New South Wales’ port network was in the spotlight last week as more than 170 representatives from across the maritime industry gathered in Sydney for the 2025 Safe and Efficient Port Operations Forum (SEPOF).
Bringing together 76 organisations, including shipping lines, terminal operators, regulators and government agencies, the forum focused on how collaboration can improve safety, operational performance and sustainability across New South Wales ports.
With 99 per cent of the state’s trade moving through ports, the event was framed as a critical opportunity to strengthen the backbone of NSW’s economy.
Port Authority CEO John McKenna says the forum highlights the importance of working together at the operational level.
“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,” McKenna says.
“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 Harbour Master for Sydney and Port Botany, Myron Fernandes, says the forum is unique in its scope and focus.
“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,” Fernandes says.
“It’s about celebrating the everyday successes of the industry and focusing on specific short to medium term operational challenges with a view to finding practical ways to navigate them safely and efficiently together.”
Sessions covered everything from vessel scheduling and navigational safety to sustainability and net-zero towage initiatives.
Port Authority of NSW Chief Operating Officer John Finch says the forum showcases how port stakeholders are driving innovation.
“As stewards of Australia’s maritime gateways, we’re focused on driving innovation and sustainability to ensure our ports remain resilient and future-ready,” Finch says.
“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.”
Speakers included representatives from NSW Ports, Port of Newcastle, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Golden Ocean Group, BlueScope, Svitzer, Engage Marine and others, underscoring the breadth of industry engagement.