Pilbara Ports keynote speakers for Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum

MORE than 700 executives from around the world have already signed up to attend Pilbara Ports 2026 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum in Perth in October.

The two-day forum has already exceeded the 700 people from 16 different countries who attended the forum last year which has become one of Australia’s leading maritime safety conferences.

Since its launch in 2016, the Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum has grown into a nationally recognised gathering for maritime operators, regulators, port authorities and industry leaders.

The 2026 program will centre on “strengthening maritime safety through collaboration, innovation and leadership,” highlighting shared responsibility, forward‑thinking solutions and strong leadership as foundations for safer maritime operations.

Pilbara Ports says the forum will again provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.

The agenda features senior leaders from global classification societies, major bulk shipping companies, international port authorities and Pilbara Ports’ own executive team.

According to the published agenda keynote speakers will include:

Mark Darley, chief operating officer of Lloyd’s Register, will deliver the opening keynote, People, Systems and Ships: Closing the Gaps in Maritime Safety.

Alexander Saverys, chief executive of CMB.Tech, will headline day two with a keynote on clean‑fuel innovation.

Panels will explore collaboration between owners and operators, crew welfare, global safety leadership, and how ports worldwide are adapting to decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Technical sessions will examine Port Hedland’s clean marine fuels trial and vessel‑design improvements informed by operational experience.

Speakers across the program include representatives from Rio Tinto, Berge Bulk, Starbulk, FMG, Mission to Seafarers, Intercargo, AMSA, DNV, ClassNK, the Port of Rotterdam, Port of Antwerp‑Bruges, Port of London Authority and the Port of Seattle.

Pilbara Ports executives, including CEO Sam McSkimming, chair Karlie Mucjanko and senior leaders across marine operations, safety, strategy and projects, will also feature prominently across both days.

The forum will be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 20–21 October 2026, with registration now open.

For further information, attendees are invited to contact the organising team via the event email address sssp@eventandconferenceco.com.au