Join fellow delegates for an early morning walk to start the day!

Meet in Caesar’s Auto Lobby

Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast in Augustus II,III,IV.

Emcee: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities

First Nation's Blessing: Chief Nikki van Oirschot, Caldwell First Nation 

Welcome Remarks: Steve Salmons, President and CEO, Windsor Port Authority; Ian Marr, President and CEO, Nanaimo Port Authority and Chair, Association of Canadian Port Authorities

Mayor’s Welcome: Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
 

The conference will begin with a First Nations Blessing, recognizing the Indigenous communities whose stewardship and partnership continue to shape Canada’s port and transportation sectors. Opening remarks will then be delivered by industry and community leaders, including Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities; Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority; Ian Marr, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority and Chair of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities; and Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor. 

Together, they will welcome delegates, set the stage for the conference, and highlight the critical role of Canada’s ports in supporting trade, economic growth, and community prosperity. 

Sponsored by: HOPA Ports

The evolution of technology is rewriting the rules of the supply chain. For our nation to maintain its competitive edge, we must solve a critical puzzle: how do we accelerate automation while building a future of work that inspires the next generation? In this forward-thinking presentation, Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada will address the urgent need to boost national productivity to secure Canada’s place as a global leader in trade. He will discuss how to integrate human ingenuity with automation to unlock new levels of efficiency, and ensure our industry doesn’t just keep pace, but actively shapes the future of global trade. 

Make the most of your networking breaks by exploring the Ports Canada 2026 Exhibit Hall, where industry leaders, innovators, and solution providers come together to showcase the latest advancements shaping Canada’s port and marine transportation sector.

Connect with our Port Exhibitors and Premium Exhibitors, discover innovative solutions, and learn about the technologies, services, and expertise supporting port operations, infrastructure development, sustainability, security, and supply chain efficiency. The exhibit hall offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry partners, suppliers, consultants, government representatives, and fellow delegates from across the marine sector.

Whether you're seeking new business opportunities, exploring emerging trends, or strengthening existing relationships, the exhibit hall is the place to network, collaborate, and build connections that will help shape the future of Canada’s ports and marine industry.

Be sure to visit our sponsors and exhibitors throughout the conference and view the Sponsors & Exhibitors Directory to learn more about the organizations supporting Ports Canada 2026.

Sponsored by: Port of Toronto

Moderated by: Chris Heikkinen, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Port Authority

This presentation will offer a broad look at the evolving role of the Canadian Coast Guard and its priorities in a changing marine environment, including how it supports safe, secure, and resilient maritime operations across Canada. 

Join us as we celebrate an individual whose leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions have helped shape Canada’s port and maritime sector. The ACPA Medal of Merit is the Association’s highest honour, recognizing exceptional service and achievements that have advanced the port, shipping, and maritime industries on a national scale. 

Presented since 1975, this distinguished award acknowledges the contributions of individuals, organizations, and institutions whose work has left a lasting impact on Canada’s marine transportation community. This special presentation offers an opportunity to recognize excellence, reflect on a remarkable legacy of service, and celebrate those who have helped strengthen the future of the industry. 

Introduction: Steve Salmons, President and CEO, Windsor Port Authority 
Moderator: Peter Berry, Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master, Port of Windsor 
Panelists: Capt. Caren Damon, United States Coast Guard, Sector Detroit Commander;
Superintendent Dale Foote, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, “O” Division OIC; Inspector Andrew Randall, Windsor Police; J.J. Chayeski, Director / Ambassador Bridge District, Canada Border Services Agency, Windsor Office

Situated along one of North America’s busiest international waterways, the Port of Windsor plays a critical role in supporting secure and efficient cross-border trade. This plenary panel will bring together Canadian and U.S. law enforcement, border security, and public safety leaders to discuss the collaborative efforts that help safeguard the shared Canada–U.S. border. 

Moderated by Peter Berry, Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master at the Port of Windsor, the discussion will explore how agencies on both sides of the Detroit River work together to address evolving security challenges, facilitate trade and transportation, and ensure the safety of border communities. Panelists will share perspectives on cross-border cooperation, coordinated enforcement strategies, and the importance of strong partnerships in maintaining one of the world’s most dynamic border regions. 

Delegates will move from plenary room (Augusts I) to one of the two concurrent options, or the exhibit hall for Solution Stage presentations.

Concurrent Session 1:  Group A (Tech and Operations) 

Presenters: Tanya Alvaro, President, Eastern Canada Response Corporation; Caroline Healey, Chief Executive Officer, Ship and Rail Compensation Canada

Environmental Response Partners  
A safe, resilient, and sustainable marine transportation system depends on strong environmental response capabilities. This session will provide an overview of the critical role response organizations play in protecting Canada’s waterways while supporting the uninterrupted movement of trade and commerce.

