The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are pleased to announce the programme for the 15th International Harbour Masters Association Congress, taking place from 09–12 June 2026 at Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam.
The theme of IHMA Congress 2026, Connecting Horizons – Building Future Resilient Ports Together, reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability across the global maritime sector.
The Programme
The Congress will open at 09:00 on Tuesday, 09 June 2026, with a formal Opening Ceremony, followed by plenary sessions and panel discussions, keynote addresses, workshops and interactive games.
Programme Highlights
Day 1: Emerging Technologies
- Navigating the Future – a case study from Harwich
- Expert panel discussions on advances in port marine technology, harbour support craft and S-100 data standard.
- Reception at Rotterdam City Hall
Day 2: Sustainable Together
PISCES Pitching Competition
New to Congress, the Port Innovation, Scale up and Entrepreneur Space (PISCES) Pitching Competition will present an opportunity for students, small-scale and start-up businesses to demonstrate new and innovative technology that will influence port operations today and into the future.
Working in collaboration with Erasmus University Challenge and TU Delft, PISCES will allow selected small enterprises and university students to engage proactively with industry professionals throughout the Congress.
- Keynote speeches and the Port Endeavour game
- Exhibitors Reception
Day 3: Resilient Ports
- Plenary sessions exploring the human and organisational dimensions of resilience in the port sector.
- Workshops
- Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre
Day 4: Technical Port Tour
Delegates will have the opportunity to tour Europe’s largest port, hosted by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading maritime hubs.
IHMA Congress Chair Gary Wilson: “The response to this year’s call for papers has been exceptional, enabling us to develop a truly high-quality programme. We look forward to welcoming participants from across the world for several days of insightful discussion, innovation, and collaboration. It promises to be an outstanding event.”
See the full programme here: https://ihmacongress2026.harbourmaster.org/program
Registration
Registration is open to all members of the maritime community.
For more information and to register, visit: https://ihmacongress2026.harbourmaster.org/
The IHMA Congress is a biennial event bringing together harbour masters, industry stakeholders, innovators, and suppliers from across the global ports sector. The Congress provides a vital forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring the latest technologies and operational best practices.