NET-ZERO, RESILIENT AND COMPETITIVE PORTS: ACTING NOW TO DELIVER TOMORROW
We are delighted to welcome you on 25 and 26 April in the heart of Paris for the 20th edition of the Annual Conference of the European Sea Ports Organisation. This year’s conference will be organised together with Union des Ports de France, our host of this truly special, Olympic edition. The conference will take place at Comet Bourse, a state-of-the-art conference venue in the city’s 2nd Arrondissement.
Also, in 2024, the new normal will most likely be defined by disruption, geo-economic and geo-political tensions leading to more frequent disruptions to supply chains, greater volatility on the energy markets and a fiercer international competition. Adding to this, the need to act and progress on the ambitions and concrete policies that Europe has put in place over the last five years, it is clear there is a lot to discuss. So, reasons enough for the European port community to gather in Paris, for ports and port stakeholders to put their heads together and share knowledge, try to take stock and pave together the way towards a sustainable, resilient, smart and more competitive Europe, in which ports are playing more than ever a critical and strategic role.
So, what have we planned for you?
On the first day of the conference, delegates will hear from experts about the geopolitical, economic and energy perspectives for Europe’s ports. After these scene-setting presentations, three port academics will discuss how they view the future of ports in this world in transition. This will be followed by an out-of-the-box presentation on how ports could increasingly be the resource for the city. The floor will then be given to some port CEOs to comment.
In the afternoon of day one, we will focus on implementation. Coming towards the end of the five-year European political cycle and preparing for a new Commission and Parliament, we want to take stock of what has been agreed over the last years, and what needs to be done to support the implementation of Europe’s policy and legislative initiatives in the most effective way.
Be it on meeting the hydrogen production and import targets, on defining the role of ports when it comes to carbon capture and storage, on the implementation of the EU-ETS maritime, or on corporate sustainable reporting and due diligence, experts will explain where we stand and which challenges are to be faced to make it happen. Ports will share their experiences. The final presentation on day one will introduce the participants in the world of Artificial Intelligence, who knows, maybe the biggest gamechanger after all.
On day two of the conference, we will talk about investments. What is the investment outlook of Europe’s ports? Which categories of investments prevail for the next ten years? What are the total investment needs of European ports? The new ESPO Port Investments Study will offer a detailed insight in these questions. Secondly, we will focus on how all these investments can actually be financed. What is the role of banks in financing sustainable port projects? What is CINEA's experience when it comes to ports' projects ? What has the Commission in mind for ports and port investments when it comes to preparing the new Connecting Europe Facility?
We continue the morning discussions looking at how to strengthen the resilience of ports given their strategic character, while at the same time support them further in their role as Europe’s main commercial door to the world.
As usual, we will end the conference with a political debate, where we will take stock of the last five years and look at the priorities ahead. Speeding up on decarbonisation, enhancing resilience, strengthening competitiveness - how best to make this happen?
We already have an interesting line-up of confirmed speakers and more are yet to come. So, also this year’s ESPO Conference will combine eye-opening speeches and contributions with more hands-on practical sessions, and fruitful discussions between ports, port stakeholders and policy makers.
But also this year, we do not end a Conference day with the last speech. On the evening of 25 April, our hosts, the Union des Ports de France, invites us for an exquisite conference dinner in the Musée des Arts Forains at the Pavillons de Bercy, a venue worth a fairytale.
So, many reasons to register now for the Conference, book your hotel and start preparing to join us in Paris! We are happy to share with you a list of recommended hotels in the typical Parisian style, in different price categories, all centrally located, at walking distance of the venue, Comet bourse. Since we are just a couple of months away from the Olympics, Paris is getting very busy. So do not wait to secure your accommodation!
PROGRAMME
Please find below the detailed programme and speakers.
