Event Agenda
Breakbulk Americas Main Stage sponsored by
There are no sessions that match your request
The 2025 Maritime Workers Emergency Medical Fund Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday September 30th in conjunction with Breakbulk Americas at the Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. Hermann Park Golf Course is a jewel nestled in the center of the Bayou City. Hermann Park Golf Course America/Chicago
* SOLD OUT *
The 2025 Maritime Workers Emergency Medical Fund Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday September 30th in conjunction with Breakbulk Americas at the Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. Hermann Park Golf Course is a jewel nestled in the center of the Bayou City.
This full-day workshop, presented in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, is an intermediate level course that provides a deeper understanding of chartering principles and applications. It is suitable for full-time chartering professionals as well as those who work with chartering contracts. This is a full-day workshop and includes two networking coffee breaks and lunch. You will need to be available to attend for the whole day to be eligible to collect your certification at the end. Location TBC America/Chicago
* Additional purchase required *
This full-day workshop, presented in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, is an intermediate level course that provides a deeper understanding of chartering principles and applications. It is suitable for full-time chartering professionals as well as those who work with chartering contracts. This is a full-day workshop and includes two networking coffee breaks and lunch. You will need to be available to attend for the whole day to be eligible to collect your certification at the end.
This course is designed for professionals involved in the transport and logistics of project cargo. The course covers the fundamentals of heavy-lift logistics, emphasizing both sea-based and land-based transport, including vessels, equipment, and securing cargoes. Case studies will be used for illustration with a thorough discussion of best practices. This is a full-day workshop and includes two networking coffee breaks and lunch. Location TBC America/Chicago
* Additional purchase required *
This course is designed for professionals involved in the transport and logistics of project cargo. The course covers the fundamentals of heavy-lift logistics, emphasizing both sea-based and land-based transport, including vessels, equipment, and securing cargoes. Case studies will be used for illustration with a thorough discussion of best practices. This is a full-day workshop and includes two networking coffee breaks and lunch.
The Women in Breakbulk program at Breakbulk Americas 2025 enters a new phase. After four years of building a strong industry network, it’s time to step up and confront the challenges shaping our industry today. Women deserve a seat at the decision-making table, and this luncheon will offer insights to help clarify a rapidly changing landscape. Our skill-building session will focus on collaboration—an essential tool in both strategic planning and daily operations.
Marriott Marquis Houston America/Chicago
* Additional purchase required *
The Women in Breakbulk program at Breakbulk Americas 2025 enters a new phase. After four years of building a strong industry network, it’s time to step up and confront the challenges shaping our industry today. Women deserve a seat at the decision-making table, and this luncheon will offer insights to help clarify a rapidly changing landscape. Our skill-building session will focus on collaboration—an essential tool in both strategic planning and daily operations.
AI is increasingly shaping logistics, but how relevant is it to breakbulk and project cargo? This session demystifies AI by providing real-world applications in transport engineering, vessel operations, and supply chain tracking. Learn how companies are using AI for efficiency gains, risk mitigation, and automation without replacing the human element. This is a half-day workshop and includes one networking coffee break. You will need to be available to attend for the whole duration to be eligible to collect your certification at the end. Location TBC America/Chicago
* Additional purchase required *
AI is increasingly shaping logistics, but how relevant is it to breakbulk and project cargo? This session demystifies AI by providing real-world applications in transport engineering, vessel operations, and supply chain tracking. Learn how companies are using AI for efficiency gains, risk mitigation, and automation without replacing the human element. This is a half-day workshop and includes one networking coffee break. You will need to be available to attend for the whole duration to be eligible to collect your certification at the end.
* Invite only *
It’s opening night and your time to connect with friends old and new. What a great opportunity to identify the exhibitors you want to know more about over the next two days.
Keep the party going with Port Houston’s traditional western social at the nearby Rustic. Enoy food, drinks, music and entertainment in this iconic Texas venue.
