The Port-Net 'family' can look back with satisfaction on what has been achieved over the past two years. Port-Net was set up with a budget of €1.5m and has focused on four key topics: EU policies, port administration and finance; maritime cargo transportation challenges; port operations, hinterland cargo distribution and 'ports and people'.

'We have discussed and learned about the many common challenges facing ports across Europe, said Hans-Ulrich Wolff, head of the Port-Net project management team at Hamburg based UNICONSULT, which has been responsible for the overall financial and organisational implementation of the project on behalf of Hamburg Port Authority (HPA). 'Among these challenges are increasing the efficiency and capacity of terminal operations; encouraging shortsea shipping instead of long distance haulage; promoting “green” inland connections; tackling issues of finance and administration; reconciling the different priorities of waterside residents and cargo handling operations, often in close proximity; and attracting and providing facilities for today’s massive cruise ships.

'At the same time, the Port-Net delegates have had the opportunity to make many useful contacts in the European ports sector and gather useful knowledge along the way.'

The Port-Net conference will open with a talk entitled 'Beyond Port Package II – latest developments in EU port policies' by Jana Schiedek of HPA. Riina Palu, of the Port of Tallinn, will then discuss 'EU port policy – a new member state’s position'.

Roel Hoenders, from ESPO (the European Sea Ports Organisation), will speak on 'EU policy on port and environment'. Later in the programme, the EC’s José Fernandez Garcia will discuss EU maritime transport policy.

Port-Net’s closing conference coincides with the EU Interreg Northern Maritime Corridors II conference being held in Hamburg, and some joint sessions will be held by the two projects to look at the Motorways of the Sea topic.

Dissemination of all conference results beyond the 18 Port-Net partners has been one core issue of the project, with all papers, studies etc., published on the Port-Net website (www.port-net.net).