IAPH adds TasPorts, NQBP as members

THE TOKYO-headquartered International Association of Ports and Harbours has announced that TasPorts and North Queensland Bulk Ports have joined as a regular members.

“The Tasmanian government-owned company is responsible for ten Tasmanian ports and the Devonport Airport. Approximately 99% of Tasmania’s freight transits through its ports network.  

“TasPorts plays a vital role in Tasmania’s economy and provides integrated port and marine services that facilitate trade, transport, tourism, and Antarctic logistics, helping connect Tasmania with national and global markets through safe and sustainable operations,” the association noted.

“North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP) is a Queensland Government-owned port authority responsible for the management, planning, development, and operation of the ports of Hay Point, Abbot Point, Mackay, and Weipa in northern Queensland, Australia.

“As one of Australia’s largest port authorities, NQBP facilitates the export of bulk commodities and supports regional economic growth through safe, efficient, and sustainable port operations.”

IAPH is a non-governmental organisation formed in November 1955, when some 100 world port leaders gathered in Los Angeles to announce its creation. During the past six decades, IAPH has developed into a global alliance of ports, representing today some 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses in 89 countries.  

The member ports together handle well over 60% of the world’s sea-borne trade and over 60% of the world container traffic.

IAPH says it aims to be the global trade association of choice for port authorities and operators, representing their interests at regulatory level at the International Maritime Organization, the World Customs Organization, the International Standards Organization and other global alliances such as the Global Maritime Forum and the World Economic Forum.

IAPH has consultative status and works on behalf of ports with additional United Nations bodies such as the UNCTAD (UN Conference on Trade and Development), UNEP (UN Environment Program) and the UN Global Compact.

The body has also just opened applications for the IAPH Ports Technology Mentorship scheme, focused on facilitating targeted knowledge transfer and skills development among IAPH members.

The scheme, which will run for one year, is seeking six emerging or newly appointed technology leaders from IAPH member ports who will benefit from mentorship, alongside six well-established or experienced CIOs, CISOs or CDOs who will act as mentors.

The program, which kicks off in September, will involve a combination of in-person events, online sessions and one-to-one engagement focusing on Digitalisation of port processes and introduction of new technologies (AI, IoT, automation, Port Community Systems); Cybersecurity and resilience; Data strategies and interoperability; Innovation management and cultural transformation; and Strategic IT governance.

The creation of the mentoring program, a concrete step to develop human capital, is part of IAPH president Jens Meier’s determination to drive digitalisation, sustainability, resilience and skills development within the association. The inaugural scheme begins with a focus on IT and digitalisation, as these areas form the engine room of modern port authorities.

“Being a mentor is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and insights from others. No matter how many years of experience we have, there’s always something new to learn that can challenge and enrich our way of thinking,” Mr Meier said.

The IAPH Ports Technology Mentorship program is open to everyone. There is no “perfect” or “right” profile. If you are motivated to develop your skills, access great networking opportunities, and benefit from industry insights and information, please apply here. Applications will close on 7August 2026. 

Should you need any further information, please contact mentorship@iaphworldports.org.