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CLECAT issued a press release this week following the European Commission’s publication of the EU Ports Strategy. The strategy acknowledges that ports are increasingly evolving into multifunctional hubs supporting logistics operations, the energy transition, industrial activity and supply chain security. The strategy provides an important framework to address these challenges and reflects the growing importance of ports for Europe’s economic security and global trade position. CLECAT broadly welcomes this vision, while noting that its success will depend on effective implementation and close coordination between Member States, port authorities and the wider logistics ecosystem.

Freight forwarders play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of supply chains moving through European ports every day. CLECAT therefore welcomes the strategy’s focus on strengthening connections between ports and their hinterland, including improved multimodal transport options.

Maintaining the global competitiveness of European ports will require careful implementation of regulatory measures and investment policies. While vertical integration can bring efficiencies across supply chains, it remains essential that the evolving port landscape continues to guarantee open access and fair competition. Attention should therefore be given to avoiding situations where integrated operators could restrict competitors’ access to infrastructure, services or customers.

The extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to maritime transport is already influencing the competitive position of European ports and supply chains. The upcoming review of the EU ETS, alongside the implementation of the FuelEU Maritime framework, will therefore need to carefully assess the broader implications for Europe’s maritime connectivity and the potential risk of cargo diversion to non-EU transhipment hubs.

Recent geopolitical developments also underline the importance of resilient and secure logistics networks. European ports face growing challenges related to organised crime, cyber threats and geopolitical disruptions affecting global trade routes. Initiatives such as enhanced cooperation within the European Ports Alliance and the development of an EU framework for background checks for port workers represent important steps, provided that security measures are implemented in a coordinated and proportionate manner that avoids operational disruptions.

CLECAT looks forward to continuing dialogue with the European Commission, Member States and port stakeholders to ensure that the strategy is translated into practical and effective measures. “The strategy provides an important framework,” said Nicolette van der Jagt. “The next step is ensuring that ports, logistics providers, authorities and industry work together to translate this vision into operational reality.”