC Conference.pdf
Maritime Events
CHARTING WATER
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

EHMC Seminars, IHMA Congress
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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.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Latest News & Events

Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller

Harbours And Their Masters is the untold story of the Harbour Master and the harbours they manage.

FIND OUT MORE
IHMA - UNCTAD MoU The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Programme Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its TrainForTrade Programme have signed a memorandum of… FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller
Harbours And Their Masters by Mark Ashley-Miller

Harbours And Their Masters is the untold story of the Harbour Master and the harbours they manage.

FIND OUT MORE
IHMA - UNCTAD MoU
The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Programme Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its TrainForTrade Programme have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing capacity building and knowledge sharing for port communities worldwide.

FIND OUT MORE