The Shortsea Promotion Centre Greece (SPC Greece) has assumed the presidency of the European Shortsea Network (ESN).
The ESN is the European platform for cooperation, promotion, and development of shortsea shipping, which handles approximately 60% of intra-European trade, amounting to around 1.79 billion tonnes of cargo annually. It constitutes one of the European Union’s key pillars for the systematic shift of transport flows from road corridors to maritime routes, helping to reduce road congestion, decrease accidents, and provide more environmentally friendly transport services.
Under the umbrella of the ESN operate 13 national Shortsea Promotion Centres, located in:
Italy, Spain, Germany, Norway, Finland, Turkey, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Malta, Croatia, Cyprus, and Greece.
SPC Greece, one of the founding members of the ESN, was established in 1998 and has hosted the Permanent Secretariat of the European Network since 2020.
The new presidential term began on 1 January 2025.
SPC Greece is responsible for monitoring and implementing EU decisions related to shortsea shipping at both national and European level, operating under the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA).
The Greek centre has already assumed the presidency of the European Network twice in the past, each time contributing to its strengthening. In addition, together with the Spanish Shortsea Promotion Centre, it represents the Network at the European Sustainable Shipping Forum.
Commenting on the development, Charalambos Simantonis, President of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association, stated:
“We are particularly pleased that the European shortsea shipping community has entrusted us with the presidency and effectively the coordination of its activities during a period of significant challenges at both European and international level, with the green transition already underway.
This is a demanding period, and it is important that Greeks hold key positions in shipping and transport.
I am therefore optimistic about the effectiveness of our work, as there is cooperation and a shared sense of purpose among all of us.”
Source: Naftemporiki