Strengthening Voice of European Cruise, Ferry Port Sector

Published Sep 18, 2014 12:33 PM by The Maritime Executive

Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of CLIA Europe and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, spoke in Barcelona, Spain this week on the state of the cruise industry in Europe and the Mediterranean. Mr. Vago addressed shipbuilding and greener ships, passenger safety, and the changing demographics of the industry’s clientele. He also focused on the urgent need in Europe and, especially in the Mediterranean, to work better with ports and port associations for the benefit of all.

Mr. Vago’s speech also set the tone for a panel discussion, which included top cruise industry leaders including Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis, CEO, Louis Cruises; David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK; Adam Goldstein , President & COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited and Jorge Vilches, President & CEO, Pullmantur Cruises.

The European Sea Ports Organisation also released an important communications, which acknowledges industry and port and port association cooperation.

“This initiative is a clear mark of cruise ports commitment and investment in effective alliances. It is also a major step for improving the representation of cruise ports. Sharing knowledge and expertise port associations will advance cruise ports interests and best practices the finest way possible. They will also provide meaningful input in discussions with policy makers and stakeholders. MedCruise is looking forward to a strategic collaboration serving the prospects and the sustainable growth of the cruise sector" says Stavros Hatzakos, MedCruise President.

Following the strategic cooperation agreement signed by ESPO, Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise today, the organisations decided that:

- ESPO will intensify its efforts as the official voice of the European Cruise and Ferry Port sector towards the European institutions.

- A Cruise and Passenger port network would be set up within ESPO that would bring together Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise and representatives of Cruise and Ferry port authorities. The network is to be seen as the continuation of the ESPO passenger committee. This network will meet regularly to discuss the latest developments at EU policy level relevant to the Cruise and Ferry Port sector and will define which interests should be defended.

- ESPO will engage when needed in a constructive debate with the associations representing cruise lines and other stakeholders involved in the cruise or ferry sector and investigate potential collaborative synergies.

- ESPO will develop a Code of Good Practice for EU cruise and ferry ports together with Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise. The network will build on the work of the ESPO passenger committee towards this direction and will bring this a step further using the expertise of the participating cruise associations.