25 April
08:30 | REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE |
09:00 | Moderator of the opening sessions: Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General, ESPO OPENING SESSION Welcome Jean-Pierre Chalus, President, Union des Ports de France Zeno D'Agostino, Chair, ESPO |
09:15 | KEYNOTE ADDRESS Patrice Vergriete, French Minister of Transport |
09:30 | GEOPOLITICAL OUTLOOK Martin Quencez, Managing Director, Risk and Strategy, German Marshall Fund of the United States Q&A |
10:00 | MACRO-ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR PORTS Tim Power, Managing Director, Drewry Q&A |
10:30 | ENERGY OUTLOOK Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, UK & Ireland, Energy Systems, DNV Q&A |
11:00 | COFFEE BREAK |
11:30 | Moderator of the day: Charlotte Kan, Journalist, master of Ceremonies, moderator PORTS AS RESOURCE FOR THE CITY Birgit Liodden, CEO, The Ocean opportunity lab |
11:50 | THE ACADEMIC ROUNDTABLE: PORTS IN TRANSITION Fireside chat between: Theo Notteboom, Chair Professor, Maritime Institute of Ghent University Thanos Pallis, Professor of Ports and Shipping Economics and Policy, Department of Maritime Studies,University of Piraeus, Greece Indra Vonck, Professor, University of Brussels, and Partner, MTBS |
12:30 | LUNCH |
13:45 | THE PORT BUSINESS DEBATE Daan Schalck, CEO, North Sea Port Hervé Martel, CEO, Port of Marseille Fos Jens Meier, CEO, Hamburg Port Authority Ville Haapasaari, CEO, Port of Helsinki Ltd Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group |
14:30 | THE IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGE: TIME TO ACT Mirela Atanasiu, Executive Director ad Interim, Clean Hydrogen Partnership: How to achieve the EU hydrogen production and import goals: what is the role of ports? Michal Wendolowski, Senior Climate Technology and Policy Manager (CEE), Bellona Europe: Carbon Capture and Storage: Ports as intermediary between CO2 emitters and storage Jan-Frederik Konerding, Partner, KPMG: The Corporate Sustainable Reporting and the Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive Due Diligence: how to translate it to the port ecosystem? Michiel Verduijn, Senior Economist, Royal HaskoningDHV: ETS-EU maritime: What is the impact on European transshipment and use of alternative fuels? |
15:45 | COFFEE BREAK |
16:15 | REACTION OF THE PORTS Tomasz Braun, Head of Strategy, Port of Gdansk Authority Capt David Bugeja, Chief Officer, Office of the Chairman & CEO, Transport Malta (TM) Algis Latakas, CEO, Port of Klaipeda Pino Musolino, President of Civitavecchia Port and President, MEDPorts Association |
16:45 | IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A TIME AND COST SAVER, A SECURITY AND EFFICIENCY TOOL FOR PORTS OR A RISK FOR SOCIETY? Alain Goossens, Managing Partner BE-Wallonia, Sparkle NV |
17.15 | END OF CONFERENCE DAY 1 |
19:30 | CONFERENCE GALA DINNER Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillons de Bercy - 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris France |
26 April
08:45 | Moderator of the day: Anna Gumbau, journalist and event moderator WELCOME COFFEE |
09:00 | MORNING CHAT WITH THE BRITISH PORTS Richard Ballantyne, CEO, British Ports Association |
09:15 | ROLE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN FINANCING SUSTAINABLE PORT PROJECTS Arash Mojabi, UK Lead - Sustainable Finance, ING |
09:35 | THE INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR EUROPE'S PORTS Presentation of the ESPO study “Port investment needs of European ports” by Peter de Langen, Principal consultant & owner, Ports & Logistics Advisory |
10:00 | Followed by a debate with Benoît Rochet, CEO, Port Boulogne Calais Vivienne de Leeuw, CFO, Port of Rotterdam Dr. Enrique Belda Esplugues, General Manager, Port of Valencia Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO, Port of Riga |
10:40 | COFFEE BREAK |
11:10 | FOREIGN INVESTMENTS INTO EUROPEAN PORTS: NEW CONTROL MECHANISMS? Presentation by Damien Levie, Head of Unit FDI screening, DG TRADE Q&A |
11:35 | PORTS IN EUROPE'S TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY: THE WAY FORWARD Herald Ruijters, Deputy Director of DG MOVE, European Commission Q&A |
12:00 | END OF A PARLIAMENTARY MANDATE -THE BIG POLICY DEBATE Karima Delli, MEP and Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, European Parliament Herald Ruijters, Deputy Director of DG MOVE, European Commission Luís Cacho, President, Ports of Sines and the Algarve (APS) Stéphane Raison, CEO, HAROPA Port Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges |
12:50 | CLOSING OF THE ESPO CONFERENCE 2024 Zeno D'Agostino, Chair, ESPO |
12:55 | ANNOUNCEMENT ESPO CONFERENCE 2025 |
13:00 | END OF THE CONFERENCE AND DEPARTURE OF BOAT TOUR |
14:30 | BEGINNING OF BOAT TOUR |
16:30 | END OF BOAT TOUR |
Speakers
ESPO CONFERENCE 2024 - 25 AND 26 APRIL
REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee is 530€ + 10% Value Added Tax (VAT).
