In ten days’ time, we are all gathering in Bremen - are you?

22 May 2023

On 1 and 2 June, EU port managers, port stakeholders and partners, academics and EU policy makers are meeting in Bremen for the 19th edition of the Annual Conference of the European Sea Ports Organisation. Together with our host, bremenports, we are pulling out all the stops to make it again a not to be missed highlight of the European port industry.

Less than two weeks before the conference, we would like to update you on what to expect.

We are thrilled to confirm that MEP Tom Berendsen, freshly appointed rapporteur for the European Parliament’s own initiative report on a Europe Port Strategy has now decided to join us at the Conference and start the dialogue with ports in Bremen.

We would also like to inform you about our Speakers Corner at the ESPO Conference 2023. Indeed, we are setting up a free speech and questions corner with some selected speakers in the Pavilions of the ParkHotel.

The Pavilions of the ParkHotel, where you will find our "Speakers Corner".

For those who have never been to an ESPO Conference yet, or who have missed the news about the Bremen Conference 2023, here is a small recap.

The central theme of this year’s Conference is “Europe’s ports as partners in the race to net-zero”.

We kick off the Conference with inviting different experts to draw a picture of the economic, energy, and geopolitical landscape in which ports and their stakeholders operate and will move towards reaching the ambitions to become net-zero and remain competitive. This will be followed by a series of interesting sessions in which we will try to tackle the main questions all port managers and stakeholders have on their minds at the moment. 

The regulatory framework under which ports and the society and economy at large will have to move towards becoming fit for 55 is almost set, but how to implement the framework remains to be seen. At the same time, becoming net-zero opens new opportunities for new business and industry in Europe. Will Europe be able to become a global player for net-zero products and technologies? What does it mean for supply chains and ports? Can ports become the ideal location for these new industries? The energy and digital transition are on top of the agenda of each port, but what about the economic transition of ports? Are tons and ships still the main drivers of port business?  Who are the new partners of the port?

An ESPO Conference must not only be a forum for big speeches, but must also bring concrete answers to problems and ready-to-use solutions for port managers. For that purpose, we have set up a Pop-Up Port Academy in the afternoon of day one during which we seek concrete answers on three questions: How to make a port masterplan and/or develop a strategy for the future in an ever-changing world? Who will be “fueling” the future ports? What is the role of ports in fueling the future? 

The ESPO Conference is taking place in the magnificent heritage listed ParkHotel in Bremen. The Conference Gala Dinner will be held in the prestigious Upper Hall of the Bremen town hall.

You can find the programme and all details about the conference on the conference website. So if interested, just click through and register for the ESPO Conference 2023. You can book the conference hotel (only a few rooms left) or an alternative hotel through the registration booking form. This year again, we are offering a special rate if three or more people from your port, organisation or company are attending the event.

If you encounter difficulties with your registrations or have any practical questions, do not hesitate to contact us at .

Book now or regret later!

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