The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) convened at its 30th World Ports Conference in Bali Nusa Dua, Indonesia, 7-12 May 2017, under the theme of “Enabling Trade, Energizing The World”, was successfully concluded, attracting more than 650 delegates, accompanying persons, guest speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from 50 countries in the world.

At the Opening ceremony, 10 May, Mr. Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia, welcomed all the participants to Bali, Indonesia and mentioned that “the Indonesian delegation should utilize this event to update current issues around ports, build networks, and explore the business potential of the participants of other countries." He further stated that “Our ports already have good facilities, and they can be delivered to the participants of IAPH conference in Bali,” and then officially declared the conference open.

Mr. Elvyn G. Masassya, President Director of Pelindo II, representing four host organizations of Pelindo I, II, III and IV, mentioned in his welcome speech that "IPC (Pelindo II) has the responsibility to provide the best and quality logistics and port services and the momentum of this IAPH conference is an opportunity for us all to show that readiness."

In his preceding speech, IAPH President Mr. Santiago Garcia Milà, mentioned “This Conference will be a milestone event in the history of IAPH where we seek to position ourselves to be a more professional and open society and to do more for our members.”

Also participating and delivering a speech, through a video message, was IMO Secretary General Mr. Kitack Lim, who stressed the conference theme of “Enabling Trade, Energizing The World” perfectly captures the wider role ports must play in the current world trade and as an indispensable link of logistics chain and further commended our long history of working together.

Working Sessions

The ensuing working sessions tuned out to be an excellent forum to learn the latest trends of ports, shipping and logistics world, dealing with such topics as New Port Projects and The Effect of Special Economic Zone on the Port Growths; Hinterland Connectivity and Multimodal Logistics; The Evolution of Global Shipping Industry and Shipping Routes; Maritime Transport Network and Port Innovation; Collaboration Opportunities to Strengthen Cooperation and Sustainability among Ports; and Indonesia Maritime Transformation

IAPH Bali Resolutions

At the Annual General Meeting held on 12 May, IAPH adopted two business resolutions to make its position known and clear on subjects of immediate concern, as follows:

•  Resolution on “Contribution of ports to the mitigation of climate change and its effects”
•  Resolution on “Planning cyber security program to reduce cyber risks”

Full text of the resolutions can be found here.