NEW South Wales Ports chief executive Marika Calfas says she is ready to strive for the interests of ports across Oceania and Southeast Asia.
Ms Calfas has just been elected as the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) vice president (2025-2027) for Asia-Southeast and Oceania.
Her appointment occurred at the IAPH Annual General Meeting in Kobe last week after a vote of member ports earlier this year.
Ms Calfas said she was honoured to be elected.
“The IAPH brings together ports globally to collaborate on key challenges and develop industry best practice. I feel privileged to have been elected by member ports to represent our region,” Ms Calfas said.
“Geographically we cover a large area, but we share a common objective to make our supply chains resilient, sustainable and productive.
“This is a great opportunity to contribute to the industry’s global policy priorities and ensure Southeast Asia and Oceania’s interests are represented at the table.”
IAPH managing director Patrick Verhoeven welcomed Ms Calfas’ election.
“We are honoured to welcome Marika as our Vice-President for Southeast Asia and Oceania,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with her to strengthen IAPH’s membership across the region and to ensure that our members’ voices are well represented within our global network and with key institutional partners such as the International Maritime Organization.”
Ports Australia chief executive Mike Gallacher also congratulated Ms Calfas.
“It’s now more important than ever to strengthen our connections to the global port sector, so we’re pleased to see Australia play a leadership role with the IAPH,” Mr Gallacher said.
“Marika is a strong voice for our region, and we congratulate her on this significant appointment.”
Formed in 1955, the IAPH is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is a non-government organisation which represents the interests of member ports globally, including via forums such as the International Maritime Organization, the World Customs Organization and the International Standards Organization.
IAPH has six regions globally: Africa; America, North; America, Central and South America; Asia, South West, East & Middle East; Asia-South East & Oceania; and Europe.