A two-day conference set for March 10-11 on the University of Houston
campus is expected to draw hundreds of people from industry and
government as it explores the physical, infrastructure and security
challenges facing the nation’s air, sea and land ports.
Port of the Future, hosted by the Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute and the UH
College of Technology, will feature speakers from around the world on
issues ranging from environmental compliance to cyber threats. The
Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute is a Department of Homeland
Security Center of Excellence led by UH.
Anthony Ambler, dean of the College of Technology, said experts from
around the world will be in Houston to share ideas on preparing global
ports for the challenges of the future.
“Facilitating legitimate trade and travel without compromising
security is a never-ending challenge for ports throughout the world,”
Ambler said. “This conference presents opportunities for leaders at all
levels to learn about best practices, solutions utilizing advanced
technology and strategies that will enable increased flows of people and
goods around the globe while enhancing efficiency, transparency and
security.”
The conference, which will be held at the Hilton University of
Houston, will be followed by a research showcase highlighting work on
the latest advances in port logistics, security and infrastructure, set
for March 12.
Kevin Clement, executive director of strategic partnerships for the
College of Technology, said the conference – the first in what is
expected to become an annual event – will offer attendees a chance to
learn about current and pending projects at other ports, with an
emphasis on environmental and sustainable practices.
Infrastructure will be a major topic, as seaports consider how to accommodate today’s larger cargo ships, including the Very Large Crude Carriers used to transport oil internationally. Rich Byrnes, chief port infrastructure officer for Port Houston,
will discuss the $1 billion Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project,
which will, once completed, allow the ship channel to accommodate
two-way ship traffic.
Additional sessions will focus on workforce development and
integrating new technologies, including biometric screening,
surveillance and non-intrusive inspections.
Highlighted speakers include retired Admiral James Loy, former
commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and former administrator for the
Transportation Security Administration and former acting secretary of
the Department of Homeland Security; William Bryan, undersecretary for
the DHS Science and Technology Directorate; and Rear Admiral Michael
Lynch, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command. For more
information and a full agenda, visit the website.
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