Freight, Logistics and Maritime Forum
Join us for a day exploring the future of logistics!
Join us for the inaugural Freight, Logistics and Maritime Forum, a one day event exploring the challenges and progress in key topics for these sectors. Learn how ITS can help shape the future of operational excellence for the movement of goods and cargo.
Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, operators, and technology innovators, the Forum will include keynote presentations, expert panels and interactive discussions, setting out the latest in freight, logistics and maritime.
The event will take place on Tuesday 8 September 2026, 10am to 5pm at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.
What will be covered?
At the Forum you’ll hear about:
- A look at how freight, logistics and maritime policy is changing, and how this opens opportunity for new innovation in the sector
- Delivering sustainable growth outcomes for the UK via connected coastal shipping and last-mile solutions
- Views from ports, rail and road freight operators on shared challenges, and thoughts on how the ITS community can respond
- How the digitalisation agenda is changing the shape of freight and logistics
- The need to decarbonise and build environmental protection into freight transportation
- How we create secure and resilient freight networks and systems, with a focus on energy and cyber
- Chance to network with senior stakeholders, policymakers, transport authorities and technology providers
Key information
09:00 – 09:55 | Registration & refreshments
09:55 – 10:05 | Welcome & introduction
Tim Morris, Principal Engineer – Arup / Chair – Freight, Logistics & Maritime Forum
Freight and Logistics Policy
10:05 – 10:25 | Intermodal Logistics Operational Strategy (speaker to be confirmed)
10:25 – 10:45 | Freeports Driving Sustainability & Innovation Policy
Philly Strahan, Freeport & Investment Zone Innovation Network (FIZIN) Manager –
Connected Places Catapult
10:45 – 11:15 | Refreshment break
Digitalisation | Chair: Dorian Isaacson, CEO – Rhevia
11:15 – 11:30 | Smart Port Activity
Chris Hatter, Head of Compliance – Portsmouth International Port
11:30 – 11:45 | Freight & Logistics Innovation Network
Ananya Ambekar, Network Lead, Freight & Logistics Innovation Network (FLIN) –
Connected Places Catapult
11:45 – 12:00 | Digitalisation in Rail Freight (speaker to be confirmed)
12:00 – 12:45 | Panel Discussion: Digital Logistics: How can Technology Support Seamless Delivery?
Chris Hatter, Head of Compliance – Portsmouth International Port
Ananya Ambekar, Network Lead – Connected Places Catapult
12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch break
Decarbonisation
13:45 – 14:00 | Electrifying Drayage Alliance (EDA) Project
Selma Van den Bloom – The Smart Freight Centre
14:00 – 14:15 | Freeports Driving Innovation in Sustainable Operations
Brian Johnson, Chair – Solent Freeport
14:15 – 14:30 | Green Shipping Corridors Initiative
Prof. Chris Smith, Director – Maritime UK South West / Lead Green Fuel Producer for
Maritime of Green Efuels
14:30 – 15:15 | Panel Discussion: Achieving Net Zero in Logistics: Is it possible and how do we get there?
Andy Graham, Managing Director – White Willow Consulting
Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, Principal Research Fellow – UCL Energy Institute
Brian Johnson, Chair – Solent Freeport
Prof. Chris Smith, Director – Maritime UK South West / Lead Green Fuel Producer for Maritime of Green Efuels
15:15 – 15:45 | Refreshment break
Security and Resilience | Chair: Michael Bray, Associate – WSP
15:45 – 16:00 | Aviation Industry Perceptive on Challenges and Priorities
Arthy Ravichandran, Aviation and Maritime Director – Connected Places Catapult
16:00 – 16:15 | Safe Operation of Automated Transport Systems
Camilla Fowler, Technical Director (Operations & Safety) – WSP
16:15 – 16:30 | Maritime Transport and the Aviation Sector (speaker to be confirmed)
16:30 – 17:15 | Panel Discussion: Ensuring Secure Supply Chains: How do we Protect Logistics from Threats?
Arthy Ravichandran, Aviation and Maritime Director – Connected Places Catapult
Camilla Fowler, Technical Director (Operations & Safety) – WSP
Logistics UK Representative
17:15 – 17:25 | Closing remarks
Shane Collins, Smart Cities Sector Lead – 4way Consulting / Vice-Chair – Freight, Logistics & Maritime Forum
Exhibiting and Sponsorship
Promote your company and showcase your brand at the inaugural Freight, Logistics and Maritime Forum. Explore the networking and promotional opportunities available to help raise your company profile and meet your business objectives.
GOLD SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR (1 Available)
£3,000 + VAT
Includes: Headline Sponsor | Keynote Address | Filmed Interview | Exhibitor Stand – and more!
SILVER SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR (2 Available)
£2,250 + VAT
Includes: Prominent Sponsor | Short Speaking Slot | Short Filmed Interview | Exhibitor Stand – and more!
BRONZE SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR (7 Available)
£750 + VAT
Includes: Promotion in ITS UK Communications | Exhibitor Stand | Logo on Display Wall
Book your sponsorship slot here
Registration
Registration is free of charge and open to all. You can register as many colleagues as you wish via the link below.