In the framework of its annual conference held in Paris last week, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) launched the results of the ESPO Port Investment Study 2024 (find here).

This study offers an extensive analysis of the investment pipeline and challenges faced by European ports.

Dr. Peter de Langen prepared this study in collaboration with ESPO. It examines the changing role of European ports, their evolving investment requirements, and the obstacles they face in executing their investment projects.

The study is unique in its representation as it is based on an analysis of the investment needs of 84 port managing bodies, reflecting the geographical spread and functional diversity of Europe's ports.

According to this study, the investment needs of European port managing bodies will amount to €80 billion for the next decade, up to 2034. A second significant finding is that investments in sustainability and energy transition are becoming the second most important investment category for port authorities.

An overview of all the different investment categories can be found here.  

The full report of the ESPO Port Investments study 2024 is available here.

The ESPO Memorandum can be downloaded here.