ETA is organizing its 2026 Conference on the 11th of June at the Çiragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul (Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32). This event will examine the EU’s evolving framework to facilitate the rapid and secure movement of military personnel and assets across Member States. It will explore how geopolitical tensions, resilience requirements, and defence readiness are driving new policies, funding mechanisms, and expectations for the transport sector. Particular attention will be given to the implications for ports and harbour towage, which play a critical enabling role in ensuring safe, efficient, and responsive vessel movements.
The Conference will be complemented by a short afternoon session dedicated to presenting the findings and deliverables completed by the Greenport Alliances project partners. Greenport Alliances is an EU-funded initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions in port service operations through the development of new courses and training materials for cadets, crew members, and tug captains.
Agenda
11.00 Opening by the ETA Chairman Arjen Van Dijk
11.10 A word from the sponsor – Ali Gurun, (Sanmar)
11.15 Introduction by the moderator – Nick Price, (Century Marine Services)
11.20 A changing world in military terms- Geoffrey Till
11.50 The landscape of military mobility – Harry Fullerton
12.20 Critical infrastructure in Europe – Christian Bueger
12.50 The experience of Finland – Kaisa Kuukasjärvi
13.20 Focus on towage – Edwin Lampert
13.40 Lunch
14.40 Afternoon thematic session Greenport Alliance with Prof. Mustafa Taner Albayrak and Dr. Tutku Eker Isçioglu from the University of Piri Reis and Miguel Vieira De Castro, President of the European Maritime Pilots Association
15.15 Wrap up and conclusion
The Conference is open to all ETA members and guests. You can find the agenda and speakers´ profile here.
