European ports have managed to remain open and maintain their activities during the coronavirus crisis ensuring the delivery of essential goods.
However, they have not been spared from a huge economic impact amid the drop in cargo and passenger volumes as a result of coronavirus-related disruptions to the supply chain across the board.
Therefore, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) urges the European Union as well as national governments to provide the ports with immediate financial relief measures once the crisis subsides.
The financial lifeline is crucial to help bridge the lockdown and impact on port stakeholders whose activities have been limited or suspended completely, the organization said.
“During past crises, ports have proven to be a very resilient sector, able to rebound rapidly. An important condition for such a recovery is to ensure the short term financial viability of the maritime industry and the most affected businesses in the port. All European ports should be considered for such measures, regardless of their TEN-T status,” ESPO added.
The organization has also called on financial backing for infrastructural projects in ports to be assigned and expedited, focusing on decarbonization, modernization, and connectivity of the ports with the hinterland.
As stressed, special attention should be put on the ports with passenger traffic and tourism-related activity with measures aimed at boosting trust in the sustainability and safety of passenger and cruise traffic.
“ In all European ports, it is now really all hands on deck to remain operational and to fulfill their critical and essential role in the supply chain. The contingency plans are working well,” Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary-General of ESPO , said.
“It is now important to prepare for what comes after the crisis. The port ecosystem is facing serious economic impacts, but ports have proven in the past to be resilient. In order to catch up quickly once the health crisis is under control, and to play their role as engines of growth in Europe’s economic recovery, it is important that ports and the affected businesses in the port are supported when and where needed. “