MARTITIME safety and port resilience were the focus at today's (Friday) Safe & Efficient Ports Forum, held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney, and facilitated by the Port Authority of New South Wales.
Speakers warned of escalating risks from extreme weather and emerging cargo hazards, notably lithium batteries.
Opening the afternoon session, Nick Yatsenko, deputy harbour master, Sydney/Port Botany, PANSW gave a presentation on vessel breakaways during violent "squalls".
He cited recent incidents to stress that being in port is no guarantee of safety, urging improvements in forecasting, mooring practices and contingency planning.
Reinforcing the message, Felix Levesque, senior weather risk communicator at DTN, pointed to record-high sea surface temperatures driving stronger storms, east coast lows and flooding.
Operational and commercial risks were also on the agenda as Henry Steindll senior underwriter,TT Club, highlighted the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires in shipping and ports, referencing major incidents and the insurance challenges they create.
Brendon Curtis from OMC International rounded out the program with insights into the Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) system now in use at Newcastle, Port Kembla and Port Botany, which is enabling safer navigation and larger vessel drafts.
The event brought together more than 170 maritime industry representatives from 76 organisations including shipping lines, terminal operators, regulators and government and industry bodies.
Port Authority CEO John McKenna said the event brings together the people who are driving the economy and keeping our ports open to the world.
“Approximately $127 billion worth of international trade per year moves through our ports, transporting 203 million tonnes of cargo annually and supporting around 108,000 jobs throughout the state,” Mr McKenna said.
“Working together at the operational level is where the rubber hits the road - this is where critical efficiencies and safety improvements make NSW more efficient, more profitable and safer for all our people.”
Port Authority of NSW harbour master for Sydney and Port Botany, Myron Fernandes, said the event was unique in both its focus and reach.
“This is the only event of its kind in the state of New South Wales that zeroes in on the operational realities we face every day across ports in our state,” Mr Fernandes said.
"It’s about celebrating the everyday successes of the industry and focussing on specific short to medium term operational challenges with a view to finding practical ways to navigate them safely and efficiently together.”
SEPOF was first launched in 2023 and is exclusively managed and funded by Port Authority of New South Wales.
Port Authority of NSW chief operating officer John Finch said the forum showcased how port stakeholders were coming together to drive innovation, strengthen safety and accelerate the industry’s transition towards sustainability.
“As stewards of Australia’s maritime gateways, we’re focused on driving innovation and sustainability to ensure our ports remain resilient and future ready,” Mr Finch said.
“Whether it’s enhancing vessel scheduling, improving navigational safety, or advancing net-zero towage initiatives, we’re seeing real progress through collaboration on the water.”
The SEPOF agenda spans the full breadth of port and shipping activity, with sessions addressing sustainability and innovation across ports in New South Wales.