Finnish Woman Succeeds Irishman As New Chair of European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)

10th November 2020

Annaleena Mäkilä is the new chair of ESPO where the position was previously held by Irishman, Eamonn O’Reilly, chief executive of the Dublin Port Company Credit: ESPO retweeted - Finnish Shipbrokers

A Finnish woman has unanimously been elected as Chair following a vote of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)'s General Assembly in Brussels, Belgium today.

Annaleena Mäkilä has been the Managing Director, CEO of the Finnish Ports Association since 2012. She succeeds Eamonn O’Reilly, who chaired the organisation during the last four years. Afloat adds O'Reilly was re-elected as chair of EPSO two years ago whilst also in the role of chief executive of the Dublin Port Company.

The General Assembly also elected Zeno D’Agostino and Daan Schalck as Vice-Chairs of the organisation. Mr D’Agostino, who is currently President of the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, starts a second term in that role. Mr Daan Schalck is CEO of North Sea Port.

Upon her election, Mrs Mäkilä said: “I am proud to be elected as Chair of this strong organisation and unique network of port professionals representing the common interests of all European ports. As economic players, ports in Europe will be facing challenging times. In this rapidly changing world, ports will need to readily respond to sudden changes and challenges.

“During the current crisis, ports have proven to be agile and resilient. Europe’s ports are in a unique position to play a positive role in achieving Europe’s ambitions for a Green Recovery. Being at the centre of different strategies, ports need a policy framework that allows them to play their role in line with the European goals.

"I look forward to working with the ESPO team, all ESPO members, as well as with Zeno and Daan in further promoting the importance of ports as engines of growth and recovery and defending our industry’s interests in Brussels.”

Another notable event today saw ESPO publish its Annual Report 2019-2020 as Afloat previously reported.The report outlines the activities of the organisation over the past year. A copy of the report can be found here.

At 6 pm (CET) today, ESPO will disclose the winner of the ESPO Award 2020 on Societal integration. Adina Vălean, European Transport Commissioner, will announce the winner in a dedicated virtual ceremony.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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