GROUP REGISTRATION
This year we're introducing a discount for companies, organisations or ports sending more than two delegates to the conference. To streamline the process, we ask that one person from each port authority or company takes responsibility for coordinating the group registration.
Family Pack Offer:
- 3 Tickets: €1500
- 4 Tickets: €2000
- 5 Tickets: €2500
ABOUT UNION DES PORTS DE FRANCE (UPF)
Union des Ports de France is the trade association of French commercial and fishing ports, as well as fishing auctions, in mainland and overseas France. It brings together 47 active members, port authorities and managing bodies, and has 3 missions: Represent French ports in sectoral social dialogue ; Defend the interests of French ports vis-à-vis national authorities and European authorities notably within ESPO, as well as in the media ; Lead networks of best practices and exchange of experiences.
Click here to watch the video of UPF.
ABOUT THE VENUES
The conference room - Comet Bourse
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable conference experience! ESPO, in collaboration with the host, Union des Ports de France, has succeeded in developing an engaging programme that seamlessly integrates insightful speakers who will broaden the field of knowledge with the practical expertise of port professionals. All these exciting discussions will take place in the sophisticated meeting room of the Comet Bourse, located in the heart of the second arrondissement of Paris, in the centre of the city and on the right bank of the River Seine. The Comet Bourse offers everything you could expect from a 2024 venue, while reminding you in many ways that you are in the heart of the French capital. Moreover, when walking out, you are in the heart of the city and will be able to experience life as a Parisian!
Address: 35 rue Saint-Marc 75002 Paris - Maps
The dinner - Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillons de Bercy
ESPO conferences are a unique opportunity to forge valuable links between ports. They also go beyond the ordinary. And after a day of intense reflection on the challenges and issues facing ports, it's time to relax a little. This year, the Conference Gala Dinner will be held in the Musée des Arts Forains, at the Pavillons de Bercy. Les Pavillons de Bercy are a peaceful haven in Paris (12th arrondissement) as well as an historical and cultural setting dedicated to dreams and entertainment : a magic recipe for a convivial gala dinner. This historic building, designed at the end of the 19th century by one of Gustave Eiffel's pupils, recreates the atmosphere of the Salon-Carrousel of past centuries. Today it houses a replica of an old funfair, with merry-go-rounds and attractions. This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable setting for the ESPO Conference Dinner. All the more reason to come to the ESPO Conference!
Address: 53 avenue des Terroirs de France 75012 Paris - Maps
HOW TO REACH THE VENUES
There are no shuttles foreseen between the hotels, the conference and the dinner venues. Members, delegates and participants will however be assisted by the organisers in finding their way to the venue.
The Conference room - Comet Bourse
The Conference room - Comet Bourse, is located 35 rue Saint-Marc, 75002 Paris.
If you're taking the Metro, the following stations are conveniently within walking distance of the venue:
Pyramides : Line 14 (automatic line)
Bourse: Line 3
Quatre Septembre: Line 3
Richelieu Drouot: Lines 8 & 9
If you're arriving by car, you can use the parking facility:
The dinner - Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillons de Bercy
From the Comet Bourse, take the metro 14 to Olympiades.
Get off at Cour Saint Emilion.
BOAT TOUR
To conclude the two days of conference, all participants are invited to enjoy a boat tour on the Seine river following the route which will be taken during the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This exclusive tour on the Henri IV boat from CANAUXRAMA is kindly offered by HAROPA PORT. The tour will depart at 14:30 and end at 16:30. Boarding and disembarkation will take place at "Vedettes du Pont Neuf", close to the "Square du vert Galant", from where participants leaving Paris can directly go to the airport or train stations. Transfer of luggage from the conference venue to the Port will be arranged. Below you will find the directions to the airports and train stations.
To Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG):
From Pont Neuf Metro Station, take the metro to Châtelet. Switch to the RER B train toward Aeroport Charles de Gaulle (check with screens at quays the train stops at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport before getting in ).
To Orly Airport (ORY):
From Pont Neuf Metro Station, take the metro to Châtelet. Switch to the RER B train South direction (check with screens at quays the train stop at Anthony before getting in and change at Antony for Orlyval).
To Gare du Nord (Main Train Station for Eurostar and Thalys):
Take the metro from Pont Neuf to Châtelet. Switch to the RER D train / or RER B train North direction (all RER trains stop in Paris stations).
USEFUL LINKS:
Please note that buses and taxis have dedicated lanes to circulate.
ACCOMMODATION
Below is a selection of hotels, all within walking distance of the conference venue.
Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel
Mercure Paris Opera Louvre
- Address: 95 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, France
- Website: Mercure Paris Opera Louvre
Hotel 34B
- Address: 34 Rue Bergère, 75009 Paris, France
L'Horset Opéra
La Maison Favart
- Address: 5 Rue de Marivaux, 75002 Paris, France
Hôtel Square Louvois
This is another typical Parisian hotel, which combines French classicism with modern elements. Modernism with authenticity. There is an honesty bar where you can buy a drink. There is a small swimming pool under stone vaulting.
Lyric Hotel Paris Opéra
Hôtel George
For those
of you liking colours, be surprised by the cheerful decoration of the lobby of
the Hotel George, another Astotel, and benefit from the all day around free
mini bar for soft drinks and coffee. Good price quality.
Hotel La Tamise
We can recommend you the Hotel La Tamise and Hotel Brighton which are
two very nice Esprit de France hotels, offering a high level of hospitality.
Hotel La Tamise became already a hotel in 1878 and was in the seventies an
important hotel for the fashion beau monde welcoming mannequins like Twiggy..
Hôtel Brighton
Ideally located on Rue de Rivoli opposite the Jardin des Tuileries, Hotel Brighton is greeted its guests with a mosaic set under arcades lined with marble columns, The architecture is a testament to the building’s rich past. The same splendor can be admired in the bedrooms, decorated with original paintings and engravings – mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Room with a view means something here.
Hôtel Gramont
If you like theatre or shopping, we suggest you stay in the Hôtel Gramont, a 19th-century establishment located 700 metres from the Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette.
Hôtel Astra Opéra
The Astra Opéra Hotel welcomes you in the heart of Paris, situated between the Garnier Opéra and Place de la Madeleine. This elegant establishment offers a glass-roofed bar and chic accommodations.
Hôtel Le 123 Sébastopol
Situated in the vibrant 2nd District of Paris, this charming museum has a cinema-inspired decor and welcomes guests with a delightful stay and delicious breakfast offerings. It is conveniently located just 1.5km from the renowned Louvre Museum.
Hôtel Joyce
Situated in the 9th District, Hôtel Joyce is just 600m away from La Cigale Concert Hall and 1.1km from Opéra Garnier. The rooms are filled with charming little touches that enhance the cozy atmosphere of the place.
Hôtel Monterosa
The Hôtel Monterosa is situated within a 10-minute walk from the Galeries Lafayette and 5 minutes away from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, offering modern accommodations. Conveniently positioned, the Monterosa Hotel provides an inviting breakfast room and a blossoming ambiance.
We recommend securing your reservation promptly, as prices may increase.
WHAT TO DO IN PARIS
As the weather warms, Paris in April comes alive with spring flowers, and Parisians are heading outdoors. They enjoy the parks and gardens or get some sun in a café. 'April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom, holiday tables under the trees' - as eloquently sung by Ella Fitzgerald - encapsulates the perfect time to take a walk in a park, embracing the charm of the city during this delightful season.
If you are planning on staying in Paris for the weekend, follow our tips below to discover what is going on, explore the city’s rich cuisine, captivating architecture, vibrant culture, and its bustling shopping districts!
