The 11th IHMA Congress, Ports - Essential for Safe, Efficient and Secure Global Trade

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The International Harbour Masters’ Association 2018 Congress addressed the theme ‘Ports – Essential for Safe, Efficient and Secure Global Trade’.

The Congress program is designed to appeal to all those responsible for the safe, secure and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports and industry organisations working with, or within ports across all levels of the industry spectrum.

Apply for membership of IHMA today to benefit from the IHMA Congress Members’ Discount
http://www.harbourmaster.org/ihma-join-online.php

 

 

 

Venue
Royal Lancaster, London
Website
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Event Category
IHMA Congress
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Enhance your skills with a master of science in maratime science

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  • 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

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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 15th International Harbour Masters Congress from 9 to 12 June 2026, Rotterdam
Theater Zuidplein
IHMA Congress 2026 Rotterdam

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
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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The definitive Port Call Optimization (PCO) guide for ports and shipping is published.
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FIND OUT MORE