Interferry Conference set for Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in 2023

Fresh off record-setting attendance at their recent event in Seattle, Interferry is preparing to head Down Under for the 47th Annual Interferry Conference in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia from November 4 – 8, 2023. Hosted by ferry operator and President’s Sponsor Spirit of Tasmania, this conference marks a return to Australia for the first time since the conference was held in the Gold Coast in 2002. As the trade association representing the ferry industry worldwide, the Interferry conference is renowned for attracting top-level decision makers from a wide array of international companies including ferry owners and operators; shipbuilders; designers and engineers; equipment suppliers and manufacturers; and many other related fields.

The conference will be held at the Hobart Convention and Exhibition Centre (HCEC). Located within the conference hotel — The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart — the HCEC is the largest purpose-built conference and events facility in Tasmania and promises to be a fantastic venue. The conference will offer many networking opportunities, including coffee breaks and Happy Hours held in the HCEC. Sponsors and exhibitors will enjoy a flexible and open exhibition area in which to display their products and services.

Other networking opportunities and events include pretours to Port Arthur and Bruny Island; partner tours to Bonorong Park & Puddleduck Vineyard; the Sunday Welcome Reception at the Henry Jones Art Hotel and Atrium; the Monday Networking Reception at AURA; and the Farewell Dinner at Wrest Point which will include a Variety Show and Casino Night. Last but not least, the Technical Tour hosted by Incat and its founder — and Interferry board member — Robert Clifford will be a must-attend event and a fitting finale for the conference.

The Call for Speakers will be announced this Spring as the Interferry team begins to develop another outstanding Speakers Program. Among the many timely topics will be sessions and presentations concerning Onshore Power Supply (OPS) and the quest for zero-emissions, as well as the very popular Ferry Leaders Panels that close each conference day. Other topics typically include vessel project presentations highlighting a wide range of innovative ship designs for small to large ferry operations using a variety of power and fuel options. A Regulatory Update from Regulatory Affairs Director Johan Roos is always part of the program, along with the Interferry AGM.

Sponsor commitments have been brisk as companies are keen to participate and support Interferry and the ferry industry as well as promote their businesses. There are still a variety of sponsorship options available for those who act quickly.

For complete conference information, check out InterferryConference.com. Follow Interferry on LinkedIn and @InterferryOrg on Twitter for updates and subscribe to the mailing list via the website.

Congressman Kilmer secures $750k for Grays Harbor modernization project

The critical first phase of the Port of Grays Harbor’s Westport Marina Modernization Project will kickoff in 2023 thanks to Community Project Funding dollars secured by Congressman Derek Kilmer in the federal 2023 fiscal year budget.

The Westport Marina is the hub of tribal, commercial, charter and recreational fishing on Washington’s Coast. Ranking 10th in the nation for commercial seafood volume with more than 132 million pounds landed, and 14th in the nation for commercial seafood value landed at $71.5 million, the activities at the Westport Marina and its uplands support nearly 2,300 jobs and over $227 million in business revenue every year in rural Southwest Washington.

The Port recently completed the Westport Marina Modernization Plan, which is the roadmap for the strategic and phased replacement of the Westport Marina floating dock infrastructure. The current float configuration and infrastructure of the Marina was constructed nearly 50 years ago and includes 550 slips designed for users of that era.

The $750,000 will be used for design of the first phase of float modernization and reconfiguration and will strategically focus on replacing the moorage infrastructure in greatest need of replacement, floats 11, 15, 17 and 21. Home to the largest vessels in the marina, the replacement of these docks is essential to providing adequate moorage to the large commercial fishing vessels operating out of the marina. This funding plays a critical role in the final design, engineering, and permit-ready requirements in making this a construction-ready project.

“We are so grateful for Congressman Kilmer’s work in securing this funding for the Westport Marina Modernization Project,” said Port of Grays Harbor Commission President Tom Quigg. “Community Project Funding at this critical early stage supports the important work of designing a facility to serve our commercial and recreational users for generations. As one of the top seafood landing ports in the United States, the Port is very proud of the role the Westport Marina plays in supporting thousands of jobs in coastal southwest Washington.”

Kongsberg establishes sensors and robotics as new business area

Kongsberg Gruppen is a frontrunner in shaping the maritime future by developing new opportunities throughout the ocean space. To continue this journey, KONGSBERG has started the process of establishing Sensors & Robotics as a new business area. The area has until now been a division under Kongsberg Maritime.

Kongsberg Maritime and Sensors & Robotics will be managed as two separate business areas from 1st of January 2023. KONGSBERG will provide restated historical financial figures for the two business areas when the businesses are successfully separated, and prior to first external reporting of Sensors & Robotics – during 2023.

“The market development and trends we see accelerating, both for Kongsberg Maritime and Sensors & Robotic, require tight approach and focus. Establishing a new business area, and at the same time focusing Kongsberg Maritime, will make us even more agile and unique, and strengthen our business as whole,” says CEO in KONGSBERG Geir Håøy.

The new business area aims to grow through intensified development of advanced underwater sensor technology and solutions within underwater acoustics, sonars, marine and vessel robotics, and positioning systems.

“The world is currently experiencing several challenges related to climate, energy, food supply, and security. It is KONGSBERGs commitment to utilize our knowledge and technologies to develop sustainable innovations directed towards solutions and concepts solving,” says CEO in KONGSBERG Geir Håøy.

Accelerating growth in underwater technology In recent years, Sensors & Robotics has experienced strong growth delivering advanced ocean sensor technology and solutions to both commercial customers and governments world-wide. The technology is among others utilised in markets such as research, naval, fishery and offshore energy. The area’s core technologies include underwater acoustics, fish finding technology, marine and vessel robotics, and positioning systems for safe navigation and operations.

February 8 to 10, 2023

Honolulu, Hawaii