Conference Program

Hosted by: Lane Farguson, Chief of Staff and External Relations, Port Halifax

Join fellow delegates and participants for either a light start to your day or a hot breakfast from the buffet.

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Join Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities and Lori MacLean, Director of Communications Marketing, Halifax Port Authority as they welcome delegates to the 2025 edition of Ports Canada.

Rail is a critical partner for moving goods between Canada’s ports, producers and consumers. Ms. Drydsdale will touch on how CN is adjusting to the everchanging trade and supply chain landscape and anticipating and innovating for the future, and the intersection between rail and ports.

Explore the trade show, attend an Innovation Pitch stage presentation, and make connections with delegates, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying a snack.

Leticia Astudillo, Deputy Director, Drewry, will provide the global state of play in ports and shipping while also giving a sense of what can be expected for the upcoming year.

Join us in honoring Fritz King, the former Managing Director of ACL Shipping in Canada, at the ACPA Medal of Merit Ceremony.

The award will be presented by Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO of Halifax Port Authority, and Ian Hamilton, Chair of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and President and CEO of the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority.

Enjoy a full buffet lunch and network with your fellow attendees in the Atlantic Ballroom or Commonwealth B room.

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North America ports often deal with operational disruptions, such as extreme weather or sudden events like the container ship collision in Baltimore that are impossible to predict. However, planning and response can lessen the impact and provide the foundation for the resilience ports and supply chains must have when faced with these unanticipated challenges. Captain Sean Griffiths, CEO, Atlantic Pilotage Authority will invite Frederick Dolbow, Port Security & Recovery Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard to present a case examination of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore followed by a facilitated discussion on key learnings from this and other major supply chain disruptions.

Explore the trade show, attend an Innovation Pitch stage presentation, and make connections with delegates, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying a snack.

North American trade has undergone significant and ongoing disruption. Diversifying trade is an imperative yet increasingly a challenge within this context. Lead by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, hear from panelists on how business and government are adjusting to this new reality.

Embark on a delightful journey from the International Ships’ Quay, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the harbour while learning about the Port of Halifax. We'll make a stop at Georges Island for a group photo, capturing the moment with the picturesque backdrop. The tour concludes at the Cable Wharf pier, where delegates and guests can walk to the Cable Wharf reception for an evening of mingling and refreshments.

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Experience the magic of Halifax's waterfront at our evening reception at Cable Wharf. As the sun sets, enjoy live music and being right on the water. Mingle with guests, sponsors, and delegates while savoring delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks. It's the perfect way to unwind and connect at the end of a full conference day.

Hosted by: Lane Farguson, Chief of Staff and External Relations, Port Halifax

Join fellow delegates and participants for either a light start to your day or a hot breakfast from the buffet.

Sponsored by:

The Port of Hamburg, Germany, is recognized as a leader in technological and digital innovation, with a long history as Germany’s gateway to the world. Karsten Schonewald, CEO of Flotte Hamburg, will talk about how he spearheaded the digitalization and use of innovative propulsion technologies to develop eco-friendly vessels for the Port of Hamburg fleet.

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From conflict in Europe and the Middle East to trade and tariff disputes much closer to home, rapidly evolving geopolitical events have put a strain on planning and predictability in global trade and transport flows. Halifax Port Authority VP, Paul MacIsaac will lead a panel discussion to focus on the interplay of these dynamics and how shippers and supply chains are responding.

Explore the trade show, attend an Innovation Pitch stage presentation, and make connections with delegates, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying a snack.

Ports are bustling hubs of activity, and managing potential hazards is crucial to mitigating risks. See how strong partnerships and stakeholder collaborations ensure the capacity to handle the largest vessels visiting North America's east coast. Join us for an insightful session that begins with an overview explaining the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and the Operations Centre (OPCEN), highlighting how they work together to ensure efficient and safe port operations.

Enjoy a full buffet lunch and network with your fellow attendees in the Atlantic Ballroom or Commonwealth B room.

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Ports and the marine industry are innovative by nature; hear how some of the Port of Halifax’s Port Innovation and Engagement and Research (The PIER) members are fulfilling its mandate.

Explore the trade show, attend an Innovation Pitch stage presentation, and make connections with delegates, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying a snack.

Canada’s major cruise markets have all seen tremendous growth in cruise passengers over the past decade, with the industry experiencing strong rebound. Sarah Rumley, Executive Director, Cruise Atlantic Canada will engage our panel to look at cruise from the Atlantic region perspective.

As we come to the end of this incredible conference, we invite you to join us for the closing remarks, to reflect on the insights and connections made over the past few days. This will mark the end of the beginning as we reveal the location for Ports Canada 2026.

A group shuttle service will be offered from the Westin to the Celebration Night location.

This is the night we close out the conference in a big way. Hosted by Port Halifax, explore a multi-level celebration with plenty of food, music and dancing!