Big investments required for next decade
The Espo Port Investments Study 2024, which was released at the European Sea Ports Organisation (Espo) Conference in Paris, highlights the EUR 80 billion investment needs for European ports over the next decade.
Prepared by Peter de Langen in collaboration with Espo, the study provides an extensive analysis of the investment pipeline and challenges facing 84 European port managing bodies that represent the continent's geographical and functional diversity.
A key finding shows investments in sustainability and energy transition as the second most important category for ports. The study underscores the expanding role of European port as they transform into hubs for sustainable energies, industry clusters, and the circular economy, while maintaining their traditional multimodal functions.
To achieve these goals, ports need European support, as many projects have high societal value but uncertain returns. Espo urges policymakers to recognise the strategic importance of ports and provide a robust support framework. (pb)