BPO strategic course for the next 3 years set in Tallinn

The Baltic Ports Organization’s (BPO) Board held its regular meeting earlier this week in Tallinn, to discuss BPO’s strategy for the years 2017-2019. The approved plan of action builds on the organization’s mission to contribute to sustainable development of the maritime transport and port industry.

Following the decision made at the last Baltic Ports Conference in Helsinki, BPO will promote the Baltic Sea as a model region for green ports and maritime transport. Strengthening the global competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region as well as the representation of the Baltic port industry in EU institutions and other relevant organizations (e.g. the Helsinki Commission) remain key points of the organization’s agenda. 

Julian Skelnik, BPO Chairman, said: “Thanks to our work in recent years, BPO is now well recognized within the Baltic Sea region and in EU institutions. We want to keep this momentum and strengthen our voice in Europe. Our vision is to be an active port organization, representing Baltic ports, supporting our members and cooperating pro-actively with relevant partners.” 

The Baltic region can be considered a pioneer in matters regarding environmental regulations, with a broad range of restrictions already in force in the area.

However, the BPO has always been of the opinion that the same regulations should be applied in all of Europe and worldwide, in order to avoid a distortion of competition in maritime transport. Baltic ports are willing to share its experience on how the port industry has adjusted to stricter environmental regulations in the Baltic with other regions in Europe and globally.

As there are many semi-sized ports in the Baltic, BPO will focus more on ports having the comprehensive status in the EU TEN-T Policy. The main challenges faced by comprehensive ports, e.g market conditions, financing of port development (including access to EU funds), alliances between ports and synergies with larger ports as well as mutual exchange of experiences should be addressed by the newly established BPO working group for Comprehensive Ports.

BPO Board consists of 9 members representing the largest ports in the Baltic. The Board usually meets 3-4 times per year to discuss recent items and issues impacting the Baltic ports industry.

There are two working groups: the mentioned above Comprehensive Ports and the Environmental Working Group.