PEMA Autumn Meeting in Italy Delivers Industry Insights, Technical Innovation and Exceptional Expert Perspectives
International port equipment and technology leaders gathered in Ravenna, Italy, for two days of industry insights, interactive technical workshops, and valuable networking. The event created unique opportunities to strengthen industry connections, exchange expertise, and build new relationships across the global port equipment community.
Over 130 Members of the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) from around the world gathered in Ravenna, Italy, for the PEMA Autumn Meeting 2026, on 6–7 October at the MarePineta Resort, Milano Marittima. The meeting began with an arrival drinks reception on Monday evening, followed by two days of conference sessions, a tour of the port of Ravenna, technical workshops, and networking events, concluding with the PEMA President’s Dinner.
Board of Directors (L-R): Aqwa Chen (ZPMC), Maurizio Bragagni (Tratos), Jens Koerting (Terex) (all Board Members), Achim Dries (President of PEMA and CEO of VAHLE), Stephan Trauth (Board Member of PEMA, Mi-Jack Europe), Pat O’Leary (Head of Technology of PEMA), and Leopold Berthold (Board Member of PEMA, Liebherr)
A highlight of the programme was the industry visit to the Port of Ravenna, a multipurpose port. In addition to the container terminal, delegates had the opportunity to visit Italy’s largest dry bulk port, which handles 28 million tonnes of goods and bulk materials. Ravenna Port generates significant added value for the surrounding area through a well-established industrial hinterland.
The PEMA Technical Committee workshops included live, interactive activities and feedback, group discussions, and expert insights, all designed to showcase ongoing technical innovation in the port sector and encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry.
This year’s international guest speakers brought expertise from the technology and logistics sectors, with representatives from CMA Terminals Holding, Siemens, ICHCA International, Royal Institute of Technology Sweden, Duisport and Bunge among those contributing to the conference. Key topics
included end user experiences and expectations, cybersecurity, safety, automation, technology, global logistics and commodity flows.
PEMA President Achim Dries said: “Our Autumn Meeting is a valuable opportunity to bring the international PEMA community together to exchange expertise, strengthen industry connections and explore the technologies, challenges and opportunities shaping our sector. “
“What a truly great location for this year’s meeting, following a very interesting tour of Ravenna port, I am particularly delighted to welcome the Mayor of Ravenna City, Alessandro Barattoni.”
Mayor of Ravenna, Alessandro Barattoni from Welcome Address
“The Port of Ravenna is a unique case in Italy: the areas behind its quays are privately owned. This model allows investors to continue developing sectors vital to Italian industry, and three clear examples show how well it works: the petrochemical district, the FSRU, and the port’s focus on dry bulk.
The port is working to make the region as energy independent as possible. The FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) is central to this: gas remains essential for the area, and the FSRU allows Ravenna to diversify its supply beyond traditional pipeline routes. All of this goes hand in hand with a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment, and it is made possible by the port’s distinctive private organisation.
PEMA extends its thanks to the sponsor partners that supported the Autumn Meeting 2026 – MacPort, Tratos Group, Dellner Bubenzer and VAHLE. The support of our sponsors is vital to enabling PEMA to deliver its programme of international member events and industry engagements.
A special acknowledgement goes to Ravenna-based company, MacPort both as the main sponsor and for providing the local support and assistance in welcoming PEMA to the region and making this a memorable event. Founded in Ravenna and now in its third generation, Gianmacro and the MacPort team have longstanding connections with the port and industrial machinery sector and have been Liebherr’s official agent in Italy since 2009.
PEMA also announced its 2027 international meeting destinations, with the association heading to Dortmund, Germany for its AGM in March, followed by Kerala, India in October for the Autumn Meeting – continuing its tradition of bringing members together in leading port and logistics locations around the world. (Add web Link with full info/dates etc)
PEMA extends its appreciation to all members, speakers and supporters for contributing to the Autumn Meeting 2026 and looks forward to welcoming everyone to our AGM in Germany next year.
