The Port of Helsinki, Port of Lisbon, Port of Rotterdam and Shoreham Port have been shortlisted for the 17th edition of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) Award on Societal Integration of Ports.
An independent jury of experts, chaired by former ESPO Chair Eamonn O’Reilly, selected these four projects from a total of six submissions. This year’s award focuses on “Ports that have developed innovative policies and/or strategies to successfully attract more women to work in ports.”
The ESPO Award 2025 will be handed over given to the port managing body that actively promotes a supportive and inclusive work environment for female professionals. The award aims to honour efforts that advance gender balance.
Eamonn O’Reilly, Chairman of the Jury stated that: “The ESPO Award is about showcasing the achievements of Europe’s ports in the existential challenge of strengthening societal integration and all six entries this year show equal commitment to addressing a challenge that exists not only within our own sector but across many other sectors in society. This year’s theme explores strategies to attract more women to work in ports and the six entries provide valuable examples of different ways to achieve this important objective.”
He also insisted that: “all entries are equally important as case studies of in varying circumstances and, as we announce the four short-listed projects for 2025, I would like to draw attention to the two projects that were unlucky not to be short-listed. Firstly, Assoporti’s entry – Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusive Employment in Italian Port Authorities – demonstrates a universal approach to not only protect women in the workplace but also to create opportunities and ensure participation by women in the work of Italian ports. The sector wide approach in Italy covering 65 ports in 16 port authorities is commendable. Secondly, Gdynia’s Anchoring Woman’s Leadership shows a holistic approach looking outside the port itself to the wider community and the educational sector to, with confidence and ambition, create a pull-factor to encourage women to select opportunities in the port sector over competing opportunities in other sectors”
The 17th ESPO Award will be handed out at the annual ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner, scheduled for November 5 at the Hôtel des Douanes in Brussels. In the weeks leading up to the event, the shortlisted projects will be featured on the ESPO website, and a special booklet presenting all six submissions will be released on November 5.
