The winners

Which ports come out on top in the competition to attract and build shortsea business? Generally speaking, the winning ports are those which recognise the business potential of shortsea and then take the initiative without waiting for government action [such as Motorways of the Sea funding], by engaging in direct partnerships with shipping lines and ports at the other end of a shortsea connection, says Patrick Verhoeven, secretary general of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).