THE Ports Australia Biennial Conference commenced on Tuesday evening with an address from the federal minister for transport and infrastructure, and countless conversations among maritime and ports professionals.

More than 300 people have gathered at the hotel W Brisbane for this year’s conference, underpinned by the theme of “Risk and Resilience”.

Discussions over drinks, canapés and views of South Bank were broken only by stimulating opening addresses to prime the coming days.

“I’ve got to say, it is wonderful to welcome you all here to this event,” Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher said to guests.

He encouraged the ports and shipping community to enjoy the “fellowship and camaraderie” of the maritime sector.

As guest speaker for the evening, federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King invited attendees to reflect on the “amazing journey” the industry had experienced over the past two years.

“You kept goods moving through and around this country and I think you really should commend yourselves on the efforts that you’ve all put in to make sure that our ports [stayed] open, people were able to export and import into this country … and that you managed through some incredibly difficult times with a pandemic that challenged every single sector,” Ms King said.

“There does remain some significant challenges through some of our supply chains, though the role of shipping and our ports have never been more critical.

“One of those challenges … is decarbonisation and how critical that is for the sector, and how challenging that is for the sector. But I also want to note that it’s a challenge you’re all up for.”

Ms King said Australia’s ports, maritime and logistics sectors have to be able to adapt to the momentum of global decarbonisation, and that the leaders in the room had a role to play.

“Shipping can’t decarbonise without the co-operation and engagement of our ports, and without green enabling and bunkering infrastructure to support the use of a range of clean marine fuels,” she said.

“That’s a really big challenge to work out how we get that infrastructure in place. But with that challenge comes substantial opportunities.

“Tackling emissions and building resilience won’t be easy, but it does need to be done, and I’m looking forward to partnering with you in that journey.”

Ms King also touched on the current focus on the skills shortage in the maritime industry, and the federal government’s commitment to working with industry on the development of a strategic fleet.

“[We want to work closely with industry on the role the strategic fleet] is going to play, particularly in tackling issues around skills and around training, but also around strategic capabilities in this country.

“While the fleet can’t be created overnight – it’s a complex piece of work – we have already begun that task, and you’ll soon be in a position to make further announcements regarding the terms of reference and the make-up of the taskforce panel.

“I know how essential ports will be in helping us make this change, which is why I encourage you all to engage with the work of the taskforce when it commences, and to contribute your thoughts and ideas on how to make the strategic fleet successful.”

Queensland deputy premier Steven Miles also welcomed guests on behalf of the Queensland government.

“We are very proud of all 21 of our ports, from our community ports all the way through to our multi-commodity ports,” Mr Miles said.

And Glen Marshall, CEO of Australian Marine Systems (AMS) Group (sponsor of the opening function) said there is no doubt Australian ports have a major journey ahead of them.

“There’s a big task ahead for ports … to meet the changing needs of the shipping industry, maritime security and also the smart ports initiative,” Mr Marshall said.

“The calibre of executives in this room gives me heart and confidence that our collective ability to deliver faster, larger, safe and green shipping into the future is in very good hands.”

The Ports Australia Biennial Conference will continue through Wednesday and wrap up at around midday on Thursday.