Now in its 8th year, the UK Annual Ports Conference has been expanded for 2016 into a two-day programme, with day 1 providing the latest updates on policy issues, exploring the current trends and outlook, examining the “big” issues around national and regional and local infrastructure development. Day Two will examine and evaluate the opportunities and gaps in terms of port development for growing markets, considering the opportunities for ports to capitalise on renewable energy, containerised shipping and the development of intermodal facilities.

This major national conference for the UK ports industry will also examine recent shipping trends and provide expert opinions on the outlook for shipping in terms of traffic forecasts via UK ports, both in the short-term and into 2020. Speakers will provide a succinct overview and update of the UK and EU ports policy landscape; vital to ports executives for shaping commercial objectives which are realistic and achievable in today’s uncertain and competitive market.

On day one, you will debate the big national infrastructure issues, including the creation of the new National Infrastructure Commission, and the potential boost to economic prosperity in the North of England by means of the Northern Powerhouse. Some of the key industry players will discuss how important it is that individual ports dovetail well into Local Plans, as well as the wider regional and national infrastructure picture. They will also examine the issues around creating a joined-up vision across the spectrum from local to national level, including a dedicated session to unravel how devolved powers can become an important enabler.

Furthermore, representatives from some of the UK’s major ports will discuss the evolution of containerised shipping and the opportunities provided by the onset of super-sized vessels. They will debate what exactly is the opportunity, and how ports might need to adapt in order to accommodate bigger vessels. Expert speakers will cover some of the technicalities around dredging, deep quays and new innovations around port automation.

On day two, delegates will benefit from some expert insight into the renewable energy market; notably how ports can support the renewables industry, and where the opportunities lie. Case studies on port infrastructure developments will provide lessons learned from those undertaking recent projects including offshore wind farm port facilities, and new facilities for the importation of biomass and tidal power plants. Take a look at the 8th Annual UK Ports Conference draft programme.

Please note: The programme for this year’s event is still in development, please email us to sign up for updates on this event. You can enquire about getting involved with the programme, including speaking at or sponsoring the event here, or by calling 0207 067 1597.

Register today to secure the super early-bird savings – book online, by email or by calling 0207 067 1597.

Benefits of attending include:

  • Receive the latest UK and European policy updates and explore the impact of potential changes
  • Get an update on how the Northern Powerhouse is progressing in terms of road and rail inward infrastructure planning
  • Find out how devolved powers will impact infrastructure locally and regionally
  • Examine the impact of changing ship size – how can ports adapt? When should ports adapt? And where will the deep sea lines end up?
  • Discover which port infrastructure projects have been delivered successfuly, exploring what the challenges have been and the lessons learned
  • Explore how to gain grant funding for ports development projects from the EU
  • Discuss how UK ports can develop intermodal facilities and how they can leverage those as a growth opportunity
  • Discover how to ensure that there is appropriate rail freight capacity at ports
  • Examine new marine licensing legislation and regulations and their impact on both port management and port infrastructure development projects
  • Networking opportunities with over 130 senior attendees from the ports and shipping sectors

Take a look at the 8th Annual UK Ports Conference draft programme.