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Icelandic Ports Become Full Member of European Sea Ports Organisation

11th November 2026
At today’s ESPO’s General Assembly were Gerardo Landaluce, Isabelle Ryckbost (ESPO’s Secretary General), Gunnar Tryggvason (CEO of Ports of Faxaflói and Board Member of the Icelandic Ports Association), Ansis Zeltiņš and Cedric Virciglio.
At today’s ESPO’s General Assembly were Gerardo Landaluce, Isabelle Ryckbost (ESPO’s Secretary General), Gunnar Tryggvason (CEO of Ports of Faxaflói and Board Member of the Icelandic Ports Association), Ansis Zeltiņš and Cedric Virciglio. Credit: ESPO

The Icelandic Association of Ports has become a full member of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), following the formal approval of its membership by ESPO’s General Assembly, which was welcomed by organisation today.  

Previously an observer member of ESPO, the Icelandic Association of Ports has decided to strengthen its engagement within the organisation by becoming a full member. The application, unanimously approved by the Association’s Board on 29 May 2026, was warmly welcomed by ESPO’s Executive Committee and has now been formally endorsed by the General Assembly.

As a full member, the Icelandic Association of Ports will enjoy full membership rights and participate actively in ESPO’s work and decision-making as an independent lobby for seaport interests.

Mr. Gunnar Tryggvason, CEO of Ports of Faxaflói and Board Member of the Icelandic Ports Association, has been appointed as the Association’s representative on ESPO’s Executive Committee.

He stated that "full membership of ESPO is an important step for Iceland’s ports, building on many years of valued cooperation. For an island nation, ports are essential to everyday life, connecting our communities and businesses with the wider world. Through the Icelandic Ports Association, we look forward to bringing our North Atlantic perspective to ESPO’s work, learning from fellow ports and advancing our shared ambitions for sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.”

ESPO has warmly welcomed its new full member, further strengthening the representation of European ports and reinforcing cooperation, knowledge exchange, and a common voice for ports across Europe.

Published in Ports & Shipping
Jehan Ashmore

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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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