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CLECAT joined fellow European maritime and logistics associations at Porto Maritime Week last week to discuss the future of Europe’s ports and shipping sector. The event brought together representatives of CLECAT, FEPORT, ESPO, FONASBA, the European Shippers’ Council and ECSA. In the debates, CLECAT stressed that a port’s competitiveness depends on how reliably cargo can move through the port and onward to its destination.

CLECAT called for improved hinterland connectivity and the movement of cargo to receive greater attention as the Ports Strategy is put into practice. Better coordination between ports and inland networks, reliable connections and more efficient use of existing capacity are essential to keeping European supply chains competitive.

The discussions also addressed the review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). CLECAT supports the transition to lower-emission transport, but warned that the rules must take account of competition between EU and non-EU ports. If additional costs encourage shipping lines to move transhipment or calls outside the EU, cargo may take a different route without delivering the intended emissions reductions. Safeguards against such diversion, alongside investment in cleaner fuels and infrastructure, are therefore important for the competitiveness of European ports and the logistics chains they serve.

Security was another priority. The associations highlighted the threat posed by drug trafficking and criminal infiltration of legitimate supply chains. The European Ports Alliance provides a basis for cooperation between authorities and businesses, but effective action requires the involvement of the operators who handle cargo and information in practice. Security measures should support targeted controls and trusted information sharing while avoiding unnecessary disruption to lawful trade.

Finally, CLECAT drew attention to the need for simpler, better coordinated border procedures. The new Union Customs Code offers an opportunity to improve how customs data is shared and risks are assessed across the EU. Its implementation must reflect the realities of complex supply chains, including the role of freight forwarders and customs representatives, and clarify who supplies information and who is responsible for it. Together with better coordination of customs and other border checks, this will be vital to making European ports both secure and efficient.