The port community is currently represented in IMO through various organizations, including port authorities, cargo handling companies, harbor masters, maritime pilots, port community systems, ship agents and port police.
The IAPH president spoke at the first dedicated port event to be held at the IMO, following an initiative of IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, who also initiated the theme of last year's World Maritime Day “Connecting Ships, Ports and People.”
The IAPH is undertaking steps to establish a coordinated “round table” of port interests in IMO, inspired by the existing round table of international shipowner organisations.
“Ports are not just part of wider transport and logistics supply chains. In themselves, ports are clusters of companies and businesses that provide a mixture of transport and logistics services. This includes maritime-oriented services, such as terminal operations and ship agencies, but also freight forwarding, warehousing and all kinds of supporting services. In addition, various authorities and government agencies are present in ports, such as customs, immigration and food inspection,” Milà said.
