More than 400 delegates from across Australia and around the world gathered in Sydney for the 49th Ports Australia Biennial Conference, our largest conference to date, under the theme Globally Connected, Future Focused.
The conference began a tour of Sydney Harbour by boat, opened by NSW Premier The Hon Chris Minns, welcoming a record number of attendees from every continent (except Antarctica!) and setting the scene for three days of collaboration, connection and industry discussion.
Day two commenced with a formal opening by International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, coinciding with World Maritime Day and its 2026 theme, From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.
Across the conference, delegates explored the risks, opportunities and priorities shaping the ports sector, including energy security, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, technology adoption, productivity, national security, green shipping and future fuels.
A strong theme emerged around the importance of alignment and partnership, whether between ports, governments, Defence, supply chain partners or international counterparts. Discussions highlighted that successful clean energy transitions, stronger productivity outcomes and greater resilience will depend on collaboration across the entire supply chain.
In addition to drawing international delegates, the Conference was also well attended by Australian MPs and Senators, including Parliamentary Friends of Ports co-chair Alison Byrnes MP, and a Day 2 address from Senator Bridget McKenzie, along with others who took the time to join us.
The Gala Dinner at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf provided an opportunity for delegates to connect while enjoying stunning Sydney Harbour views.
Ports Australia extends its sincere thanks to our delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for making this our biggest Biennial Conference yet. The conversations held throughout the week demonstrated the strength of Australia's ports sector and the value of coming together to share ideas, build partnerships and shape the future of our industry.
Thank you to our 2026 Major Sponsors: NSW Ports and Port Authority of New South Wales.
Watch the Conference recap video below.
IAPH Regional Forum held in Sydney for South-East Asia & Oceania
Prior to the Ports Australia Biennial Conference, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) held its Regional Forum for South-East Asia and Oceania, bringing together international port leaders to discuss the key issues shaping the maritime sector.
The forum focused on three major themes: decarbonisation and climate change, technology, digitisation and cybersecurity, and resilience and productivity. Discussions highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities facing ports across the region, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The forum also showcased the growing engagement of ports from South-East Asia and Oceania within the IAPH network, reflecting a stronger regional voice on global maritime issues. The discussions and connections formed throughout the event helped set the scene for the Biennial Conference and reinforced the value of international cooperation in building a more resilient, sustainable and future-focused port sector.
Sponsors
The success of Ports Australia's 49th Biennial Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors. Their commitment to our industry has been invaluable in making this conference a truly exceptional experience.
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Photo Gallery
Check out the Biennial Conference photo gallery here: (Dropbox)
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2026 Program Sessions
Global Port Outlook: Risks, Trends and Priorities
Our Region: Areas of Alignment and Action
From Cyber to Climate: All-Hazards Risk in Australian Ports
Technology and Productivity
Looking Over the Horizon
Shadow Ministerial Address: Perspectives from the Opposition
Enhancing Port-Defence Partnerships for Regional Resilience
System Performance: Ports and the Supply Chain
Green Shipping and Maritime Decarbonisation in Action
New Fuels, Clean Energy and the Role of Ports
Take an inside look at the Biennial Conference with 2026 speaker Gene Seroka, Executive Director at Port of Los Angeles:
2026 Speakers and Chairs
Adam Copp – CEO, Infrastructure Australia
Amy Beaumont – Group Executive, People, Environment and Legal, Port Authority of New South Wales
Andrew Hoare – Global Head of Marine Systems & Green Shipping, Fortescue
Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Bruno Porchietto – CEO, Victoria International Container Terminal
The Hon Chris Minns MP – New South Wales Premier
Chris O'Keefe – National spokesperson for the Clean Energy Council
Eddy Ng – Group Head of Operations, Technology and Sustainability, PSA International
Gene Seroka – Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles
Geraint Evans – Chief Executive Officer, UK Major Ports Group
Hamza Hioul – Head of Oceania Market, Maersk
Isaac Wingfield – Vice President – Head of Ports, Global Transportation, AECOM
Jacob Philipsen – Project & Market Director, Ramboll
Jens Meier – CEO, Hamburg Port Authority & President, IAPH
Joseph Catanzariti AM – Principal, Strategic Advisor and Mediator, Joseph Catanzariti & Associates
Kyle Naish – Assistant Secretary Trade and Investment Economics Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness – National Cyber Security Coordinator
Vice Admiral Matt Buckley – Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy
Marika Calfas – IAPH Vice President for South-East Asia and Oceania & CEO, NSW Ports
Michael Outram – Advisor & Former Commissioner of the Australian Border Force
Mike Gallacher – CEO, Ports Australia
Neusa Marcelino – Managing Director of ANL Container Line & CMA CGM Agencies Oceania
Nicola Murray – Logistics & Project Manager, Port of Brisbane
Patrick Verhoeven – Managing Director, International Association of Ports and Harbors
Peta Derham – A/g Division Head, Energy Security Taskforce, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Roz Chivers - General Manager - Rail Freight and Heavy Haul
Saul Cannon – CEO, Port of Melbourne
Sam McSkimming – CEO, Pilbara Ports Authority & Deputy Chair, Ports Australia
Simon Ormsby – Chief Commercial Officer, National Intermodal
Captain Subramaniam Karuppiah – General Manager, Port Klang Authority
Sue Tomic – Managing Director, Chain Consulting Services
Sunil Krishnakumar – General Manager, Singapore branch, International Chamber of Shipping
Tristan Kathage – Assistant Secretary, Surface Transport Emissions and Policy, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