You will find in the vibrant and bustling 2eme arrondissement, also know as “Arrondissement de la Bourse” a lot of places of interest, offering its multiples sides, business, chic and popular :
- Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Site de Richelieu : Visit the Salle Ovale and the Musée
- Palais Brongniart, ex Paris Stock Exchange
- Place des
Victoires : one of the 5 Royal Squares in Paris, offering a glimpse of
Paris’ rich architectural heritage.
- Grand Rex : the Grand
Rex is not just a cinema; it's an architectural masterpiece designed in
the Art Deco style. Movie are projected in the Great Hall
(Grande Salle).
- Historic passages, galeries and covered arcades : Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, Passage
du Grand Cerf, Passage Choiseul.
- Shopping and foodies areas : Rue Montorgueil, Rue Etienne Marcel, Rue Tiquetonne, Rue Bachaumont, Rue du Nil,…
If you want to explore other areas in Paris, its culture and cuisine, follow our advice below:
Paris is an open-air museum. It would take a lifetime to discover all the secrets of Paris' museums and monuments, as every street has at least one worth visiting. Spring is the ideal time to wander the streets of Paris and admire its emblematic monuments and architecture, both historic and modern. Discover more about Paris's rich tapestry of history, culture, and enchanting landmarks here.
What should you eat and drink while in Paris? French culture is closely linked to food and wine, so the answer to this question is as important as the things to see and do when you visit Paris. Dining on escargots and fresh bread, having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower and eating in a street café are all essential Parisian experiences. Click here for an overview of the best restaurants, cafés and specialities not to be missed.
Do you perhaps prefer shopping? In Paris you will find the main national and international brands in the city’s shopping centre and shopping areas, but you’ll also find small shops from Paris designers, craft workshops, and vintage shops. Click here to see where to go shopping.
On another note, the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games is on! From 26 July 2024, Paris will be hosting the world's biggest sporting event: the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Various events grouped together under the Cultural Olympiad banner highlight the close ties between culture and sport. Find out more here.
Useful links:
- Good tips: Sortir à Paris; LeBonbon.fr; Timeout.com
EVENTS AND EXHIBITION NOT TO BE MISSED
- 150 years ago, on April 15, 1874, the first impressionist exhibition opened in Paris. “Hungry for independence”, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley and Cézanne finally decided to free themselves from the rules by holding their own exhibition, outside official channels: impressionism was born. To celebrate this anniversary, Musée d’Orsay is presenting some 130 works and bringing a fresh eye to bear on this key date, regarded as the day that launched the avant-gardes. Discover the exhibition "Paris 1874 - Inventing impressionism" here.
- He left his mark on the history of art with his original and fascinating sculptures: the Centre Pompidou is dedicating an exhibition to the artist Constantin Brancusi, from 27 March to 1 July 2024. More information here.
- The choreographer Josépha Madoki – to whom we owe ‘Romeo and Juliette’ at the Opéra national de Paris and ‘Starmania’ at the Seine Musicale – is taking over the majestic nave of the Musée d’Orsay avec D.I.S.C.O. Presented in a shorter version, this creation establishes a connection between waacking – an Afro-American dance style originating in gay clubs in the U.S. – and the sculptures on display in the nave of the museum. Two performances are scheduled: April 26 and 27, 2024. For more information, click here.
- The Olympic Exhibition, sport and urban cultures at SPOT24 is one of the most keenly awaited events of the year 2024. Curated by François Gautret, who was also behind the ‘Hip-Hop 360’ exhibition at the Philharmonie de Paris, it places the spotlight on the six recent and new sports on the Paris 2024 Games programme: BMX freestyle, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, 3x3 basketball and breaking. The exhibition shows how these sports are closely linked to urban cultures. Click here to find out more.
For other events taking place in Paris in April, check this page.
More information on tourism can be found on the website of the city of Paris.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Please refer to the list below according to the topic of your question:
E-mail: chiara.mantovano@espo.be
On the programme: Isabelle Ryckbost
Email: isabelle.ryckbost@espo.be
www.espo.be
E-mail: mathilde.pollet@port.fr
website: www.port.fr
E-mail: j.ybert@ilago.eu
Contact
Please refer to the list below according to the topic of your question:
- Questions related to your registration: j.ybert@ilago.eu
- Questions related to the programme: Isabelle.ryckbost@espo.be
- Other questions and logistics: chiara.mantovano@espo.be