Key discussions at IAPH World Ports Conference 2024

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IAPH 2024 World Ports Conference: What to expect

We are pleased to be an official partner supporting IAPH World Ports Conference 2024. Join the conference on 8-10 October presented by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) for three days of networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborative discussions centred on risk management, resilience building, and seizing opportunities in the port industry.

In this interview, Rakin Rahman, Staff Reporter at Port Technology International (PTI), speaks with Victor Shieh, IAPH’s Strategy and Communications Director, to explore the key topics to watch at the IAPH World Ports Conference 2024.


How can the ports and shipping industries collaborate to meet the IMO’s 2024-2029 goals on emissions reduction and supply chain resilience, and what challenges will be addressed at the IAPH 2024 World Ports Conference?

I think the highlight sessions at the start will be key. The keynotes from IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and MSC CEO Soren Toft will set the tone. Further top-level discussions include major players such as BIMCO, the World Economic Forum, and our own President. With all these key stakeholders on board, it sets the stage for significant collaboration moving forward

To be more specific, I’d recommend watching the session on data collaboration on day one, early in the afternoon. It’s a CEO-led discussion featuring our President, Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority, Mehdi Tazi-Riffi, CEO of Tanger Med and Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles—one of the most cyber-secure ports globally. Other key players will also join the conversation.

If port authorities collaborate with their terminal operators and concessions, and those operators, in turn, work closely with other supply chain stakeholders—including shipowners and land-based partners—cargo visibility can greatly improve. Several international initiatives are already focused on this, such as the Task Force on International Port Call Optimization, which tackles the issue from a berth-to-berth perspective.

Another key initiative linked to this is chainPORT, involving some of the world’s top port authorities, BCOs, and terminal operator association TIC 4.0 and the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), representing shipowners. Over the past 18 months, they’ve been working on critical issues, such as pinpointing key handover moments for data exchange to enhance supply chain visibility. They will be highlighting their findings on day two at the conference.

So, to answer your question, if these parties can come together and seriously engage in discussions about standardising data exchange—or at least improving data availability and visibility—we could start seeing significant efficiency gains in the supply chain. Given the current uncertainties affecting the supply chain, it’s crucial that this work focuses on long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes.

READ: IAPH develops GHG performance indicator

How are ports and supply chain actors improving resilience amid global supply chain fragility, and what challenges will be addressed at the conference session on maritime supply chain resilience, especially considering recent events like the pandemic and geopolitical instability?

At the conference, we will share a best practices document showing how some ports have improved coordination between parties and enhanced data consistency—from when cargo reaches the pilots to the end of the supply chain and back.

Resilience also means protecting cargo. Illicit trade has surged, not just in narcotics but also illegal wildlife and hazardous materials. Accidents at ports due to poor cargo declarations highlight the risks. We’ve organised a session where ports will discuss combating illicit trade with the World Customs Organization and Interportpolice —an essential part of resilience.

READ: IAPH commits to port enhancements in developing countries

Another key aspect is the port’s relationship with its community. Ports near urban centres face challenges like emissions, noise, and the impact of increased passenger flows. I’m moderating a session on how ports are shifting from defensive stances to active community engagement, showing the benefits they bring. Many projects in the World Port Sustainability Program focus on this.

Ports are also helping communities adapt to climate change. In the Solomon Islands, for instance, ports are involved in restoring mangroves to combat rising sea levels and protect biodiversity. Despite the challenges, ports are driving practical solutions to boost resilience.

Finally, we’ll have cybersecurity workshops to address port responses to cyberattacks. Resilience is being tackled from every angle.

READ: IAPH World Ports Conference 2024: What to expect

How can artificial intelligence be leveraged to manage port risks, including operational disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and environmental challenges? And what insights can attendees expect from the conference session on using AI to strategically manage port risk?

We have a highly experienced colleague and associate member, Bergman Associates, with Michael Bergman moderating an insightful session on AI. We’ll hear how leading ports like the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore are using AI, particularly in terminal operations. Their new port is largely automated, and I expect the representative from Crimson Logic to share examples of how they use AI to optimise efficiency. There’s tremendous potential here, especially with automation.

AI also has broader applications. For instance, the Hamburg Port Authority is exploring AI to manage electricity supply, particularly for port electrification. When a cruise vessel docks, it requires a huge amount of power to switch off its auxiliary engines. AI could intelligently manage this demand, possibly using battery storage or a microgrid within the port, creating a fully digital solution that optimises energy flows efficiently and economically.

However, AI does raise concerns, and some are understandably cautious. There are risks, especially in unfamiliar areas. It’s not just about understanding the technology but knowing how it integrates with both IT and OT systems—information and operational technology—particularly as automation becomes more prevalent at terminals and ports worldwide.

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