Blue Supply Chains at the Baltic Ports Conference 2024

The event, organized by one of the BSC partners, the Baltic Ports Organization, took place on 4-6 September 2024 in Klaipeda, Lithuania. While the conference programme’s main focus wasn’t directly related to the objectives of the BSC project, there were still multiple parallels to be drawn, underscoring the relevance of our partners’ ongoing efforts.

Sustainable chess

Just like master chess players, port authorities need to think multiple steps ahead when planning their next moves, according to Jorgen Nilsson (Port of Trelleborg). Together with Jacob Koch-Nielsen (Stena Line), the pair of gentlemen represented two of BSC’s partners in a discussion panel dedicated to exploring shipping and port market trends in the Baltic Sea Region and beyond, with sustainability and decarbonization undoubtedly being some of the more impactful factors.

Taking a break from work on Stena Line’s unique rail-ferry connection between the Ports of Trelleborg and Rostock, Jorgen and Jacob took the time to emphasize the necessity of having multiple solutions and approaches available at hand in order to meet the needs of the dynamically changing market. Data exchange and digital tools were mentioned, drawing another link between the discussions and the BSC project, given Stena Line’s and modility’s collaboration on integrating the rail-ferry service into the latter’s online booking platform.

© BPO / Port of Klaipeda

A broader picture

BSC partners were also present in discussions covering topics much more global in nature. Marina Basso Michael (Port of Hamburg Marketing) offered insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape in context of the creation of the new transport corridor linking the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.

A significant portion of the talks revolved around predictions of the future once the war in Ukraine ends. According to Marina, there is no way for Ukraine to return to what it was, and the European community should spare no effort in its rebuilding, given Ukraine’s unquestionable strategic and economic importance.

Once again, the Baltic Ports Conference offered its participants an opportunity to meet old acquaintances and forge new relationships, creating the perfect backdrop for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, all while enjoying the wonderful hospitality of this year’s host, the Port of Klaipeda.

Next year’s edition of the Baltic Ports Conference will be held in Gdańsk, Poland, on 7-8 October 2025.

Programme Manual Online

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