On Friday, 27 March 2026, EFIP members gathered in Prague for their annual General Assembly Meeting, hosted by Cesko-saske pristavy s.r.o / SBO GmbH. The Elbe waterways constitutes and essential artery in European hinterland transport.
The General Assembly Meeting was followed by an open session that introduced members to the European Port Strategy and focused on the Czech Republic’s inland waterways, ports, and logistics within this framework.
During the open session, Torsten Klimke, Head of the Innovation and Research Unit at the European Commission, provided an introduction to the European Port Strategy. This was followed by Luboš Fojtů, Director of the Waterways Directorate, whose presentation focused on the strategic importance of the Elbe waterway, including navigability, links to the Port of Hamburg, and the development of passenger shipping infrastructure. In addition, Heiko Loroff, Director of Sachsische Binnenhafen Oberelbe GmbH, opened a broader discussion on how the European strategy will support inland ports.
Finally, Mr. Evžen Vydra, Director of the Navigation Department, presented how the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic plans to support inland ports and highlighted their strategic importance for the country. The session concluded with Mr. Miroslav Rumler, Vice President of the European Logistics Association, President of the Czech Logistics Association, and representative of Reliant Group, who addressed the logistical realities in the region.
After the meeting, General Assembly members enjoyed a sightseeing cruise on the Vltava River with lunch, attended by the owner of Prague Boats.
Heiko Loroff, Director Sachsische Binnenhafen Oberelbe GmbH stated “We are very proud that many representatives of European Inland Ports find the way to Prague, that we can present as a port group Saxony Inland Ports and Cesko-sake pristavy our activities in the work of 6 Ports in Saxony and Czech Republic. To report over the success connection of 6 Ports in cross border and develop these together for future challenges on the Upper River Labe/Elbe is also a good opportunity for an intensive exchange of the possibilities for all European Inland Ports”.
Uwe Köhn, President of EFIP, added “The Elbe and its ports are a vital artery of Central European trade. From Hamburg to the inland ports of Magdeburg and Dresden, this corridor connects manufacturing heartlands to global markets while offering a sustainable, low-emission alternative to road freight. Investing in the navigability of the Elbe and the modernisation of its ports is not a regional matter, it is a priority in the European Port Strategy. Inland ports along this river are multimodal hubs that strengthen supply chain resilience, support the energy transition, and anchor economic development in the communities they serve. EFIP stands firmly behind the call to ensure these ports receive the recognition and funding they deserve in Europe’s transport and industrial strategy.”
