Addressing the theme, ‘Safe and smooth access to ports: A challenge’, the 9th IHMA Congress in Belgium will showcase technical and operational breakthroughs together with international case studies on the development and management of modern port and marine operations across the globe. As critical logistic and economic gateways, access to ports is essential for successful maritime operations. Harbour Masters play a key role in the safe, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in port waters. As ships get larger, crews get smaller and the landscape of waterways continues to change, how can Harbour Masters, in collaboration with maritime authorities, port users, shipping operators and business partners, offer the best access to ports?

1. www.GlobalPortOperations.com
CALL FOR PAPERS
Deadline: 28 June 2013
The International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) is pleased to launch a call for papers for
the 9th
IHMA Congress to be held in Bruges – Ghent, Belgium 2014
Safe and smooth access to ports: A challenge
Addressing the theme, ‘Safe and smooth access to ports: A challenge’, the 9th
IHMA Congress in Belgium will
showcase technical and operational breakthroughs together with international case studies on the development
and management of modern port and marine operations across the globe.
As critical logistic and economic gateways, access to ports is essential for successful maritime operations.
Harbour Masters play a key role in the safe, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in
port waters. As ships get larger, crews get smaller and the landscape of waterways continues to change, how can
Harbour Masters, in collaboration with maritime authorities, port users, shipping operators and business
partners, offer the best access to ports?
This question will play a key role in three thematic sessions. Continuing the tradition of bringing together port
managements and industry leaders to consolidate and share best practice, each session will be introduced by
representatives of leading branch organizations, after which experts will give their view on the session topics.
1 – Offering the best port access
2 - Contributing to a clean port
Part A – From a customer’s point of view
• Why is depth information crucial for cargo planning?
• How should depth information be displayed?
• What is the best advice regarding maximum draught?
Part B – How can a harbour master contribute?
• Best practices to display information, relationship
with IHMA projects
• Relationships with other international projects
• Experiences of harbour masters
More and more port users are depending on
complete, accurate and reliable port information.
More and more sailing schedules require efficient and
smooth planning of traffic and cargo operations.
Cargo volumes can be increased by optimizing the
ships’ draught with regard to accurate depth and tidal
information and under keel clearance policy. What is
the present situation and which developments can
we expect?
Emission control is one of the mayor policy instruments for
clean transport. This is and will continue to be regulated by
international clauses and agreements. Ports and harbours can
optimize emission values by a smooth and efficient traffic
flow, not only for commercial vessels, but also with regard to
service vessels, such as tugs and pilot vessels.
LNG transport is still a booming market. With LNG driven
vessels catching on, ports are confronted with demands for
small scale transhipment and bunkering facilities, which will
require new policies on nautical and environmental safety.
How do we meet these challenges?
Part B – LNG in the port area
• Policy for LNG bunkering
• Admission policy for LNG carriers
• Experiences of harbour masters
Part A – Virtual Arrival
• What is Virtual Arrival?
• Impact on port and terminal
• What is needed to make it operational?

2. www.GlobalPortOperations.com
3 – A port is never safe enough
4 - Harbour Master experiences and best practices
Harbour Masters are invited to share innovatory and interesting subjects with their colleagues. A global
importance is preferable.
5 - Latest technical developments in industry
Industrial partners are invited to present innovations and development regarding port management, port safety
and port accessibility.
The IHMA Papers’ Committee invites those interested in presenting a paper at the 2014 Congress to submit a
400-600 word abstract one of the above mentioned subjects.
The above list is not exhaustive. If you are in doubt if your subject addresses the 2014 theme, please contact the
conference manager for detailed information.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Papers Committee. Criteria for selecting abstracts for the Congress include the
topic’s significance for harbour masters, the international importance of the theme and geographic origin of author.
The Papers Committee aims for a balanced and engaging Congress programme, with a variety of subjects for sharing
best practice and stimulating discussion with the aim of contributing to the welfare of ports and harbours across the
globe.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of your submission, please contact the conference manager.
Abstracts are due by 28 June 2013
About the IHMA Congress
Now in its 9th
year, the biennial IHMA Congress provides a unique forum in which formal Association meetings are
combined with a conference and an exhibition - displaying equipment, services and technical developments from
throughout the port and harbour sector.
With 200 members, the IHMA represents over 40 nations and unites those responsible for the safe, efficient and secure
navigation of port waters. The Congress brings together IHMA Members together with other key decision makers from
across the entire international maritime industry. For details on how to become a member of the IHMA, please contact
the Anne Carnegie, Secretary, IHMA:
Tel: +44 1903 218 269
Email: secretary.ihma@harbourmaster.org
Web: www.harbourmaster.org
We look forward to welcoming you to Belgium for the 9th IHMA Congress on the 26-30 May 2014!
Please submit abstracts to Tina Karas, Conference Manager
Email: tina.karas@informa.com.au
Online: www.globalportoperations.com/submit-paper
Fax: + 61 2 9290 2577 (Attention Tina Karas)
Abstracts will be reviewed by the Papers Committee and authors will be notified of acceptance on 30 August 2013.
If your paper is accepted you will be sent guidelines for the paper format and presentation.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Karas on + 61 2 9080 4306 or email tina.karas@informa.com.au
Part A – Anchor areas and mooring developments
• What do captains expect from anchor areas?
• What should be displayed in admission policy for
anchor areas?
• Mooring equipment class issues versus berth design
• Developments in shore moorings
Part B – Safety versus competition of nautical services
•Competition or not versus safety
• Experiences of competition in port
• Examples of quality management
Abstract submissions should:
 List the title of the paper
 Include your name, contact details and if appropriate, job title and company name
 The broad theme of your paper together with the reason why this topic would be interesting for the
Congress and how it addresses the theme, ‘Safe and smooth access to ports: A challenge’
 A short note about the author’s background and affiliations
 Be written in English