The Port of Townsville will host a group of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) dignitaries today who are investigating best practice maritime security frameworks throughout the APEC Region.

The delegation includes representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Papua New Guinea Department of Transport, Vietnam Maritime Department, US Coast Guard and APEC.

Port of Townsville Limited CEO Barry Holden has welcomed the APEC visit.

“This is a prime opportunity to work collaboratively with our international peers to ensure a more secure shipping network within the APEC region and identify innovative and effective mechanisms that are and have been successful within the shipping and maritime industry,” Mr Holden said.

APEC delegations have visited ports in PNG, Philippines, South Korea and Japan and intend on visiting ports in Vietnam shortly. 

The Port of Townsville has trade ties with 145 Ports in 35 countries.

In 2007 the Port of Townsville was awarded the ‘Innovation in Security’ award at the Australian Shipping and Transport Awards.