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Posted by Dale Crisp
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31 July, 2025
SHIPPER bodies on both sides of the Tasman are joining forces to launch a new annual conference to showcase supply chain co-operation.
The Freight & Trade Alliance, the Australian Peak Shippers Association and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council will take turns to host the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference, with the inaugural event to be held in Sydney at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, Australia, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August 2026.
The Port of Newcastle has already signed on as the event’s Platinum Sponsor, which organisers say is set to become the premier annual forum showcasing regional supply chain collaboration to the world.
The event will bring together exporters, importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, ports, airports, shipping lines, airlines, depots, transport operators and government stakeholders from across ANZ to address shared challenges and opportunities across regional shipping and logistics sectors.
Organisers say the conference will focus on:
- Shipping into the region and global connectivity.
- Infrastructure investment, airport and port performance.
- Biosecurity, border compliance, security and regulatory harmonisation.
- The exponential growth of e-commerce, consumer demands and global best practices.
- Decarbonisation and sustainability initiatives in supply chains.
- Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation and digital transformation in logistics.
"This event will bring our region’s freight and trade leaders together in a strategic, solutions-focused environment," said Paul Zalai, Director of FTA and Secretariat of APSA. "The continued growth of global trade demands more agile and responsive logistics to achieve productivity gains.”
Olga Harriton, Chair of APSA, added: “This conference is a unique platform for cargo owners to shape the future of trade and logistics across our region. The themes of this event reflect the complex challenges we face. It is only through active collaboration with governments, service providers, and technology leaders that we can build a more efficient, secure, and future-ready supply chain.”
Brent Falvey, Chair of NZCOC, stated: “We’re excited to partner with our Australian counterparts in this new initiative – it’s a foundation for long-term engagement, practical solutions, and stronger commercial outcomes; not just for cargo owners but all supply chain participants - on both sides of the Tasman.”
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the port was proud to support this landmark conference “as it aligns with our strategic commitment to diversify trade, invest in future-focused infrastructure, and strengthen regional connectivity.
“As we pursue initiatives, such as increasing the berth length at our Multipurpose Terminal to accommodate larger container vessels and the development of a car import terminal, we see stakeholder collaboration as essential to building more sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive supply chains.”
Registration, speaker announcements and further information will be released in the coming weeks.
