Port Houston to Host 4th Annual Houston International Maritime Conference
Event scheduled for November 2-5, 2025, in Downtown Houston
Photo courtesy of Port Houston.
Houston is home to the nation’s biggest port and is host city for maritime’s hottest event, the Houston International Maritime Conference. With the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, 5th ranked container terminals, and the busiest waterway in the U.S., all located in Houston, it’s the perfect location for this premiere maritime conference. The 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25) will be held on November 2-5, 2025 at the Hilton Americas in Downtown Houston. Registration for the conference opened April 29..
Building on the success of previous years’ sold-out events, HIMC25 will address the most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities facing the global maritime industry today. This year’s four-day event will bring together leading industry experts to explore critical topics, such as the evolving landscape of global supply chains, the influence of tariffs on international trade, and the regulatory changes that are impacting the maritime industry. HIMC25 will offer a platform for in-depth discussions on how the sector is responding to these shifts and adjusting its strategies for long-term success. The conference will also feature panels on tanker shipping, port infrastructure, the foreign trade zone, supply chain fluidity, and a keynote presentation by Panama Canal Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales.
This year’s event is expanding its focus to include conversations around the liquid bulk and chemical tanker market and petrochemical sector. The energy industry underpins the global economy—powering energy systems, manufacturing, and everyday lives around the world —and Houston is unmatched in its impact. With this addition, HIMC25 includes the full scope of maritime operations along the Houston Ship Channel—including container, breakbulk, and tanker shipping—uniting industry leaders to chart the course for the future of this critical global gateway.
“At Port Houston, we don't simply react to shifts in the market—we are actively planning and driving the conversation,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO at Port Houston. “HIMC25 will allow leaders throughout the industry to share proven methods and new ideas to better position us all for the future. With the expanded focus on tanker shipping and all facets of the maritime supply chain, this year’s conference reflects the full scope of activity along the Houston Ship Channel. We are proud to host this important event once again and I look forward to the dialogue.”
Valuable insight and expertise is provided by the HIMC Advisory Committee. The committee’s contributions will help build a well-rounded program that addresses the future of global trade and maritime operations, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking conference.
The Advisory Committee includes:
- Chad Burke, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
- Candy Cervantes, EFL Global
- Will Connell, IMC Logistics
- Eloy Cortez, International Longshoremen’s Association
- John Cypher, Greater Houston Partnership
- Vincent DiCosimo, Targa Resources
- Shay Downing, JS&J Solutions
- Joey Frederick, Top Lift North America
- Jon Gold, National Retail Federation
- John Hark, Bertling Logistics and Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University
- Stephanie Hughes, Maersk
- Shaun Leone, Sunburst Truck Lines, Inc.
- Davey Miller, MRS-CMC
- Dave Morgan, Cooper/Ports America
- Giancarlo Morgera, MSC
- John Moseley, Port Houston
- JJ Plunkett, Houston Pilots Association
- Rupak Rauniar, Professor of Supply Chain, University of Houston, Downtown
- Lynn Stacy, OEC Group
"We appreciate the direction and essential insights provided by our HIMC Advisory Committee members, who bring extensive knowledge and experience from various sectors of the industry," said Jenkins. "Their contributions play a crucial role in shaping the conference agenda, ensuring that HIMC25 tackles the most significant and timely challenges facing the maritime sector."
HIMC25 will also offer expanded networking opportunities, providing attendees with ample chances to connect with key industry players, including producers, BCOs, NVOCCs, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, tanker companies, petrochemical industry leaders, technology providers, motor carriers, and more. These interactions will foster collaboration, creating new opportunities for growth across the sector.
Registration opened April 29 with Early Bird pricing of $475 per ticket available until August 31, 2025. Regular pricing of $575 takes effect on September 1, 2025. Brand-visibility and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Buy tickets or learn more at www.porthouston.com/himc.