The 2025 Safe and Efficient Port Operations Forum (SEPOF), was held today in Sydney, bringing together over 170 maritime industry representatives from 76 organisations including shipping lines, terminal operators, regulators and government and industry bodies to tackle shared challenges and drive practical solutions in a sector handling 99% of the State’s trade.

The main aim of the event is to share industry knowledge, experiences and facilitate a joint approach to managing present and future challenges.

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, Sydney and Port Botany Myron Fernandes said the event is 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 continues to be exclusively managed and funded by Port Authority, demonstrating the organisations long-standing commitment to fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement across the state’s port network.

Port Authority of NSW Chief Operating Officer John Finch said the forum will showcase how port stakeholders are coming together to drive innovation, strengthen safety protocols, and accelerate the industry’s transition to more sustainable operations.

“As stewards of Australia’s maritime gateways, we’re focused on driving innovation and sustainability to ensure our ports remain resilient and future ready.”

“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 best practices, operational performance, and the future outlook across ports in New South Wales.

Speakers will include representatives from Port Authority of NSW, NSW Ports, Port of Newcastle, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Golden Ocean Group, BlueScope, Svitzer, Engage Marine, Mission to Seafarers, DTN APAC, TT Club and OMC International.

Key Maritime Facts  

• $127 billion worth of trade moves through NSW ports each year
• 203 million tonnes of cargo handled annually across the state’s port network
• 108,000 jobs supported by NSW port operations and supply chains
• 76 organisations represented at SEPOF 2025, including major shipping lines, regulators and industry bodies
• NSW ports are critical gateways for fuel, containers, bulk commodities and manufactured goods, connecting the state to global markets
• Maritime trade underpins industries from construction and steelmaking to agriculture and retail
• Port Authority of NSW manages the safe and efficient movement of over 6,000 vessel calls each year across Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Port Kembla, Newcastle, Yamba and Eden
  Source: Port Authority of New South Wales