EFIP’s Milestones

In 2009 EFIP celebrated its 15th Anniversary. Here you will find an overview of the most important milestones in EFIP’s existence.

1993

An internal memorandum of the Presidency of the German federal Association of Inland Ports (BÖB) highlights the impact of a European transport policy on inland ports. This memorandum clears the path for the creation of a European interest group for inland ports. BÖB starts approaching potentially interested ports in Europe.

1994

On 20 April the inaugural meeting of EFIP is held in Brussels. The founding members of EFIP are coming from Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic and Luxemburg. Bernard Chenevez, Director General of the Port of Paris is elected as the first EFIP President and accepts the offer given by the Port of Brussels to host EFIP’s secretariat.

1998

Klaus van Lith, Director of the Port of Duisburg succeeds to Mr Chenevez as EFIP President.

2000

Heinz Hagen (Ennshafen) becomes the new EFIP President.

2002

Charles Huygens, Director of the Port of Brussels is elected as President of EFIP.

2006

Willy Robijns,  Assistant Manager of Waterwegen en Zeekanaal, is elected as new President of EFIP.

2007

On 15 May, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and EFIP sign a Declaration of cooperation establishing a Platform of Sea and Inland Ports. With this declaration both organisations are underlining the increased co-operation between sea and inland ports in the European logistical landscape and aiming to reinforce the voice of European port authorities in Brussels.

2009

EFIP celebrates its 15th Anniversary.
On 2 April, the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) sign in the Port of Brussels an agreement to set up a joint office in Brussels. EFIP and ESPO will however stay separate legal entities with independent decision-making structures. The agreement is an extension of the Platform of European Sea and Inland Ports.