The 2025 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum was held on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 October at Optus Stadium, Perth. Established in the 2016, the annual forum is one of Australia’s largest maritime conferences and provides a platform for industry collaboration on maritime innovation, safety, and efficiency.
This year, more than 700 attendees from 16 countries came together to share insights and industry best practices on the theme, Anchored in Safety.
The event opened with an address from Ports Minister The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, announcing the launch of a new operational study demonstrating the technical feasibility of ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering at the Port of Port Hedland.
Day one featured presentations from keynote speakers Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer Kaylene Dale and Australasian Marine Pilots Institute President Josephine Clark, followed by a Pilbara Ports Marine team presentation and panel discussion on international safety led by Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher.
Mission to Seafarers Secretary General Peter Rouch delivered a compelling closing keynote, shedding light on the vital role and significance of the seafarer community, and highlighting how we can further support these essential workers.
The day concluded with networking drinks in the sports lounge of Optus Stadium, where guests enjoyed live music and food and drinks provided by Pilbara Ports.
Day two kicked off with a keynote address from Campbell University Associate Professor and renowned YouTuber Salvatore (Sal) Mercogliano on What’s going on with shipping? where Sal revealed his global perspective on maritime safety and resilience.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate and Strategy) Hoe Soon Tan followed Sal’s presentation providing attendees with rare insight into maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and the role this plays in shipping today.
The day concluded with panel discussions on the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub and presentations from Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Rio Tinto, Navios Maritime Partners, CMB. Tech and Svitzer, just to name a few.
We’re already looking forward to 2026 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum. Tune into our socials for more information on next year’s event or reach out to ssspforum@pilbaraports.com.au.
Click the below link to view select presentations from across the two-day forum.
View presentations
Check out the images from the 2025 Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum below. Enjoy exploring the highlights of this important event.
Day 1 Highlights
Check out the video below for an overview of Day 1 highlights from the Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum! Don’t miss these key moments and insights shared during this important event.
This media type is not supported by your browser.
Full event recap
See below video for a full event recap of Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum including interviews with Pilbara Ports CEO Samuel McSkimming, Executive General Manager Marine Phil Christy, Campbell University Associate Professor and renowned YouTuber Salvatore Mercogliano, Mission to Seafarers Secretary General Peter Rouch and Pilbara Ports Chair Karlie Mujcanko.