European ports organizations partner

European ports organizations partner The European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) and the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) have launched a cooperative forum called the Platform of European Sea and Inland Ports, designed to shape EU maritime policy and improve the wider public image of ports.
   Under the scope of the agreement EFIP and ESPO will keep their own identities, but will express opinions in common whenever they can.
   “The fact that we will soon see the results of the ongoing consultations on EU port and maritime policy, the latest initiatives in the inland waterway and rail sectors underline the need to have a stronger representation of port authorities in Brussels,” said ESPO Chairman Giuliano Gallanti.
   EFIP President Willy Robijns said: “We hope this initiative will contribute to the development of a more sustainable and efficient transport system in Europe by supporting environmental-friendly modes of transport such as short-sea shipping, inland waterways and rail.
   “With this platform, we also intend to strengthen the role of maritime and inland ports as essential nodal points in the transport chain. Coastal and inland port authorities are increasingly confronted with a common agenda at EU level which will be addressed under the umbrella of the platform whenever possible.”