Join the 65th BUSINESSrun during Breakbulk Americas - a unique event combining running, networking, and charity under the motto "Running for a Cause, Connecting for Success." Open to all experience levels with 5k and 10k routes through Houston, starting and ending at the George R Brown Convention Center. George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) America/Chicago
* Additional purchase required *
Join the 65th BUSINESSrun during Breakbulk Americas - a unique event combining running, networking, and charity under the motto "Running for a Cause, Connecting for Success." Open to all experience levels with 5k and 10k routes through Houston, starting and ending at the George R Brown Convention Center.
Speakers
Jake Swanson
Regional Vice President- Americas Operations, Industrial Projects
DHL Global Forwarding
The SHIPS for America Act marks a major shift in U.S. maritime policy, with ambitious long-term goals to revitalize shipbuilding, grow the Strategic Commercial Fleet, and strengthen the workforce. In the near term, stronger enforcement of Cargo Preference laws and increased policy momentum are already reshaping how government cargo is allocated and how U.S.-flag carriers engage commercially. Added to this, Section 301 tariffs are shifting cargo flows and sourcing decisions, creating both challenges and opportunities. This keynote explores the driving forces behind the Act and what they mean for U.S. industry and global partners.
The SHIPS for America Act marks a major shift in U.S. maritime policy, with ambitious long-term goals to revitalize shipbuilding, grow the Strategic Commercial Fleet, and strengthen the workforce. In the near term, stronger enforcement of Cargo Preference laws and increased policy momentum are already reshaping how government cargo is allocated and how U.S.-flag carriers engage commercially. Added to this, Section 301 tariffs are shifting cargo flows and sourcing decisions, creating both challenges and opportunities. This keynote explores the driving forces behind the Act and what they mean for U.S. industry and global partners.
Speaker
Sal Mercogliano
Maritime Historian
Campbell University & Podcast Host, What’s Going On With Shipping?
Main Stage America/Chicago
Following the keynote, a panel of experts from the maritime, shipbuilding, and project cargo sectors will discuss how these changes are being felt across the industry today. The conversation will explore the real-world impact of policy shifts, the outlook for U.S.-flag competitiveness, and how stakeholders can prepare for the next phase of U.S. maritime resurgence.
Carriers across the breakbulk and project cargo spectrum are facing intense operational pressure. From pending port fees, ageing vessels and capacity pressures, to complex emissions requirements, crew shortages and geopolitical trade tensions, fleet operators are forced to make faster, riskier, and more strategic decisions than ever. Senior voices from across the breakbulk fleet will confront the industry's most pressing challenges and explore how operators are adapting to survive and thrive.
Main Stage America/ChicagoCarriers across the breakbulk and project cargo spectrum are facing intense operational pressure. From pending port fees, ageing vessels and capacity pressures, to complex emissions requirements, crew shortages and geopolitical trade tensions, fleet operators are forced to make faster, riskier, and more strategic decisions than ever. Senior voices from across the breakbulk fleet will confront the industry's most pressing challenges and explore how operators are adapting to survive and thrive.
As the global push for electrification and infrastructure growth accelerates, mining in South and Central America is becoming increasingly critical – and logistically complex. This panel brings together EPCs, shippers, and freight forwarders to explore how mining projects across the region are driving demand for breakbulk and project cargo solutions.
Main Stage America/ChicagoAs the global push for electrification and infrastructure growth accelerates, mining in South and Central America is becoming increasingly critical – and logistically complex. This panel brings together EPCs, shippers, and freight forwarders to explore how mining projects across the region are driving demand for breakbulk and project cargo solutions.
Speaker
Hear directly from shippers as they share what types of projects are emerging, where the market is heading, and how digital tools, new players, and shifting priorities are reshaping the project cargo landscape.
Main Stage America/ChicagoHear directly from shippers as they share what types of projects are emerging, where the market is heading, and how digital tools, new players, and shifting priorities are reshaping the project cargo landscape.
