IAPH Executive Committee Meeting
Los Angeles, USA, 5-7 October 2005

The IAPH Executive Committee (EXCO) met at the Marina Hotel Port of Los Angeles/San Pedroin Los Angeles, October 5 to 7, 2005, hosted by the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Houston.


Some 50 delegates from 18 countries took part in the meeting, discussing the reform of IAPH Technical Committees and other household matters. The meeting also featured technical presentations and deliberations by experts on the following topics:

• Capt. Peter V. Neffenger of U.S. Coast Guard, on critical issues facing global ports, viz., Port Security after implementation of ISPS code
• Green Port Initiatives
• Port Congestion
• Ballast Water

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta delivered a keynote address on Friday, October 7. In his speech, Secretary Mineta stated “Because maritime commerce is so important to international trade, it’s in our best interests to stand together to confront the issues that challenge the international community”, and continued “Our goal is simple. Our nation’s maritime infrastructure must keep pace with soaring increases in global trade. Key ports around the globe are adding significantly to their own capacity, much of it aimed at funneling exports directly to the American market. Therefore, it is critical that we continue to work together to build a more cohesive partnership among the world’s ports and harbors.”


IAPH President Mr. H. Thomas Kornegay responded, “We greatly appreciate Secretary Mineta’s understanding of the vital role of ports in the global transportation industry. His supportive insights and perspectives are tremendously valuable as our global organization forges ahead with a bold agenda aimed at tackling enormous challenges and seizing vast opportunities that confront ports worldwide -from economic viability and capital resource development to security and environmental stewardship.”


As a guest of honor, Los Angles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa congratulated the IAPH’s 50th Anniversary, and stressed the importance of the role of Port of Los Angeles in the community.


Exactly 50 years ago on November 7, 1955, some 100 delegates from 38 ports and maritime organizations gathered in Los Angeles to inaugurate the International Association of Ports and Harbors. The IAPH celebrated it’s golden jubilee in the birthplace. Mr. Lloyd Menveg, one of the IAPH's founder Honorary Members was invited for the ceremony. He had chaired the first IAPH Conference in Los Angeles, later taking office as the 3rd President of the Association (1959 - 1961).