London to host IAPH2026 conference
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has officially announced that London will host its 2026 World Ports Conference, returning to the UK capital for the first time in nearly three decades.
The event will be held from 3–5 November 2026 at the newly renovated Olympia in Kensington.
“This edition promises to be a true milestone in the history of our conference,” said IAPH managing director Patrick Verhoeven.
“Just as the 1965 edition symbolised the global coming of age of IAPH, our ambition for 2026 is to set a new benchmark – to showcase how ports worldwide are transforming to meet the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation and resilience.”
The historic Olympia venue, currently undergoing a major transformation, is set to reopen in early 2026 as a state-of-the-art event space. With its integrated conference, exhibition and meeting facilities, Olympia will accommodate the expanded programme, which includes keynote sessions, practical demonstrations, technical visits and cross-industry networking.
The announcement was made on 4 September during a special screening of Meeuwen Sterven in de Haven (Seagulls Die in the Harbour), marking the 70th anniversary of the film and the founding of the IAPH.
“This remarkable coincidence offers a compelling reason to screen Meeuwen on the eve of this year’s London International Shipping Week,” added Verhoeven.
The Port of London Authority has confirmed its role as a Diamond-level headline sponsor for #IAPH2026. Further details will be unveiled at IAPH’s 70th anniversary conference in Kobe, Japan.
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