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2026 Newsletter week 40

Oct 04
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Piraeus Port Authority Accelerates Investment – Resilient Revenues

By 2026 Newsletter week 40

Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) reported revenue of €111.9 million for the first half of 2026, down 8.9%, while net profit fell 24.4% to €35.4 million. Investment in infrastructure and equipment reached €106.7 million.

The decline mainly reflected lower throughput at container Pier I, following unusually strong domestic cargo volumes in H1 2025. Ongoing works also temporarily reduced storage and handling capacity.

Revenues from Piers II and III increased, supported by improving throughput. PPA said this recovery strengthened from July, with the benefits expected to be reflected in its third-quarter results.

The authority is also advancing its planned Logistics Centre alongside its wider investment programme.

https://www.olp.gr/en/news/press-releases/ppa-s-a-presentation-of-1h-2026-financial-results-resilient-revenues-acceleration-of-the-investment-program

Oct 04
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Dutch seaports call for funding and clarity on EU Ports Strategy

By 2026 Newsletter week 40

North Sea Port, Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, Moerdijk and Rotterdam have urged EU policymakers to translate the European Ports Strategy into practical, adequately funded measures.

Presenting their joint position paper, Full Steam Ahead, in Brussels on 29 September, the five port authorities identified three priorities: investment certainty, clear responsibilities for strategic port infrastructure and stronger cross-border cooperation.

The ports say predictable regulation and financing are essential for investment in quays, energy infrastructure and hinterland connections. They also want clarity on who should develop, secure and fund infrastructure serving both civilian and military needs.

The group argues that European funding and rules must reflect transport and industrial networks that cross national borders. New security requirements should strengthen resilience without unnecessarily delaying investment.

Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), summed up the message at the close of the meeting: “Investing in ports is investing in Europe.”

Source: https://www.northseaport.com/nl/nieuws/north-sea-port-en-nederlandse-zeehavens-vragen-europa-om-duidelijkheid-over-uitvoering

Oct 04
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Portsmouth calls for VAT removal on shore power

By 2026 Newsletter week 40

Portsmouth International Port is urging the UK government to extend the proposed removal of VAT from household electricity bills to shore power supplied to ships.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s Labour Party Conference speech, port director Mike Sellers said high electricity costs were hampering maritime electrification. He called for shoreside electricity to be recognised as a marine fuel and exempted from VAT.

Despite Portsmouth’s investment in shore power, Sellers said operators were taking a financial hit to use it, with electricity costing millions of pounds more than their usual diesel-based fuel.

The council-owned port argues that reducing these costs would support maritime decarbonisation, improve air quality for nearby residents and strengthen its financial contribution to city services.

Oct 04
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Armateurs de France targets European top-five position by 2040

By 2026 Newsletter week 40

Armateurs de France has launched a campaign to put shipping and maritime sovereignty on the agenda ahead of France’s presidential election, under the slogan “Sovereignty begins at sea”.

The association wants France to rank among Europe’s five largest shipowning nations by 2040. According to its figures, France currently ranks sixth, with 1,257 vessels under French control, just a few dozen behind Denmark. A further 137 vessels are on order, potentially creating almost 2,300 direct jobs.

For ferry and RoRo operators, the campaign’s priorities include a stable, competitive tax and regulatory framework, access to finance, support for decarbonisation, skilled seafarers and an attractive French flag.

Armateurs de France will present detailed proposals in the coming weeks and engage with presidential contenders on the future of French shipping.

Oct 04
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Discover Ferries appoints Adrian White as chair

By 2026 Newsletter week 40

Discover Ferries has appointed Adrian White, Marketing and Communications Director at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, as its new chair.

He succeeds Peter Griffiths, Head of Brand Marketing at Caledonian MacBrayne, who handed over at the organisation’s quarterly member meeting in London on 17 September. Griffiths had chaired the body since 2023, working alongside Director Abby Penlington to strengthen member collaboration, influencer marketing and consumer engagement.

White brings more than 30 years’ experience in travel and leisure, including roles with InterContinental Hotels Group, Europcar, Hertz and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

Representing 12 domestic and European passenger ferry operators, Discover Ferries promotes ferry travel to UK consumers. White will help shape consumer and trade campaigns as the sector introduces cleaner technology, develops links with travel agents and responds to changing passenger expectations.