OINA 2017: “Front Door to the Blue Economy” – Leaders from the World’s Largest Ports and Port Authorities Come Together to Speak on Key Issues at OINA 2017

High-profile influencers from the North American and international port community to tackle diverse issues from cyber security to sustainability and climate change

San Diego/London, February 3rd 2017 – Reed Exhibitions in association with The Maritime Alliance (TMA), have announced details of a new Ports and Authorities Program, which will be introduced at the first Oceanology International North America (OINA 2017) in San Diego next month. The Track will run on Wednesday February 15^th as part of the event’s conference program and provide a vital platform for key figures to discuss global issues affecting this sector.

Michael Jones, President of TMA, a non-profit organization that promotes BlueTech and Blue Jobs^® in San Diego said: "Seventy one percent of the earth’s surface is ocean and more than ninety per cent of commerce travels by sea, so ports are the “Front Door” to the Blue Economy. All ports are similar in that they are logistics hubs but their location, capacity, use and many other factors make them very different from each other. That is why we are pleased to have representatives of a diverse set of ports from the Americas and Europe sitting on panels along with innovative technology and service providers to explore solutions to their current and future needs. Ports are changing as customer needs change, so it is timely to add this track as an on-going focus for OINA.”

In today’s inextricably connected world, recent breakthroughs in communication and information technologies have had a huge impact on port and maritime security. The Port & Maritime Security and Maritime Cyber Security session at OINA 2017 will look at physical and virtual security in the maritime world from ports to high seas, allowing port operators and service providers to discuss these issues.

Moderating this session, Kurt Nagle, President, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said: “There have been significant changes to address maritime and port security. As challenges or threats evolve, our member ports are collaborating on an ongoing basis to continue to enhance physical and cybersecurity at their facilities and throughout the supply chain. This collaboration includes initiatives among ports to identify and share best practices, as well as in coordination with a range of federal agencies and supply chain partners.”

A Sustainable Port Management & Environmental Protection session will comprise a panel of experts from port operators and technology companies who will discuss how regional economic engines and environmental stewards can be harmonized. Panellists will consider the current and future developments in transportation and the associated ocean science and technology requirements. There will be a particular focus on emerging environmental regulations affecting ports and shipping, the future large scale use of autonomous vessels and the challenges associated with safe and secure maritime operations.

The Transportation and Security Keynote panel pays particular attention to emerging environment regulation affecting ports and shipping. Panellist Dr Noel Hacegaba, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Long Beach is encouraged by the number of ports around the world following its lead in becoming more environmentally efficient. “The Port of Long Beach prides itself in being the world’s first Green Port. Since 2005, we have pioneered and implemented innovative programs in collaboration with our industry partners that have dramatically reduced emissions while our cargo volumes have continued to grow. Our experience demonstrates that a major port can be both green and commercially successful.”

The Services to Ships/Ports and Navigation Control session will allow port operators and private sector practitioners to discuss important advances from AIS-based logistics services to hydrographic surveys and their associated cost savings and operational solutions for the maritime transportation system.

Finally, the Floating Infrastructure to the Rescue session will explore opportunities for floating port assets and offshore mega-ports that offer high efficiency, reduced homeland security and ‘NIMBYISM’ risks, and mitigate danger of earthquakes and sea level rise. A highlight will be to hear from panel moderator Paolo Costa, President of the Venice Port Authority, which is developing the Venice Offshore Onshore Port System (VOOPS) – a multi-billion euro offshore port in the northern Adriatic capable of handling oil shipments and the berthing of Ultra Large Container Vessels (UCLVs).

More exhibitor information and the full conference schedule can be found on the OINA website: www.oceanologyinternationalnorthamerica.com/. OINA conference and exhibition visitors can register here: www.oceanologyinternationalnorthamerica.com/register

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For further information, please contact:

Maria Harper

Marketing Manager, Energy & Marine Group

Reed Exhibitions

Tel: +44 (0)20 8910 7007

maria.harper@reedexpo.co.uk

Jules Riegal/Karen Bartlett

Saltwater Stone

Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244

j.riegal@saltwater-stone.com

k.bartlett@saltwater-stone.com