As Afloat reported last month, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is to host their 18th edition of its Annual Conference in Valencia, Spain (2-3 June) and those intending to attend can now register.   

The theme of this year’s Conference, hosted by the Port of Valencia, is “Empowering Europe’s ports”. If you want to be part of this annual highlight of and for the European port industry, check out the programme at www.espo-conference.com, clear your agenda for these days and to register here. 

Europe’s ports are no longer operating in a societal, commercial, and geopolitical safe and stable environment as we have known during the last decades. The global health crisis we went through over the last two years and the war in Ukraine we are experiencing at the moment require ports to be agile and resilient at all times.

At the same time, challenged by the upcoming multipolar world, Europe is trying to achieve strategic autonomy, thereby safeguarding a stable trade and economic environment and ensuring the security of supply of critical raw materials and goods. With realities changing overnight, it becomes increasingly difficult to make long-term investment plans and strategies. This disruptive societal, commercial, and geopolitical environment comes also at a time where ports are setting course to realise Europe’s ambition and prepare for a carbon-neutral and digitally smart future.

How can ports prepare today for the world of tomorrow? Which role are Europe’s ports to play in the supply chains of tomorrow? How will the trade patterns evolve? How will the new energy landscape impact port infrastructure and spatial planning? Is the current energy crisis a catalyst of the green transition or a game stopper? In short, how to empower Europe’s ports and how can ports empower Europe’s economy and society? 

These are some of the questions to be addressed at the forthcoming ESPO Conference. As usual, the Conference will feature a series of top speakers and experts, but will also offer an excellent platform for discussions and exchanges between port professionals, port stakeholders, academics, and EU policy makers.

After more than two years, there is a strong need to catch up among port professionals and friends. A breakout session at the end of day one, as well as the usual conference dinner on 2 June will offer excellent opportunities for networking.

The ESPO Conference as well as the conference dinner will take place in the heart of the unique Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. All practical details are available at www.espo-conference.com

Reasons enough to book now for this annual highlight of the European port industry! Valencia is waiting for you!

Do not come alone! We have a special “family rate” for those coming with three or more from the same port, organisation or company.