Trump’s tariffs: A top talking point at Coastlink

The recent tariffs mayhem has highlighted the need for intra-European trade and how countries can step up to fill the gap left by reduced US access.

For some ports, that could mean an uptick in activity as cargo gets rerouted but for others it may mean a drop-off or increased unpredictability.

Coastlink 2025 will provide the perfect opportunity to discuss these challenges with leading experts in the short sea shipping sector. What is the flexibility required – and how can the sector assist with the new trade situation?

Last week Coastlink speaker Johan-Paul Verschuure, director, Rebel Ports, asked what happens when ports are faced with instability in trade, especially if ”tariffs may be scrapped again and things may shift back to old patterns”.

Volatile market

So could volatility be the new normal? If this is just a negotiating tactic, the old patterns might return. If it lasts through the full term, or beyond, we could be witnessing a fundamental shift in global logistics. So the question is: how do you plan for investments in shortsea shipping under these conditions?

This uncertainty puts investors, operators and policymakers in a difficult spot. Do you commit to long-term infrastructure upgrades, or wait it out? Should shortsea ports build for growth now, or prioritise flexible, reversible upgrades that won’t become stranded assets if the tide turns again?

With experts speakers including Johan-Paul Verschuure, director, Rebel Ports; Stephen Carr, group commercial director, Peel Ports Group; Richard Ballantyne OBE, chief executive, British Ports Association; Alexander Prahl, head of sales and contracting trade management, TAILWIND Shipping Lines, don’t miss the opportunity to be involved in the conversation.

With just two weeks to go, preparations are well underway for Coastlink 2025, the leading European conference focused on short sea shipping, sustainable logistics and multimodal freight transport.

Taking place at the Port of Bilbao from 29-30 April 2025, this year’s event offers a timely opportunity for industry professionals to come together, exchange knowledge and address some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector today.

More information and booking is available from the Coastlink website, or contact the delegate team at sales@coastlink.co.uk