A centenary after RMS Titanic set sail from Cobh, a fleet of the world’s harbour masters are set to anchor at Cork for the 8th International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) Congress, entitled Global Ports & Marine Operations, which is being held during the 14th–18th May 2012 at Cork City Hall.
The prestigious IHMA Congress is held every two years and features a four-day conference, exhibition and exciting networking and social program. This is the first time that the Congress is being held in Ireland and given Cork’s rich maritime history and amazing diversity, the 2012 Congress builds on the tradition of being hosted in a strategically significant location.
“We are delighted to host the IHMA Congress in Cork this year. It’s a great opportunity to showcase Cork City and our Port facilities around the harbour to the global delegates. Cork Harbour is steeped in maritime heritage and I am certain that there will be historical connections as well as commercial connections with the many countries represented at the Congress” said Captain Pat Farnan, Harbour Master Port of Cork Company and Chairman of the IHMA Congress.
The Congress will attract over 300 local and international attendees, including over 30 leading industry speakers. The event is supported by a trade exhibition featuring over 40 companies from across the world with guests travelling from as far as Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, UK and the UAE.
The 2012 IHMA Congress in Cork will explore and address the changing landscape of ports and how these changes are redefining the role of harbour masters in the future. Addressing the theme, "Marine experience: Can we manage tomorrow's port without it?" the 2012 IHMA Congress showcases technical and operational breakthroughs together with international case studies on the development and management of modern port and marine operations across the globe.
“Ireland, as an island, is totally dependent on its ports with 99% of trade passing through them, and the Port of Cork, with its multi-modal capability plays a significant role in meeting the demands of trade. There are many challenges faced by the ports in evolving to meet the demand of future trade not least being the need to address the reduction in the availability of experienced managers to run them” Capt. Farnan continued.
The Port of Cork is the proud ‘Dinner Sponsor’ for the Congress and Ireland’s legendary hospitality will be on showcase throughout the week. Highlights will include tours of Cobh Heritage Centre, the Port of Cork, the National Maritime College of Ireland and the Jameson Distillery at Midleton.
Attendance to the conference, exhibition and dinners can be made online at www.globalportoperations.com
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