Tanya Alvaro, Executive Director of Eastern Canada Response Corporation, and Caroline Healey, Chief Executive Officer of Ship and Rail Compensation Canada, will share insights into the latest developments in marine spill preparedness, response capacity, and compensation frameworks. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how these organizations work with industry, governments, and port authorities to ensure environmental protection, strengthen emergency response readiness, and maintain confidence in Canada’s marine transportation system.

Concurrent Session 1: Group B (Environment and Sustainability) 
Presenters: Sara Yonson, Manager, Environment and Energy, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority; Jeffrey David, Chief Engineer & Operations Officer, Belledune Port Authority

Port Remediation and Land Use 

Remediating land and water impacted by historical industrial activity remains one of the most complex challenges facing port authorities today. This session will explore how ports are addressing environmental liabilities, restoring valuable waterfront lands, and supporting sustainable future development.

Sara Yonson, Manager, Environment and Energy at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, will share lessons learned from the remediation of Randle Reef, the largest and most contaminated site on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. Jeffrey David, Chief Engineer and Operations Officer at the Belledune Port Authority, will discuss the realities of managing legacy industrial contamination, including the application of the polluter pays principle and the complexities of achieving solutions across multiple jurisdictions.

Through these case studies, attendees will gain insights into the environmental, regulatory, and operational considerations involved in remediation projects, as well as the important role ports play in restoring and redeveloping strategic waterfront assets for future use.

One of the biggest challenges facing ports in Canada is maintaining their existing infrastructure. For pile supported infrastructure, until recently, the options available involved encapsulating the piles in concrete or epoxy grouts, hoping that this would transfer the loads to the bearing surface below.  In most cases, this type of repair is decorative at best, and an expensive risk at worst, since the encapsulation eliminates the ability to ever inspect those piles again.  The new Elevating Sleeve Pile Repair Systems, developed by Levare LLC and represented in Canada by Griffin Engineered Systems, replaces the degraded portion of the pile with a new steel epoxy coated pile, re-using the existing pile at the seabed, and re-establishing the fill bearing capacity of the pile with their Patent Pending Elevating Sleeve.  The load path of the structure through the pile is evident, the pile is visible for future inspections, and the structure is rehabilitated, ready for continued operation.   We will be discussing our first projects in Canada, installed this year in Newfoundland.

Ports are under increasing pressure to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This session will explore emerging trends in port and marine lighting, key operational challenges, and innovative solutions being used to support modern port infrastructure. The presentation will also introduce Musco Lighting and highlight real-world applications from ports across North America.

Details to follow.

Delegates will move from plenary room (Augusts I) to one of the two concurrent options, or the exhibit hall for Solution Stage presentations.

Concurrent Session 2: Group A (Tech and Operations) 
Presenter: Captain Edward S. Dahlgren, Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master,  Nanaimo Port Authority
Moderator: Satinder Singh, Vice President of Marine, Toronto Port Authority 

This session will explore how ports are advancing digitalization to strengthen operations, improve decision-making, and respond to the evolving demands of modern supply chains. Through a broad look at emerging tools, practical approaches, and sector-wide opportunities, the discussion will highlight how digital transformation is helping ports become more efficient, resilient, and future-ready. 

Concurrent Session 2: Group B (Environment and Sustainability) 
Presenters: Frank Montecalvo, Vice President, Operations, Logistec; Paul Blomerus, CEO, Clear Seas
 

Marine Innovation and Sustainability 

As the marine transportation sector advances its sustainability goals, this session will highlight how innovation, operational improvements, and data-driven forecasting are supporting more resilient and efficient maritime trade across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region. 

Frank Montecalvo, Vice President, Operations, Logistec, will speak to  trends Logistec is seeing in the Great Lakes/St-Lawrence region. Paul Blomerus, Clear Seas, will present its vessel traffic forecast for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, which replicates a model used for Pacific traffic.

Together, these presentations will provide valuable insights into how industry leaders are using innovation, data-driven forecasting, and sustainable practices to support the future of Canada’s marine transportation system.

Ports across Canada have adopted aggressive emissions reduction targets, with many committing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 pursuant to the federal government’s Net-Zero Challenge.  This presentation explores how port operators can leverage emerging zero emissions cargo handling equipment technologies to maximize emission reductions while managing equipment costs and minimizing risks.  Drawing upon our global experience in decarbonization of port and logistics chain operations, Ramboll will highlight practical approaches to managing cargo handling fleet turnover, with a view of achieving both “quick wins” and long-term emissions reductions that are operationally and financially sustainable.  We will draw from our significant experience with West Coast US ports, supplemented by a review of pilot projects conducted at Canadian ports.

DP World’s shortsea provides an integrated solution for moving containers between regional ports and major gateways, combining maritime transport with rail and truck connectivity we use coastal and inland waterways to complement deep-sea networks and extend their reach into regional markets.

