The objective is to identify and tackle the main challenges faced by the European ports industry in order to create better operational structures and capacities and achieve the best possible regional integration of ports.

The Haven Gateway Partnership is representing the UK in this broad based project and is acting as the sole UK point of contact.

Its cluster of ports includes Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich and Mistley. The remainder of the Port-Net partners include Antwerp, Hamina in Finland, Genoa in Italy, and Malta.

Haven Gateway project manager Richard Morton said, 'We are looking forward to taking a very active part in this two year project.

The Haven Gateway ports have a crucial role to play within Europe's ports network.'

The objectives of Port-Net will be achieved through workshops, lectures, and best practice tours at the locations of partners as well as through external expertise and studies.

European ports and their multimodal transport partners are facing more and more pressure to increase operational efficiency, adjust administration and management structures, and increase regional awareness.

This is a result of politically driven deregulation, increased competition and the necessity to switch traffic from road to maritime, inland waterway and rail transport modes for environmental and cost reasons.

As well as achieving more integration and better operational structures, the project aims to increase the quality of port services and to encourage cost efficient and environmentally friendly maritime transportation and hinterland structures.

MJ Information No: 20911