Celebrates Record Attendance and Industry Leadership in the Energy Capital of the World

The 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25) concluded at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston, drawing a record-breaking 850 industry professionals from across the global supply chain, petrochemical, energy, container, and maritime sectors.

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The 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25) drew a record-breaking 850 industry professionals from across the global supply chain, petrochemical, energy, container, and maritime sectors. Hosted by Port Houston, the conference has quickly become one of the nation's premier maritime events.

Hosted by Port Houston, the conference has quickly become one of the premier maritime events in the nation, connecting leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of international trade. The 2025 program featured a dynamic lineup of sessions, networking events, and high-profile speakers tackling today’s most pressing industry challenges, including supply chain resiliency, infrastructure, tanker shipping, petrochemical trade, and digital transformation.

“Every year this event grows in scope and impact,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “HIMC brings together every segment of our industry to discuss solutions that will keep Houston and the nation’s maritime gateway strong for decades to come. With this year’s expanded agenda, we reflected the full spectrum of industries that make the Houston Ship Channel the most vital waterway in the U.S.”

The four-day conference, held on November 2-5, included more than a dozen expert-led panels on tariffs and trade, energy and petrochemicals, port infrastructure, tanker markets, and supply chain fluidity, alongside interactive sessions on education, workforce development, and technology in logistics.

Key Highlights

• Captain Richard Phillips, the real-life inspiration for the film Captain Phillips, shared his experiences and leadership lessons from the high seas in a fireside chat with Port Houston’s COO, Eric Casey, who was part of the team involved in his rescue.
• A special address by Jim Teague, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Enterprise Products, who was also recognized as the recipient of the Lone Star Award.
• A fireside chat between Dr. Ricaurte “Catin” Vásquez, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, and CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco, offering insights on global trade and canal operations.
• Student engagement initiatives, to learn about maritime careers and network with industry professionals.

A Growing Platform for Collaboration

Supported by an active HIMC Advisory Committee, which is comprised of leaders from the public and private sectors, including logistics, academia, and energy, HIMC25 built on the success of previous years’ sold-out events. The expanded agenda also reflected Houston’s leadership in liquid bulk, chemical tanker, and container shipping markets.

“At Port Houston, we don’t simply react to shifts in the market—we plan for them,” Jenkins added. “HIMC allows us to come together as an industry to share best practices and position Houston as the anchor for America’s maritime future.”

Looking Ahead

Next year’s Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC26) will be held November 3–4, 2026, again at the Hilton Americas in Houston. HIMC will honor 2025 sponsorship pricing for anyone interested in booking their 2026 sponsorship by March 2026.

For more information about future events, sponsorship opportunities, and registration details, visit www.porthouston.com/HIMC.

About Port Houston

For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at PortHouston.com.

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