Maritime leaders from across the Pacific gathered in Rarotonga this week for the 47th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance (PMTA) Conference, a pivotal event hosted by the Cook Islands Ports Authority on August 18th and 19th. Representing Maritime Cook Islands were Katrina Matheson, Head of Media & Marketing, and Tahira Viviani, Business Development Officer.
The conference was officially opened by the Hon. Prime Minister Mark Brown, who warmly welcomed all PMTA members and delegates, emphasizing the critical role of ports as the economic and social lifelines for island nations. The first day’s program focused on Regional Collaboration, Sustainability, and Digital and Smart Ports, highlighting how technology can streamline operations. The second day turned to the human element, with sessions dedicated to building a Resilient Maritime Workforce, followed by detailed Country Presentations.
These presentations and strategic discussions revealed a set of deeply interconnected challenges faced across the Pacific. A dominant theme was the urgent need to modernize aging infrastructure. Many ports are operating with wharves and equipment that are decades old, struggling to handle modern demands. This is compounded by the threat of climate change, making it essential that all new infrastructure is built with resilience to cyclones and rising sea levels in mind.
The human element was another critical focus. The challenge of building a skilled and resilient workforce is universal, with many nations facing skill shortages, high outward migration, and the need to create attractive training and career pathways to bring young people into the maritime sector.
Underpinning these issues is the significant hurdle of securing financial investment. The sheer cost of port redevelopment is immense, and creative solutions, including new regional financing mechanisms, were discussed to help fund these vital projects.
In response, the key themes of sustainability and digitalization emerged as the primary path forward. Ports are actively pursuing green initiatives like solar power and better waste management, while using digital tools to enhance efficiency and security.
Ms Viviani quoted “This conference has been a privilege, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by small island nations. It’s clear that investing in our people is key, building a stronger, more resilient maritime workforce is essential for the future. Additionally, the discussions highlighted the effects of climate change and how small nations are responding to the uncertainty and impacts it brings.”
Maritime Cook Islands was also proud to be a Bronze Sponsor for the conference, underscoring our dedication to fostering a unified approach and helping to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all Pacific island nations.
Ultimately, the most powerful theme was regional collaboration. The consensus was that by sharing knowledge, safety protocols, and operational best practices, the island nations can collectively overcome these obstacles more effectively than they could alone. The conference concluded with a sense of a unified path forward, built on the shared commitment to creating a more secure, efficient, and sustainable maritime future for the entire Pacific.
