Ports of Auckland to host international port forum

MEDIA RELEASE

Ports of Auckland to host international port forum

Ports of Auckland Ltd has announced that it will host the 11th Asia/Oceania Regional Forum and Meeting of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), in Auckland 9-11 February 2011.

At the forum senior executives of many of the largest ports from around the Pacific Rim will discuss global port challenges such as capacity and sustainability, Ports of Auckland’s Chief Executive Jens Madsen said today.

The IAPH is a global alliance representing some 230 ports in about 90 countries. The member ports together handle well over 60% of the world's sea-borne trade and nearly 80% of the world container traffic It is a non-profit-making and non-governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

New Zealand member ports are Ports of Auckland, Port of Napier, Port Taranaki, and Port Nelson.

“It is an honour for Ports of Auckland and New Zealand to be hosting the event which provides a platform for New Zealand ports to showcase initiatives as well as learn from global best practice,” Mr Madsen said.

“The port sector is critical to an efficient and effective supply chain. As an island nation, New Zealand is particularly reliant on sea trade to connect with the world. This forum will be a great opportunity to ensure we enhance our connectivity and stay in touch with major trends.”

International speakers at the forum will include Fer van de Laar, Managing Director of IAPH’s Europe Office and Chair of the IAPH’s Committee on Port Safety, Environment & Marine Operations, and speakers from, among others, Japan, Australia and Malaysia.

ENDS

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