Port Houston’s 2nd Annual Houston International Maritime Conference Calls for Industry Collaboration, Innovation, and Investment

Creating an environment for a frank, direct, and meaningful dialogue among supply chain stakeholders, the 2nd Annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC) tackled key topics impacting the future of shipping during its sold-out three-day event, which closed yesterday. Experts repeatedly highlighted a need for collaboration, innovation, and investment. HIMC was presented by Port Houston, the area’s largest breakbulk facility and the number five container port in the U.S.

Designed to appeal to a diverse maritime community of more than 500 attendees including shippers, BCOs, NVOCCs, 3PLs, ocean carriers, motor carriers, and others, HIMC was comprised of expert-led panels and keynote speeches that addressed both challenges and opportunities that are shaping the future of the industry. Consistent themes included prioritizing collaboration and relationship-building, embracing technological advancements, investing in infrastructure, and nurturing a skilled workforce.

“We firmly believe in the power of collaboration and collective learning. We understand that building a global supply chain that can withstand disruption requires coming together as a united force. HIMC has provided the perfect opportunity for industry leaders, experts, and innovators to connect and share their knowledge as we collectively plan for growth and expansion,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.

With its recent advancement to top five container port in the U.S., Port Houston is the ideal home for HIMC. Throughout the event the critical significance of this region was underscored through topics like the State of the Economy and the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11, which will allow for safer and more efficient navigation on the nation’s busiest waterway. HIMC addressed a multitude of other topics related to global trade, including technology, terminal fluidity, sustainability, and the future of the logistics workforce.

Keynote speakers included Carson Landsgard, Chief Supply Chain Officer of H-E-B, who discussed the evolution of their approach to supply chain challenges, and Commissioner Carl Bentzel, who addressed how OSRA 22 continues to impact the industry. Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, Administrator, Panama Canal Authority, provided a video update on the Panama Canal and its plans for the future as well.

In addition to the discussions and networking opportunities presented at the event, the International Longshoremen’s Association-South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District (ILA-SAGCD) was honored with Port Houston’s first Lone Star Award at the conference. Accepted by Alan Robb, President, ILA-SAGCD, this award recognizes partnership excellence.

“We are driven by an unwavering commitment to the shipping community, esteemed partners, and valued stakeholders. With HIMC, our mission is to demonstrate this dedication and highlight innovative perspectives and concepts that will help transform the industry as we proactively prepare for growth,” said Guenther. “We listened and learned from the perspectives offered over the past few days and will now use that information to help inform our decisions for the future.”

While HIMC23 recently concluded, information about the event is available on the Port Houston website by clicking here.
Source: Port Houston