There’s a new president in town for the IHMA
The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA), the professional body for Harbour Masters worldwide, has announced the election of its new President.
Captain Kevin Allen, Harbour Master of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, officially assumed the role of President following the Association's Annual General Meeting, held during the 15th International Harbour Masters Association Congress in Rotterdam.
Outgoing President Captain Paul O'Regan, Harbour Master of Duqm Port, has completed four years in the role. "It has been an honour to represent IHMA globally as President. Now it’s time to pass the baton to a colleague and friend. Kevin takes up the role at a time when our industry faces unprecedented challenges - not least for those of us with responsibility for safety, security and sustainability in our ports.
“However, I am confident that Kevin is the right person, in the right place at the right time to navigate the association during this dynamic period. He brings energy, vision and enthusiasm to everything he does, and I am confident he will deliver fresh momentum to the role of IHMA President. I look forward to seeing the IHMA continue to evolve as a beacon for port professionals worldwide under Kevin’s guidance."
Commenting on his appointment, Captain Allen said, “I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but these are hard boots to fill. Paul has a remarkable ability to bring people together and create opportunities even in challenging times. I hope to do both him and this position proud.
“Ports around the world face significant challenges, but there is also a great deal of positive progress and innovation taking place. My goal is to share that knowledge, encourage collaboration across our membership, and help grow the Association for the benefit of Harbour Masters and port professionals everywhere."
The IHMA unites those responsible for the safe, efficient and secure navigation of port waters with members representing more than 50 nations, extending throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. Members are from ports large and small, publicly and privately owned, and represent a unique source of up-to-date, hands-on expertise in a range of port and maritime operations, including safety of navigation, vessel traffic control, shipping movements, port management, protection of the marine environment, the ship/port interface, cargo handling and safe stowage, safety management and training, and port security.
Image; L-R Captain Paul O’ Regan, outgoing IHMA President and Captain Kevin Allen, incoming IHMA President
Seawork supporting association; IHMA International Harbour Masters Association
Captain Kevin Allen, Harbour Master of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, officially assumed the role of President following the Association's Annual General Meeting, held during the 15th International Harbour Masters Association Congress in Rotterdam.
Outgoing President Captain Paul O'Regan, Harbour Master of Duqm Port, has completed four years in the role. "It has been an honour to represent IHMA globally as President. Now it’s time to pass the baton to a colleague and friend. Kevin takes up the role at a time when our industry faces unprecedented challenges - not least for those of us with responsibility for safety, security and sustainability in our ports.
“However, I am confident that Kevin is the right person, in the right place at the right time to navigate the association during this dynamic period. He brings energy, vision and enthusiasm to everything he does, and I am confident he will deliver fresh momentum to the role of IHMA President. I look forward to seeing the IHMA continue to evolve as a beacon for port professionals worldwide under Kevin’s guidance."
Commenting on his appointment, Captain Allen said, “I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but these are hard boots to fill. Paul has a remarkable ability to bring people together and create opportunities even in challenging times. I hope to do both him and this position proud.
“Ports around the world face significant challenges, but there is also a great deal of positive progress and innovation taking place. My goal is to share that knowledge, encourage collaboration across our membership, and help grow the Association for the benefit of Harbour Masters and port professionals everywhere."
The IHMA unites those responsible for the safe, efficient and secure navigation of port waters with members representing more than 50 nations, extending throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Australasia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. Members are from ports large and small, publicly and privately owned, and represent a unique source of up-to-date, hands-on expertise in a range of port and maritime operations, including safety of navigation, vessel traffic control, shipping movements, port management, protection of the marine environment, the ship/port interface, cargo handling and safe stowage, safety management and training, and port security.
Image; L-R Captain Paul O’ Regan, outgoing IHMA President and Captain Kevin Allen, incoming IHMA President
Seawork supporting association; IHMA International Harbour Masters Association
Recommended News for You
Great Belt VTS solution delivered
June 25, 2026Seawork Press FP
People and technology – the Royal Navy’s transition to a hybrid fleet
June 23, 2026Seawork Press FP
Modernising the fleet
June 23, 2026Seawork Press FP
Colavatis chooses Seawork to introduce new name
June 23, 2026Seawork Press FP
Integrated solutions from a single trusted partner
June 18, 2026Seawork Press FP