British Ports Association Conference Docks In Belfast
Belfast Harbour is hosting the annual British Ports Association (BPA) conference for the first time in its history. The four-day conference, which has attracted more than 300 industry representatives from across the UK and Ireland, is taking place at Titanic Belfast between 15th – 18th October.
In addition to providing expert discussions on industry issues ranging from Brexit to sustainable development, the conference also includes international exhibitors and an extensive social programme.
Speakers at the conference include Shanker Singham, one of the world’s leading trade and competition lawyers and Chairman of the Technical Panel of the UK Alternative Arrangements Commission, Eamon Butler, Director and co-founder of the Adam Smith Institute and Brian Johnson, CEO of the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
Joe O’Neill, Belfast Harbour’s CEO, said:
“Belfast Harbour is thrilled to be hosting the 2019 BPA Conference and we’re looking forward to showcasing not only how the port sector is helping drive growth in the wider economy, but also what Northern Ireland, as a whole, has to offer.
“We’ve worked closely with the BPA to develop a dynamic conference programme which includes not just Titanic Belfast, but other venues including Belfast City Hall, Belfast Harbour Office, the Ulster Transport Museum and a port tour.
“Belfast Harbour is well known within the port sector as one of the UK’s most historic ports, but as part of the conference we’ll be showcasing the Harbour’s long-term vision to develop new trades, urban regeneration projects and a commitment to develop an iconic waterfront for Belfast.”
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said:
“2019 has seen the ports industry front and centre of a range of political issues – from trade and freeports to the environment and climate change. The profile of ports and the maritime sector more widely hasn’t been higher in many years.
“Ports are critical to our economy – handling 95% of all trade and employing 115,000 people. They are hubs of regional and local economic activity and often a big part of local culture and identity. Belfast is a thriving port city and we are very much looking forward to celebrating the successes of the Harbour and the wider industry whilst discussing the future direction of the sector.”
