Thank you to all our speakers and guests!
On 9 April 2025, FEPORT organised its Eighth Stakeholders’ Conference under the theme “Ports Ahead: Navigating the Future EU Maritime Industrial Strategy.” Gathering industry leaders, policymakers, experts and stakeholders, the conference provided a timely opportunity to reflect on the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the port and maritime sector.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and environmental imperatives, participants explored how European ports can strengthen their competitiveness, resilience, and strategic role in the evolving global context.
A central message from the discussions was that ports are at the heart of Europe’s economic model and remain vital enablers of trade, industrial activity, energy transition, and, increasingly, military mobility.
Speakers highlighted the need to support ports through stable regulatory frameworks, strategic investments, and coherent policies that help the sector adapt to the twin green and digital transitions while preserving Europe's global competitiveness.
In this regard, the role of private investors, including foreign ones, remains fundamental in sustaining and modernising European ports, and policies should seek to maintain an open, attractive investment environment while addressing security concerns where necessary.
The importance of resilience featured prominently throughout the conference. In a context of disrupted supply chains, shifting trade patterns, and new security threats, participants called for a balanced approach that promotes infrastructure resilience, cyber security, strategic autonomy, and diversified energy and supply routes. Several interventions stressed that future initiatives — including the forthcoming EU Ports Strategy and Maritime Industrial Strategy — must fully recognise ports as critical infrastructure essential to Europe's broader economic and security interests.
Energy transition was another major topic of debate. The shift towards clean energy sources, the need for greater electrification of port operations, the deployment of alternative fuels, and the scaling up of offshore renewables were identified as key areas requiring urgent support. Ports are not only gateways for goods but are becoming industrial energy hubs, and their role will be central in achieving Europe’s climate neutrality and energy sovereignty objectives. However, participants also warned of the need to ensure that environmental ambitions are matched with adequate funding, simplified permitting procedures, and pragmatic timelines for implementation.
The conference also addressed the importance of ensuring that the competitiveness of the European port and maritime sectors is preserved while advancing sustainability goals.
In this regard, calls were made for a more strategic and coordinated European approach that leverages the strengths of the maritime cluster, supports innovation, and strengthens the skills base needed for the future. Stakeholders highlighted that partnerships with like-minded regions, fair competition at global level, and coherent EU external action will be key to ensuring that European ports and industries continue to thrive in a more complex and competitive world.
Through lively exchanges and high-level interventions, the Eighth Stakeholders' Conference confirmed that the challenges ahead are considerable, but so are the opportunities. With continued dialogue, close cooperation between the private sector and policymakers, and a focus on long-term competitiveness and resilience, the European port and maritime sectors are well placed to navigate the transformations ahead and to continue playing a central role in Europe's prosperity and strategic autonomy.
You can have access to the full version of the report here.
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