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Latest News

The latest news and events from the IHMA, its members, ports worldwide, and the general maritime industry.

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Wim van Bogaert
Building safety, security and resilience in North Sea Port

Wim van Bogaert, Harbour Master in the Belgian section of North Sea Port, graduated from nautical school in 1998 in Antwerp. Following…

| General Maritime News, IHMA & Members news, Ports News
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Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity
The Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity, as LVR Flote and HARDMODE sign MoU

LVR Flote, a provider of technical port services, and…

| General Maritime News, IHMA & Members news, Ports News
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Introducing our new eBook: Preventing Drownings Along Quay Walls-Global Best Practices for Ports, Cities & Marinas
Introducing Port-Safety's new eBook: Preventing Drownings Along Quay Walls-Global Best Practices for Ports, Cities & Marinas

Would Your Quay Wall Be Safe If Someone Fell Into the Water Tonight?…

| General Maritime News, IHMA & Members news, Ports News
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Introducing IHMA Commercial Members Fathom Safety
Introducing IHMA Commercial Members Fathom Safety

IHMA is pleased to introduce new Commercial Members Fathom Safety…

| General Maritime News, IHMA & Members news, Ports News
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Adam Parson, Port of Halifax - Sailing a different course
Sailing a different course

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

Captain Adam…

| General Maritime News, IHMA & Members news, Ports News
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Classifieds

The IHMA Classifieds is a marketplace where members can buy and sell vessels and other maritime and port equipment. Browse a selection of ex-service boats and ships, cranes and carriers, navigational equipment, gangways, and rigging.

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Latest Events

138th UKMPA Conference & AGM 18th - 20th November 2026 - Bristol
The Bristol Hotel, United Kingdom
138th UKMPA Conference & AGM

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
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
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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.

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Latest News & Events

Wim van Bogaert Building safety, security and resilience in North Sea Port

Wim van Bogaert reflects on his career in the maritime sector, his transition to the role of Harbour Master and the challenges of strengthening port safety, security and resilience.… FIND OUT MORE

Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity The Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity, as LVR Flote and HARDMODE sign MoU

Riga, 22 October 2026

FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

Wim van Bogaert
Building safety, security and resilience in North Sea Port

Wim van Bogaert reflects on his career in the maritime sector, his transition to the role of Harbour Master and the challenges of strengthening port safety, security and resilience.

FIND OUT MORE
Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity
The Port of Riga to become a testbed for resilient maritime connectivity, as LVR Flote and HARDMODE sign MoU

Riga, 22 October 2026

FIND OUT MORE