IRPT To Host Free Webinars
Citing the value to its members and annual conference participants, Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals Inc. (IRPT) is offering its conference content in the form of three webinars April 20–22.
The online seminars, offered through the GoToWebinar platform, are designed to “keep members abreast of technical, operational, economic and security issues affecting inland ports, terminals and river systems,” according to a statement from IRPT.
The first webinar is a three-hour course offered in conjunction with the International Association of Maritime & Port Executives (IAMPE) on April 20. The webinar is designed to orient port commissioners or directors, providing information on trends in the industry as well as the duties and responsibilities of commissions or board members and their staffs.
“Operations, strategic planning and growth depend heavily on the support received from port board commissioners and/or directors, depending on your structure,” IAMPE and IRPT said in announcing the webinar. “With proper planning, management and governance, you have the tools for success and growth for your port, your tenants and your communities. Because you are an economic engine, a public asset and utility, it is important you have the tools necessary to achieve the expectations upon you. One of those tools includes the support from your board.”
On April 21, a U.S. Maritime Administration webinar will cover grant opportunities available to inland ports and terminals, such as BUILD, INFRA, PIPD and the Marine Highway Program. Subject matter will include requirements of each of these grant programs as well as discussion of the differences between each of these opportunities through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
On April 22, IRPT will host its Levels of Service Regulation Webinar.
Reducing service on lower-use locks of rivers creates a domino effect on the high-use locks, according to IRPT. They become less used and are then designated “low-use,” and the entire river is put into what IRPT has called a death spiral.
“Customers that use the rivers then become reluctant to take barges into the upper reaches of these rivers due to the risk of becoming trapped during non-service periods,” the Port of Pittsburgh said in a statement in conjunction with the webinar announcement. “Then more locks fall under the low-use classification.”
Information on times, presenters and free registration is available at irpt.net/webinars.
