In case you missed it: A recap of the 2024 Ports Australia Biennial Conference in Hobart.
Over 350 attendees including port industry leaders and decision-makers from around the globe converged on Hobart in October 2024 to collaborate on the future of the maritime sector. Ports Australia’s 48th Biennial Conference, themed ‘Navigating new horizons, adapting for tomorrow’s challenges,’ provided a platform for experts to share insights, forge partnerships and drive innovation.
The conference also provides meaningful connection between Australia’s port leaders and pacific neighbors, with delegates attending from Fiji, PNG, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Tonga. Ports Australia was pleased to welcome notable guests including The Hon Sevenitini Toumo’ua, Minister for Infrastructure, Kingdom of Tonga.
Watch the highlights below.
Sponsors
The success of Ports Australia's 48th Biennial Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to our industry has been invaluable in making this conference a truly exceptional experience.
)%2520(1).png)
Australian Maritime College Tour

Ports Australia kicked off its Biennial Conference program with an in-depth tour of the University of Tasmania, Australian Maritime College campus in Launceston.
Conference delegates were treated to an exclusive look at the College, gaining valuable insights from experts and students. Witnessing innovation in action, the groups explored cutting-edge technology and research facilities, including the Model Test Basin, Cavitation Research Laboratory, Underwater Collision Research Facility and Sea Survival Centre.
Thank you to the knowledgeable guides at AMC, and College faculty for sharing their insights and wisdom.
Networking Functions
)%2520(3).png)
Photo Gallery

Conference photos.
Tour + Welcome Function photos.
Program Sessions
Opening Address: The Hon Catherine King MP
International Maritime Landscape
Regional Collaboration for Shared Success
Future of Port Governance: Trends and Strategies for Tomorrow
Green Shipping and Decarbonisation
Economic and Geopolitical Landscape: Past, Present and Future
Opening Address: Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie
Ports Australia: State of Trade
Maximising Australia's Supply Chain Efficiency
Future Energy and Ports
Beyond the Horizon: Offshore Wind
READ MORE: Recap from IAPH Managing Director Patrick Verhoeven
Speakers
The Hon Catherine King MP
Jens Meier, IAPH President and CEO, Hamburg Port Authority
Patrick Verhoeven, IAPH Managing Director
Mike Gallacher, CEO, Ports Australia
Hon. Sevenitini Toumo’ua, Minister for Infrastructure, Kingdom of Tonga IMO Pacific Nations Office
Graeme Sumner, CEO, Lyttleton Ports Corporation
Belinda Manning, Director, PNG Ports Corporation
Brendan Webb, CEO, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation
Simon Mitchell, Senior Policy Adviser, AICD
Marcus John, Director, TT Club
Professor Nick Barter, Founder, Future Normal
Laith Shahin, Founder & CEO, Secolve
Phil Holliday, CEO, Port Authority of NSW
Wei Jie Lau, Director of Partnerships, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
My Therese Blank, Head of Oceania, Maersk
Andrew Clark, Green Ports Consultant, Royal HaskoningDHV
Saul Cannon, CEO, Port of Melbourne
Merriden Varrall, Lead Geopolitics Partner, KPMG
Kyle Naish, Assistant Secretary Trade and Investment Economics Branch, DFAT
Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie
Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports
Christine Holgate, CEO, Team Global Express
Shane Walden, CEO and Shipping Australia Director, ANL
Wayne Johnson, CEO and Managing Director, ARTC
Tristan Anderson, Ports and Energy Advisor, GHD
Dr Fiona Simon, CEO Australian Hydrogen Council
Peter Creeden, Managing Director, MPC International
Professor Peggy Chen - Director, Centre for Maritime and Logistics Management
Sam McSkimming, CEO, Pilbara Ports
Malcolm Wise, Principal, Australian Maritime College
Marie-Alexandra Hegot, Head of Offshore Wind, Ramboll
Ashley McDonald, Director – Ports and Supply Chain, DIRECT Infrastructure
