EFIP General Assembly Held in Regensburg

The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) held its annual General Assembly on April 4 in Regensburg. The event was organized in cooperation with Bayernhafen GmbH & Co. KG and focused on strategic issues relevant to the future of inland ports in Europe, including the European Commission’s new Clean Industrial Deal and the election of the federation’s leadership.

Uwe Köhn, Managing Director of the Port of Mannheim, was elected as the new President of EFIP, succeeding Antoine Berbain in this role.

On this occasion, Mr. Köhn emphasized the importance of cooperation among inland ports in light of current economic and geopolitical challenges. “Inland ports must play an active role in strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy. This can only be achieved through joint action,” stated the newly elected President.

The session included a discussion on the potential impact of the Clean Industial Deal on inland ports. The document positions decarbonization as a key driver of industrial growth in Europe, underlining its importance for both economic and energy transition. Among the main measures outlined were accelerating permitting procedures for sustainable energy projects, adapting energy pricing policies, and increasing financial incentives for renewable energy sources.

EFIP members analyzed the challenges this regulation poses to inland ports and shared practical examples of implementing industrial transition in logistics. Particular emphasis was placed on the essential role of inland ports in the transport, storage, and production of new energy sources, as well as their contribution to the development of the circular economy. Their critical role in times of crisis was also highlighted, reinforcing the need to further strengthen Europe’s inland waterway network.

Following the session, EFIP members visited the Port of Regensburg, where they were introduced to its current development plans.

The next meeting of the EFIP Executive Committee is scheduled to take place in September, in the Finnish city of Lappeenranta.