It was a great honour and privilege for me to be elected as President of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) in 2019. Serving in this capacity allowed me not only to represent inland ports across Europe but also to champion the cause of Danube inland shipping. As the Managing Director of the Port of Vienna, I brought with me a deep commitment to enhancing the vital role of inland ports in Europe’s logistics network and a passion for fostering greener and more sustainable practices within our industry.
The year 2019 marked the publication of EFIP’s ambitious strategy document, «Enablers of Green Logistics». This strategic framework underscored our commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly logistics solutions across the European inland port network. It highlighted key initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of inland ports, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the transition to greener logistics practices. The importance of this strategy cannot be overstated, as it positioned inland ports as crucial players in the European Green Deal.
In 2019, EFIP also celebrated a significant milestone – our 25th Anniversary. This momentous occasion was marked by a grand celebration at the historic Palais du Rhin in Strasbourg. The event brought together political stakeholders, members, and supporters from across Europe, reflecting on our achievements over the past quarter-century and looking ahead to the future. It was an occasion filled with insightful discussions, celebrations, and a renewed commitment to our shared goals.
Moreover, I was immensely proud of EFIP’s efforts in organising a showcase of clean inland vessels in the Port of Brussels. This event demonstrated the latest advancements in clean technology and underscored the importance of adopting innovative solutions to reduce emissions in inland shipping. The support from the European Union was instrumental in making this event a success and highlighted the pivotal role inland ports play in leading the greening of the transport sector.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, profoundly affecting our industry and necessitating a swift and adaptive response. During these challenging times, EFIP emphasised the importance of maintaining strong connections within our network through online events and digital platforms. These virtual engagements ensured that our members remained engaged and informed, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.
One notable initiative during this period was the Innovation Challenge organised jointly by EFIP and ThinkPort Vienna. This challenge encouraged creative and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges faced by inland ports, further solidifying our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
In the last few months of my tenure as President, the world witnessed the unprecedented and devastating invasion of Ukraine. This crisis sent shockwaves through our community as we stood in solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues, many of whom faced unimaginable hardships. EFIP responded swiftly and with determination, working tirelessly to support the establishment of “Solidarity Lanes” to aid Ukraine during this critical time. Our efforts were a testament to the strength and unity of our network, underscoring our commitment to supporting each other in times of crisis.
Reflecting on my tenure as President of EFIP from 2019 to 2022, I am immensely proud of the strides we made in promoting greener logistics, fostering innovation, and standing in solidarity during times of crisis. The collective efforts of our members and the unwavering support from our partners have positioned inland ports at the forefront of sustainable and resilient logistics in Europe. As I look back on these years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, and I am confident that EFIP will continue to lead the way in shaping the future of inland ports in Europe.