Details to follow

Sponsored by: KPMG

Join fellow delegates on the exhibit hall floor for a networking reception and happy hour, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry peers, meet exhibitors, and explore innovative products, services, and solutions supporting Canada’s port and maritime sector.

Attendees who have pre-registered will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided Port of Windsor harbour tour by water, departing at 4:45 p.m. This unique experience offers a firsthand look at port operations and infrastructure along one of North America's most important trade corridors.

Please note: Advance registration is required for the port tour, and space is limited.

Join fellow delegates for an early morning walk to start the day!

Meet in Caesar’s Auto Lobby

Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast in Augustus II,III,IV.

Presenter: Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO, Port of Riga, Latvia, and President, European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)

Ports around the world are facing many of the same challenges, from geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics to climate resilience and evolving infrastructure demands. This session will provide a European perspective on how ports are responding to these pressures while maintaining competitiveness and supporting economic growth.

Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Port of Riga and President of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), will share insights drawn from his leadership experience in Latvia, the Baltic region, and across Europe. He will discuss how the Port of Riga is addressing complex geopolitical, trade, environmental, and operational challenges through innovative approaches, regional collaboration, and strategic infrastructure investments.

Attendees will gain valuable international perspectives on topics that closely align with the priorities of Canadian ports, including the role of partnerships, the development of dual-use infrastructure, and the importance of coordinated responses to emerging global challenges. Mr. Zeltiņš will also offer broader insights into the priorities and outlook of Europe’s port sector through his role as President of ESPO.

Sponsored by: KPMG

Introduction: KPMG
Moderator: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President & CEO, Association of Canadian Port Authorities 
Panelists: Grantly Franklin, Consul and Program Manager, Canadian Consulate (Detroit); Alan Arcand, Chief Economist, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME); 

Canada’s Trading Relationships: A Check-In

More than a year after the Government of Canada launched an ambitious agenda to diversify trade and strengthen economic partnerships beyond traditional markets, this panel will examine the progress made and the challenges that remain. Bringing together experts from government, academia, manufacturing, and the automotive sector, the discussion will explore how Canada is adapting to an evolving global trade environment while recalibrating its relationship with its largest trading partner, the United States.

Moderated by Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, panelists will share perspectives on the effectiveness of Canada’s trade diversification efforts, the opportunities emerging in key international markets, and the implications of shifting geopolitical and supply chain dynamics. Attendees will gain insights into how Canadian industries are responding to changing trade patterns, strengthening competitiveness, and positioning themselves for growth in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

Sponsored by KPMG, this timely discussion will highlight the critical role of trade policy, supply chains, and market diversification in supporting Canada’s long-term economic resilience and prosperity.

Join delegates in Augustus II, III, IV. Light refreshments will be served on the tradeshow floor.

Sponsored by: Port of Montreal

Introduction: Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Moderator: Hannah Bowlby, Manager, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Algoma Central Corporation, Chair of the Ontario Marine Council   
Panelists: Larissa Fenn, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority; Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation; David Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Cleveland; Alexandre Beauchamp-Parent, Desgagnes; Paul Bird, President and CEO, Port of Montreal

Maximizing Canada’s Third Trading Corridor

The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital trade corridor with significant potential to strengthen Canada’s supply chains, support trade diversification, and advance more sustainable goods movement. This panel will examine how governments, ports, marine carriers, and industry partners can better leverage the Seaway as Canada’s third trading corridor while expanding the role of short sea shipping as a complementary logistics solution.

Following opening remarks from Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, the discussion will explore what is needed to extend the navigation season, modernize lock and port operations, improve icebreaking capacity, and better integrate marine, rail, and truck networks. Moderated by Hannah Bowlby of Algoma Central Corporation and Chair of the Ontario Marine Council, panelists will share perspectives on the infrastructure, regulatory, market, and policy conditions required to unlock the full potential of the corridor.

Drawing on Canadian pilot projects and U.S. initiatives, the session will highlight how targeted investments, coordinated policies, and public-private collaboration can drive sustainable growth, improve reliability and efficiency, and position the Seaway as a stronger contributor to Canada’s economic resilience and climate objectives.

Delegates join us in Agustus II,III,IV. Hot lunch will be served on the tradeshow floor.

Delegates will move to the plenary room (Augusts I) for the closing plenary session.

Concurrent Session 3: Group A (Tech and Operations) 

Moderator: David Mennie, Chief Product & Technology Officer, GSTS
Presenters: Mike Cochrane, President and CEO, Charlottetown Port; Sean Baxter, Harbour Master, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Applying Artificial Intelligence in Port Operations 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how ports manage operations, improve safety, and respond to growing demands on infrastructure. This session will showcase practical applications of AI and data-driven technologies that are helping Canadian ports enhance efficiency, support growth, and strengthen operational resilience.

