Ports of Auckland to host international port forum

VIPs from more than 45 international and local ports will be in Auckland this week to discuss global port challenges including capacity and sustainability.

From 9-11 February they will be attending the 11th Asia/Oceania Regional Forum and Meeting of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), which this year is hosted by Ports of Auckland Ltd.

Ports of Auckland Chairman John Lindsay says the conference is highly relevant to New Zealand because our trade and connections with the world are crucial to the country’s prosperity and growth.

“We are an island nation that is a long way from many of our main trading markets, so an effective and efficient supply chain is critical to our international competitiveness. Shipping and ports play a vital role in this equation,” he says.

“Insights gained from this conference will be invaluable in helping member ports to undertake global best practice, overcome challenges and continue to play their part in expanding global trade in the future.”

The IAPH is a global alliance representing some 230 ports in about 90 countries. Member ports handle more than 60% of the world's sea-borne trade and nearly 80% of all container traffic.

The forum’s speakers include Transport Minister Steven Joyce and Fer van de Laar (Managing Director of IAPH’s Europe Office and Chair of the IAPH’s Committee on Port Safety, Environment & Marine Operations). The forum also includes speakers from Japan, Australia and Malaysia.