On Friday morning October 16, 2009 port of Ghent became a member of the European Federation of Inland Ports. Every year, Ghent port realizes an inland navigation traffic of some 20 million tonnes. EFIP represents over 200 inland ports in 19 European countries.
At its General Assembly in Mantova (Italy) the European Federation of Inland Ports or EFIP welcomed Ghent as a new member. Willy Robijns, president of EFIP stated: “This membership can be considered as a real asset for EFIP. It is a very important signal for the further development of the Seine-Scheldt project and proves Ghent's interest for its hinterland. Within EFIP, Ghent will have the opportunity to obtain information on policy developments in order to further develop its inland waterway activities. Ghent will also be able to learn a lot from the experiences of other inland ports.“
Good hinterland connections by inland waterways
To managing director Daan Schalck of port of Ghent it is very natural for the port to join EFIP: ”The upcoming Seine-North project offers port of Ghent lots of possibilities. As an intermodal hub Ghent has excellent hinterland connections by inland waterways, rail, pipeline and by road. With its annual traffic of 20 million tonnes by inland waterway transport, Ghent is actually a major inland port. Moreover, promoting sustainable transport is one of Ghent's main goals. Another reason to become a member of EFIP.”
EFIP director Isabelle Ryckbost adds: “I am happy to welcome port of Ghent in EFIP. The future Seine-Scheldt connection will offer the seaport of Ghent an inland navigation express link with Paris. As such, it will boost its growth potential in inland navigation. Ghent will become one of the main gateways to the Seine-Scheldt connection. Moreover, EFIP and its members will be able to use Gent's expertise in the field of integrating the port with its city. A subject EFIP wants to work on in the coming year”.
European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP)
www.inlandports.be