Mike Cochrane, President and CEO of the Charlottetown Port Authority, will discuss how the Port of Charlottetown is using innovative vessel berthing and scheduling software to manage increasing cruise traffic while maximizing existing infrastructure. Sean Baxter, Harbour Master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will share how Active Vessel Traffic Management is improving the predictability, coordination, and safety of vessel movements within Burrard Inlet.

Through these real-world case studies, attendees will gain insight into how emerging technologies are being applied to address operational challenges and support the next generation of port management.

Concurrent Session 3:  Group B (Environment and Sustainability) 
Introductions: Daniel-Robert Gooch, President & CEO, ACPA

As Canada continues to strengthen its northern transportation networks and expand Arctic trade opportunities, this plenary session will explore the infrastructure investments, partnerships, and strategic initiatives shaping the future of the North. Participants will gain insights into ongoing efforts to modernize transportation corridors, enhance port infrastructure, and support sustainable economic growth in northern and Arctic regions.

Chris Avery, CEO of Arctic Gateway Group, will discuss key developments across the northern transportation system, including modernization efforts at the Port of Churchill, improvements to critical rail and transport connections, and the increasing role of year-round Arctic shipping. The session will also examine the importance of national and regional partnerships in advancing northern development, with a particular focus on Indigenous participation and leadership in infrastructure and business initiatives.

Attendees will hear about the unique challenges associated with building, operating, and maintaining infrastructure in remote northern environments, as well as the opportunities these investments create for local communities, economic development, and Canada’s broader trade network. The discussion will also explore the potential for dual-purpose infrastructure that supports both civilian and military objectives, contributing to community resilience while strengthening Canada’s northern and national security interests.

This session will provide a forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of northern transportation infrastructure in supporting economic growth, Indigenous partnerships, Arctic sovereignty, and the long-term prosperity of Canada's North.

Operating vessels safely in Arctic environments requires careful consideration of extreme cold, ice interaction and rapidly changing environmental conditions. This presentation explores the operational challenges associated with mooring in freezing climates, including dynamic ice loads, low-temperature effects on mooring systems and common failure mechanisms. It discusses practical strategies to improve safety, reliability and operational resilience for ports and terminals operating in Arctic regions.

Canadian ports are being asked to accommodate larger vessels, move more cargo and improve supply-chain reliability, often through constrained waterways and without corresponding expansions in marine infrastructure. At the same time, operating conditions are becoming more challenging, including fluctuating Great Lakes water levels, long-term changes in river flows, dynamic and frequently dredged channels, increasingly congested waterways, and growing interest in Arctic and ice-affected navigation. This presentation will introduce NCOS ONLINE Safe Transit, DHI’s physics-based vessel traffic management and dynamic under-keel clearance platform. NCOS combines site-specific forecasts of water levels, currents, waves and winds with the hull geometry, loading condition, route and manoeuvring response of each vessel. This allows ports to simulate individual vessel movements, test operational scenarios, identify safe transit windows, resolve traffic conflicts and better align dredging decisions with actual vessel requirements. Using examples from Vancouver and international ports, the presentation will demonstrate how Canadian ports can unlock capacity from existing infrastructure, improve supply-chain reliability, reduce unnecessary dredging and create a shared, defensible operational picture for ports, pilots, terminals and carriers.

More details to follow.

Delegates will move to the plenary room (Augusts I) for the closing plenary session.

As the conference comes to a close, delegates will gather for a final reflection on the key themes, insights, and conversations that have shaped this year’s event. Leaders from the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and the Windsor Port Authority will offer closing remarks, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s port sector and the importance of continued collaboration across the marine industry.

Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority, will thank delegates, partners, sponsors, and speakers for their contributions to a successful conference. The session will conclude with a look ahead to the future of Canada’s ports and the official handoff to the host of Ports Canada 2027, offering a preview of next year’s event and the next chapter for the industry.

Rum Runner Party at Willistead Estate 

Slip into the shadows of the Roaring Twenties and join us for an unforgettable evening at the historic Willistead Estate, where the spirit of Prohibition comes alive. 

During the 1920s, Windsor sat at the heart of one of North America's most legendary smuggling routes. As liquor flowed across the Detroit River, daring rum runners, sharp-dressed gangsters, glamorous flappers, and jazz lovers turned the border into a playground of secret deals and unforgettable nights. 

For one evening, history returns. Wander the grand estate, sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy live music, indulge in decadent fare, and immerse yourself in an era of hidden speakeasies, whispered passwords, and whiskey-fuelled celebration. Whether you arrive as a sophisticated socialite, an infamous bootlegger, or a dashing detective on the trail, your only job is to embrace the mystery and revel in the glamour. 

1920s-inspired attire is fun but not require! Arrive ready for a night where the drinks are flowing, the jazz is swinging, and guests have stories to tell. 

The password? You'll have to discover that for yourself.