Staged for the first time ever in Mexico, the sixth TOC Americas conference will keep the spotlight firmly on infrastructure capacity and productivity, including the role of technology in enhancing marine terminal performance and how to improve connectivity between vessel handling and hinterland operations.

Concerns over US port and transport network capacity are well-documented, although the relatively smooth flow of Asia trade through the US West Coast in 2005 may give some pause for thought regarding the industry's ability to cope. Meanwhile, increased trade both with Asia and the US is putting the Central and South American port network under pressure, acutely highlighting the need both for new infrastructure and improved productivity at existing facilities.