The AGM, Conference and Dinner provides an ideal time for delegates to meet, exchange ideas and network.

The programme, which has an overarching theme of People & Skills for 2024 is being developed but will bring together leaders of the towage industry together with Governmental keynote speakers and thought leadership.

The Conference will also see the inaugural awarding of the BTA’s Tug Trainee of the Year award, which recognises future talent, and is kindly sponsored by Sanmar Shipyards.

The BTA’s Annual Golf Competition, the Sir William Crosthwaite Cup, will take place the afternoon before, on 30 April at The Drift golf club.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Maritime & Coastguard Agency - Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner & Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services
• Fleetwood Nautical College – Neil Atkinson, Head of Campus & IfATE Transport & Logistics Route Panel Chair
• Merchant Navy Training Board – Kathryn Neilson, Director
• Port Skills & Safety - Debbie Cavaldoro, CEO
• Sanmar Shipyards - Gary Dockerty, Director (Sales)

Including a presentations and panel discussion on Value and Future of simulator training:

• HR Wallingford - Mark McBride, Group Manager, Ships and Dredging& Dr James Clarke, Technical Director
• BMT - Dr Phil Thompson, Director & Neil Macindoe, Principal Training Consultant
• Simwave - Ryan Verhagen, COO
• UKMPA - Chris Hoyle

Programme Outline

30 April 2024

• 1200 – Welcome and lunch at The Drift golf club.
• 1330 – Tee times for golf.
• 2000 – Welcome dinner for golfers and guests at Wotton Hatch – kindly sponsored by Sensor Technologies.

1 May 2024

• 1045 – BTA Annual General Meeting (members only)
• 1145 – Conference Opens
• 1300 – Lunch
• 1400 – Conference Reopens
• 1730 – Conference Closes
• 1845 – Drinks Reception
• 1945 – Dinner
• 2245 - Carriages

Kindly Sponsored by Sanmar Shipyards, BMT and Sensor Technologies.

As well as members of the BTA, members of UK Chamber of Shipping, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Non-members of the BTA or UK Chamber are also welcome and encouraged to get insight and access into leaders of the industry, with spaces available at a non-member rate.

Further requests for information should be directed to the BTA secretariat Robert Merrylees. rmerrylees@ukchamberofshipping.com. Speaker and sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Robert Merrylees.