Two Irish ports are among those that have been shortlisted for the 18th European Sea Port Organisation (ESPO) Award on Societal Integration of Ports.
They are in (alphabetical order) the Port of Cork, Dublin Port Company, along with the Icelandic Port of Reykjavik, and in Spain, the Port of Tarragona.
An independent jury of experts, chaired by former ESPO Chair Eamonn O’Reilly, selected the four projects from a total of eleven submissions.
This year’s award focuses on “Dual-Use Port-City Projects”, recognising port managing bodies that have developed infrastructure and spaces that serve their primary port functions while also creating opportunities for use by the city, either simultaneously or at different times.
Eamonn O'Reilly, Chairman of the Jury, stated that "In 2010, ESPO published the Code of Practice on Societal Integration of Ports, and, with the ESPO Award still in its infancy, an important journey began in our industry. Europe’s ports meet the needs of society in many ways beyond their core function of facilitating trade and travel and supporting major industries. Responding to the wider contribution they must make to society is, nowadays, central to port strategies across Europe."
He added, "This year’s theme for the ESPO Award showcases how ports contribute to the built and lived environment at the port-city interface and has attracted eleven excellent examples of how ports in very different situations have responded to this shared challenge. All of this year’s entries offer valuable insights into innovative approaches and, together, create a valuable resource to inspire other ports across Europe.”
The ESPO Award 2026 will be presented during the annual ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner on 10 November at the Vanhaerents Art Collection in Brussels.
In the run-up to the ceremony, ESPO will introduce each of the four shortlisted projects on its website. A special booklet showcasing all eleven submissions will also be released on 10 November.
