Ports in the Asia-Pacific region are seeing record throughput. As global maritime commerce grows, major trading nations such as China, Australia, Malaysia, Korea and Singapore have been paying special attention to expanding existing gateways or establishing strategic new transportation facilities on both coasts and inland locations.

There is currently unprecedented investment in Asia-Pacific ports. In Western Australia the resources boom has caused exponential growth in the Pilbara region and prompted multi-billion dollar investment in the state's mid-west, including a new deepwater port and rail infrastructure at Oakajee. Port Hedland is considering major expansion to 400 mtpa, including a new outer harbour in coming years. China's unparalleled industrialisation has led to massive investment, with the Chao Fei Dian deep water port at Tang Shan planning six more 250,000 tonne iron ore berths. Shenzen Port is one of the busiest and fastest growing ports in China and is building 10 more container berths by 2010 to cater for future growth.

These examples provide a snapshot of the thriving port development industry in the region.

The Asia Pacific Port Infrastructure Planning and Development 2009 conference will be driven by case studies delivered by the major developing ports' project managers and engineers. The case studies will include dry bulk terminals, liquid bulk, Liquefied Natural Gas, container terminals and cruise terminals. The conference will also feature presentations from port authorities, government decision-makers and shipping finance experts with analysis of where investment and expansion will be happening in the future, as well as looking at where the major projects are currently taking place.