The British Ports Association (BPA) has confirmed that global technology leader in electrification and automation – ABB – will be an official Event Partner, when its 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition returns to the Humber in October.
ABB’s Marine & Ports division drives energy efficiency, safety and a clean maritime future through electric, automated and digital solutions. With a team of 2,000 experts operating from 26 locations worldwide, the organisation has electrified more than 1,500 ships, automated over 1,700 container cranes and digitally-connected more than 2,000 vessels and terminals.
The decarbonisation of ports and maritime operations will be a key theme at the 2025 BPA conference, where experts from ABB will form part of the main programme, providing delegates with the benefit of their experience of working on pioneering projects, both here in the UK and further afield.
As part of its association with the event, ABB will also be headline sponsor for the BPA’s Annual Awards and Gala Dinner, hosting a pre-awards drinks reception at the conference venue, the 4* Forest Pines Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, on Thursday 16th October. Richard Ballantyne OBE, chief executive of the British Ports Association, said;
; “We are pleased to announce the partnership between ABB and the British Ports Association at this year’s annual conference. ABB is widely recognised as a global leader in electrification and automation and the expertise it brings to the port and maritime sector in the UK will be vital as we look to build towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
“With less than three months to go, the build up to our Annual Conference continues to gather pace, as we are putting the finishing touches to the main speaker programme. Applications have also just closed for the 2025 BPA Awards, with the winners to be announced at the Gala Dinner on Thursday 16 October, as part of the Humber Conference.”
“We’re proud to work alongside forward-thinking ports and stakeholders to build a more resilient and sustainable maritime future, “We’re not just delivering technologies — we’re enabling real change in the journey toward maritime decarbonisation. Our passion for preserving resources drives us to develop and implement integrated solutions that support cleaner, smarter port operations.
“From shore-to-ship power and electric propulsion to full system integration and digital energy management, we provide end-to-end support that helps ports reduce emissions and improve efficiency. A great example is the Shore Power system we’re currently installing at Portsmouth International Port — a project that reflects how innovation and collaboration can turn sustainability goals into reality.” said Keith Pillay, General Manager of ABB Marine and Ports in the UK.
Jointly hosted by Associated British Ports (ABP) and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, the 2025 BPA Annual Conference & Exhibition will be attended by 350 delegates and 35 exhibiting companies from across the ports and maritime sector.
Delegate tickets for BPA 2025 are selling quickly and there are limited sponsorship opportunities still available. Organisations interested in finding out more about the event can visit www.bpa2025.com or email the event team at Freshwater on BPAconference@freshwater.co.uk