HOUSTON, TX, July 29, 2025 — Port Houston, host of the 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25), is thrilled to announce Captain Richard Phillips as a featured guest speaker at this year’s event. Best known worldwide for his courageous stand during a harrowing hostage situation and the acclaimed film based on his story, Captain Phillips will share his unforgettable experience with attendees at the November 2-5 event at Hilton Americas in downtown Houston.
Houston’s port is ranked number one in the nation for waterborne tonnage, and is the leading hub for energy cargo, the top gateway for steel, and home to the fifth-largest container port in the U.S. Each fall Port Houston brings together global maritime and energy leaders at HIMC to tackle the future of trade, energy, and supply chain logistics. Now in its fourth year, HIMC25 will engage with top experts on critical topics such as global and local market trends, supply chain fluidity and resilience, maritime shipping, shifts in petrochemical and energy markets, and maritime workforce development, among other topics.
Captain Phillips will share his story the morning of Tuesday, November 4. In 2009, Captain Phillips became an international symbol of bravery when Somali pirates took him hostage aboard the Maersk Alabama. His selfless leadership and quick thinking over five tense days and his dramatic rescue by U.S. Navy SEALs showcase the real-life challenges and complexities maritime professionals face every day.
“Captain Phillips’ story delivers a powerful message about leadership, courage, and quick decision-making in the face of intense challenges,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “His experience resonates deeply with today’s maritime and energy leaders and perfectly aligns with HIMC25’s focus on global trade and the evolving complexities of the supply chain.”
Registration for HIMC25 is open and Early Bird pricing of $475 per ticket is available until August 31, 2025. Regular pricing of $575 takes effect on September 1, 2025. Brand-visibility and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Buy tickets or learn more at www.porthouston.com/himc.
About Port Houston
For more than 100 years, Port Houston has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Channel. The Houston Ship Channel complex and its more than 200 private and eight public terminals is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. The Port of Houston supports 1.54 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the website at www.porthouston.com
