The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association elected new Board members and discussed its work programme for 2024 at its Annual General Meeting in Killarney.
The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a combined AGM and celebration at the Europe Resort & Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland last week.
“Held in one of the most stunning landscapes, Killarney, home of the manufacturing plant of Liebherr Container Cranes, the Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th April 2024. Members, invited guests and speakers were welcomed to Ireland to network, participate in panel discussions and technical committee meetings,” PEMA noted.
PEMA has come a long way since it was formed by 16 founding companies in 2004. Membership has grown to over 130 different eligible companies, with additional associate members including ICHCA International.
The event started with tours of the Liebherr crane factory, followed by Technical Committee Meetings moderated by PEMA’s Head of Technology, Pat O’Leary, who was joined by the chairs and vice-chairs of PEMA’s three Technical Committees. Invited speaker Pietro Foschi, former executive director of BSi gave a presentation on the criteria and process for the development of International standards.
PEMA members and committees are working on a series of white papers covering topics including laser technology, cyber security and people detection. Plans for future white papers on hydrogen and shore power, among other issues, were also discussed.
The PEMA AGM was officially opened on Thursday 11 April by PEMA President, Achim Dries. “A warm Irish welcome to the PEMA AGM 2024, a special occasion as we also celebrate our 20th year anniversary. This meeting will serve as a platform for sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and setting forth ambitious goals. Together, we will not only strengthen professional connections but also reinforce the personal friendships that define and sustain our industry. Thank you for being part of PEMA’s remarkable journey. Here’s to two decades of achievements, and to the exciting future that lies ahead,” Dries said.
Keynote speaker Patricia Rüf, member of the supervisory board of the Liebherr Group and 3rd Generation of the Liebherr family, noted that the event was a double celebration for the Liebherr organisation, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary during 2024.
PEMA Directors are elected for a three year term, and can be reappointed for additional terms. The election of a Board of directors saw two outgoing members, Jens Koerting (Terex) and Leopold Bertold (Liebherr) re-elected for another term. Two new directors, Mauriziol Bragagni (Tratos) and Stephan Trauth (Mi-Jack Europe), were elected to replace Jon Sojo (Tratos) and Rino Bedeschi (Bedeschi) who retired. They will join Lisette Stinis (Stinis) who continues her term and Achim Dries (Vahle) who was re-elected as President.
Following the AGM PEMA welcomed six international guest speakers from the port industry: Richard Steele (CEO, ICHCA International), Paul Avery (WorldCargo News), Leticia Astudillo, (Deputy Director, Drewry Maritime Advisors) Ernst Schulze (CEO, DP World UK), Pat O’Brennan (Deputy CEO, Doyle Shipping Group) and Carl-Henry Piel (CTO, Terminal, Investment Ltd.(TIL)).
The 2024 PEMA AGM was sponsored by Liebherr, Prysmian, SIBRE & EMG, VAHLE and Fáilte Ireland.
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