Jan.14--ICHCA International, a global cargo handling association, and the Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT) are to sign a memorandum of understanding to share knowledge.

The ICHCA International 2016 Conference on "Bigger Ships, Greater challenges" that will be held in Barcelona, Spain from February 29 - March 2, where the MoU will be signed.

"ICHCA is delighted to be working more closely with FEPORT," said ICHCA chairman, David Bendall. "Ports and terminals play a critical role as key nodes in international cargo handling chains and are already a focus within ICHCA. 

"This agreement will help our two associations share knowledge and combine forces on matters of mutual interest at a European and global level."

FEPORT president Gunther Bonz said: "We are looking forward to co-operating with ICHCA on a number of issues that are relevant to both sides and to strengthening these links in the next few years."

During a speech at the conference, Mr Bonz will express the views of the European private port and terminal operator community on the challenges posed by bigger ships and other key operational issues for the sector. He will be joined by a delegation of senior FEPORT executives and members.

The conference will also include keynotes from the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Kitack Lim, and the Deputy Head of Cabinet for the EU Transport Commission.

(Source:shippingazette)