"The role of regional ports: transforming sustainable freight movement"

Representatives from the shipping, transport and logistics industries, policy makers and funding organisations, as well as other interested parties, are invited to find out how regional ports have been optimising their operations and establishing shortsea shipping and local links to deliver environmental and economic benefits to communities and businesses.

Lali Virdee, Head of Programmes at lead partner organisation the Institute for Sustainability, said: “Regional ports are often overlooked as a sustainable option in the movement of goods across short distances. By enhancing port operations, we have the opportunity to take cargo off congested roads and re-balance Europe’s freight transport network.

“This conference will set out and explore how transforming regional ports into more efficient and robust transport hubs can boost local economies and employment.”

LO-PINOD project partners will present on three key themes:

• optimising port connections – how regional ports can establish local rail and inland shipping links to increase sustainable landside connections;

• port diversification – opportunities to service the growing offshore wind market, cruise industry and new short-sea shipping routes, and the materials, training and port collaborations required;

• regional integration – how ports can fulfil their potential and regain a more prominent and sustainable place in their local economy through master planning and actively involving local communities.

The conference will also explore how partners are promoting policy change nationally and at EU level to encourage greater use of regional ports, short sea shipping and multi-modal transport chains to ensure regional ports become a key element in Europe’s comprehensive transport network.

The plenary panel discussion will invite policy makers, funders and industry representatives to explore the barriers and future opportunities for regional ports in discussion with conference attendees.

Register here: http://www.lopinod.eu/events/lo-pinod-conference-registration/ 

Places are limited, therefore attendance at the conference is not guaranteed.

Please visit our website to find out about the conference agenda, list of speakers and general information on travel and accomodation. (http://www.lopinod.eu/events/lo-pinod-project-final-conference/)