Newsletters

CLECAT participated in the MedPorts Forum 2026 in Marseille, where port authorities, logistics operators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders discussed how ports can remain competitive, adaptable, and resilient in a rapidly changing economic and geopolitical environment. During the closing session moderated by    on "Hinterland Connectivity and Long-Term Port Resilience", CLECAT Director General Nicolette van der Jagt shared the perspective of European freight forwarders and logistics service providers, emphasising that port resilience today extends far beyond the port perimeter itself.

"Ports do not stop at the coastline anymore," she noted. "Their competitiveness increasingly depends on the strength of the logistics networks connected behind them."  From the freight forwarding perspective, three key enablers will determine the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Europe's ports.

The first is connectivity. While Europe continues to promote modal shift towards rail and inland waterways, significant operational challenges remain. Rail capacity is often constrained, cross-border services remain fragmented and inland logistics infrastructure is not always sufficiently developed. Greater investment in hinterland connections, inland terminals and dry ports is essential to ensure that cargo can move efficiently beyond the port gate. As highlighted during the discussion, ports are only as strong as their hinterland connections.

The second enabler is fluidity and reliability. In an increasingly volatile environment, customers value predictability as much as connectivity. Congestion, equipment shortages and delays can quickly undermine supply chain performance. Investments in cross-docking facilities, rail links between terminals, inland logistics hubs and efficient cargo evacuation systems can significantly improve operational fluidity. For freight forwarders, keeping cargo moving reliably throughout the supply chain is ultimately the most important measure of resilience.

The third enabler is digitalisation and fair access to infrastructure. Digital tools can greatly improve visibility, coordination and efficiency across supply chains, provided that systems remain interoperable and user-friendly. At the same time, access to inland terminals, multimodal infrastructure and empty container depots must remain fair and non-discriminatory to avoid unnecessary inefficiencies and support modal shift objectives.

In conclusion, port are more than their infrastructure. ¨Ports are built through resilient logistics ecosystems. Connectivity, fluidity and digital integration are becoming just as important as port infrastructure itself. Strengthening these three enablers will be essential to ensuring that Europe's ports remain competitive and capable of supporting resilient supply chains in the years ahead.

CLECAT thanks the team of the Port of Marseille-Fos and Med Ports Association for the warm hospitality.