Tariffs are tools of industrial strategy, aiming to reshape how and where companies build, source, and ship. But the short-term disruption leaves many struggling to keep up and make informed decisions. In this Q&A-driven session, trade and logistics experts answer your questions on how steel and other tariffs are disrupting project timelines, shifting global sourcing, and redefining competitiveness in U.S. infrastructure and industry.
Main Stage America/ChicagoTariffs are tools of industrial strategy, aiming to reshape how and where companies build, source, and ship. But the short-term disruption leaves many struggling to keep up and make informed decisions. In this Q&A-driven session, trade and logistics experts answer your questions on how steel and other tariffs are disrupting project timelines, shifting global sourcing, and redefining competitiveness in U.S. infrastructure and industry.
Digital transformation in breakbulk logistics is no longer a future goal – it’s a current necessity. From oversized cargo permitting to port-side coordination, today’s most complex cargo movements demand better speed, visibility, and collaboration. This panel explores how real-world digital tools – powered by AI, IoT, and automation – are helping project logistics teams solve bottlenecks across the supply chain.
Main Stage America/ChicagoDigital transformation in breakbulk logistics is no longer a future goal – it’s a current necessity. From oversized cargo permitting to port-side coordination, today’s most complex cargo movements demand better speed, visibility, and collaboration. This panel explores how real-world digital tools – powered by AI, IoT, and automation – are helping project logistics teams solve bottlenecks across the supply chain.
Speaker
Moderator
As Breakbulk Americas celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together industry pioneers who helped shape the event – and the breakbulk and project cargo sector itself. These legends will share stories from the earliest editions of Breakbulk Americas, chart how the industry has evolved, and offer timeless insights for today’s professionals. From the days of faxes and clipboards to AI, automation, and ESG mandates – this is a rare look at where we’ve been, and where we’re headed.
Main Stage America/ChicagoAs Breakbulk Americas celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together industry pioneers who helped shape the event – and the breakbulk and project cargo sector itself. These legends will share stories from the earliest editions of Breakbulk Americas, chart how the industry has evolved, and offer timeless insights for today’s professionals. From the days of faxes and clipboards to AI, automation, and ESG mandates – this is a rare look at where we’ve been, and where we’re headed.
Speakers
A forward-looking perspective on how the evolving energy landscape is driving strategic transformation across the Americas. From shifting trade dynamics to global tariffs and supply chain pressures, this keynote explores how energy leaders are adapting investment priorities, building resilience, and positioning for long-term growth in a rapidly changing world.
Main Stage America/ChicagoA forward-looking perspective on how the evolving energy landscape is driving strategic transformation across the Americas. From shifting trade dynamics to global tariffs and supply chain pressures, this keynote explores how energy leaders are adapting investment priorities, building resilience, and positioning for long-term growth in a rapidly changing world.
From LNG terminals and refinery expansions to coal logistics and uncertainty over offshore wind, energy-related cargo is still moving across the Americas – but not always where expected. This session gives a grounded snapshot of the current energy landscape, including gas exports, oil projects, infrastructure gaps, and the real logistics picture behind politically charged sectors like coal, wind, and nuclear.
Main Stage America/ChicagoFrom LNG terminals and refinery expansions to coal logistics and uncertainty over offshore wind, energy-related cargo is still moving across the Americas – but not always where expected. This session gives a grounded snapshot of the current energy landscape, including gas exports, oil projects, infrastructure gaps, and the real logistics picture behind politically charged sectors like coal, wind, and nuclear.
Speaker
Breakbulk’s inaugural Project Power Awards are designed to showcase every sector in the industry and the companies and individuals that are demonstrating the path forward.
Main Stage America/ChicagoBreakbulk’s inaugural Project Power Awards are designed to showcase every sector in the industry and the companies and individuals that are demonstrating the path forward.