This year’s gathering will be in the centre of Belfast Harbour, split between the historic Belfast Harbour Commissioners building, (for AGM and Conference), and futuristic Titanic Museum (for the Dinner)

The BTA Annual General Meeting, Conference and Dinner provides an ideal time for delegates to meet, exchange ideas and network, bringing together leaders of the towage industry together with Governmental keynote speakers and thought leaders.

Who’s invited?

As well as members of the BTA and whole UK Chamber of Shipping, non-members and affiliate parties are very welcome. 

Accommodation

Attendees are invited to reserve rooms at the AC Marriot Belfast right next to Belfast Harbour Commissioners via the Registration Link. We have block booked a number of rooms for 6th and 7th and as a Secretariat will all be staying here.

For attendees who may wish to find alternative accommodation, we have teamed with HotelMap to provide a range of options to suit all budgets.Search here via HotelMap.

The Conference is pleased to welcome Virginia McVea, Chief Executive at the MCA, as a guest of honour, as well as Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner at the MCA to discuss the modernisation and future training requirements for the small vessel sector.

The programme is being developed but will include a panel discussion launching the BTA’s Good Practice Guide for Firefighting with Tugs, with SOSRep, Stephan Hennig, and expert firefighters, and a panel discussion on the UK Standard Conditions of Towage and Other Services (2024) the global standard for towage contracts. 

Confirmed speakers include:

• Virginia McVea – Chief Executive, MCA
• Joe O’Neill – Chief Executive, Belfast Harbour Commissioners
• Rhett Hatcher – Chief Executive, UK Chamber of Shipping
• Stephan Hennig – Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Intervention & Salvage (SoSRep)
• Ruud Plomp – Fire Expert, BlueTack
• Ajit Jacob – Chief Examiner, MCA
• More to follow…

6 May 2025

• 12:00 – Welcome and lunch at Royal Belfast Golf Club
• 13:30 – Tee times for golf
• 20:00 – Complimentary welcome dinner for golfers and attendees at AC Marriott Belfast.

7 May 2025

• 10:45 – BTA Annual General Meeting (members only, Belfast Harbour Commissioners)
• 11:45 – Conference Opens (Belfast Harbour Commissioners)
• 13:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 – Conference Reopens
• 17:30 – Conference Closes
• 19:00 – Drinks Reception (Titanic Museum, 6^th Floor)
• 20:00 – Dinner 
  
  Golf Competition for the Sir William Crosthwaite Cup 
  
  The BTA’s Annual Golf Competition, the Sir William Crosthwaite Cup, will take place the afternoon of 6 May at The Royal Belfast Golf Club. Royal Belfast’s Victorian Clubhouse, built in 1852, was awarded Clubhouse of the Year 2024 by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland. Situated on the shore of Belfast Lough, Royal Belfast Golf Club is one of only five golf courses in Ireland with Royal status and will provide all levels of golfer with a true test of golfing skill.  Members, associates and invited guests of the BTA will enjoy lunch from 1200 before tee times starting at 1330.
• For those not interested in Golf, there will the possibility of visiting the Titanic Experience at Titanic Belfast.
• Following the golf there will be a complimentary evening barbeque on the terrace at the AC Mariott Belfast hotel where golfers and attendees of the 90^th BTA AGM and Conference are encouraged to network. Wet weather contingency is also in place. 

Accommodation

Attendees are invited to reserve rooms at the AC Marriot Belfast right next to Belfast Harbour Commissioners via the Registration Link. We have block booked a number of rooms for 6th and 7th and as a Secretariat will all be staying here.

For attendees who may wish to find alternative accommodation, we have teamed with HotelMap to provide a range of options to suit all budgets.Search here via HotelMap.