4 June (Day 1): Latest policy, developing supply chains, and identifying growth areas for ports
08:45 to
17:30
Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Richard Ballantyne OBE.
Chief Executive.
British Ports Association.
Part 1: Latest policy updates and responding to changing shipping patterns
09:40 to
11:25
Keynote address: Supporting growth across the ports industry
09:40 to
09:55
The opportunities and challenges for port growth and development
09:55 to
10:20
- Latest policies impacting ports
- How can ports respond to market and industry changes
- Delivering decarbonisation at ports
- The importance of ongoing innovation at ports
Speaker:
Doug Bannister.
Chief Executive.
Port of Dover.
Latest shipping trends and trade patterns – what are the implications for ports?
10:20 to
10:55
- Latest changes to trade patterns and shipping routes
- Green shipping – what are the emerging trends?
- What trends and emerging markets to watch for in 2025?
- Updates for bulk, commodities, RoRo and LoLo
Morning networking and refreshments
10:55 to
11:25
Part 2: Delivering supply chain development and improved connectivity
11:25 to
14:00
Panel discussion: Improving port connectivity – developing port rail and road links to support onward transfer and supply chain development
11:25 to
12:10
- The plans for improving rail and road connections
- Incentivising the use of rail for onward transfer – the logistical and decarbonisation benefits
- Where are the issues with port connectivity and how can these be resolved?
- Reducing port congestion to support supply chain needs
Speaker:
Julie Garn.
Director, Intermodal.
GB Railfreight.
Overcoming supply chain constraints – how to support evolving supply chain requirements
12:10 to
12:35
- Current and anticipated warehousing requirements
- Removing bottlenecks and support improved intermodal connectivity
- The use of technology to support supply chain improvements
Speaker:
Geoff Lippitt.
Group Commercial and Strategy Director.
PD Ports.
Adopting technology and automation to drive efficiencies in port operations
12:35 to
13:00
- What efficiencies are possible from new technologies?
- The use of automation – what operations can be automated beyond the use in container shipping
- Adopting technologies at ports of all sizes – what changes can bring advantages?
- What is working? Successful use of technology at ports
Speaker:
Martin Nyhuus.
CIO.
DP World Marine Services.
Networking lunch
13:00 to
14:00
Part 3: Improving skills and safety at ports
14:00 to
15:40
Instilling a culture of safety in ports and establishing effective processes
14:00 to
14:25
- New approaches to port safety
- What methods are working?
- Promoting and effectively communicating a culture of safety
Speaker:
Debbie Cavaldoro.
Chief Executive.
Port Skills and Safety.
Panel Discussion: Ensuring the ports sector has the skills needed – the initiatives that are supporting improved recruitment and diversity
14:25 to
15:10
- Highlighting the career paths in the sector
- Recognising the changing skillset needed at ports created with the adoption of new technologies and the energy transition
- Managing recruitment and training – what idea and initiatives are working?
- Increasing diversity – is the gender imbalance in the sector improving and what more is needed?
Speakers:
Lorna Wagner.
Programme Manager.
Maritime UK Solent.
Matt Johnson.
Director.
South Coast Institute of Technology.
Chris Hatter.
Head of Compliance.
Portsmouth International Port.
Afternoon networking and refreshments
15:10 to
15:40
Part 4: Identifying opportunities for port growth and securing funding
15:40 to
16:55
Securing funding for port development
15:40 to
16:05
- What funding is available?
- Securing funding – how can this be done?
- How can ports access the UK Investment Bank
Panel discussion: Identifying the areas for port growth and development – developing the business cases for investment
16:05 to
16:55
- What are the current plans and priorities for development?
- Managing growth with land constraints
- Securing the funding needed for port development
- Freeports – what are the plans for development and progress with delivery?
- Identifying opportunities to repurpose land – changing needs for urban ports and hinterland spaces
Speakers:
Stephen Carr.
Group Commercial Director.
Peel Ports.
Sinclair Browne.
Chief Executive.
Port of Inverness.
Cathy Hall.
Masterplanner.
Associated British Ports.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:55 to
17:05
Close of conference and networking drinks (sponsored by Netcompany)
17:05 to
18:05