EFIP-IRPT Joint Meeting at the Port of Brussels
Press Releases
11 June 2026
On Thursday 11 June 2026, the joint meeting between the EFIP and the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) took place at the Port of Brussels, bringing together members from both sides of the Atlantic for a full day of exchange, cooperation, and site visits focused on inland waterways and terminal operations.
The meeting started with a visit to the Harbor’s Masters Office and centred on networking and presentations between IRPT and EFIP. Discussions focused on practical cooperation between inland ports and terminals in Europe and the US, with an emphasis on modernising infrastructure, sharing operational know-how, and identifying new commercial opportunities across the sector.
The programme continued with a visit to the Van Moer Container Terminal, before members departed later in the afternoon.
The meeting took place within the wider context of a newly established transatlantic partnership between IRPT and EFIP, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The aim of this agreement is to strengthen ties between inland ports in Europe and the US, encourage the sharing of expertise, and explore joint investment and development opportunities. It also sets the framework for closer cooperation on policy, innovation, and public–private partnerships, with the shared goal of making inland waterway logistics more efficient, resilient, and commercially strong on both sides.
Director Turi Fiorito said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the IRPT delegation to the heart of Europe’s inland ports. Even though an ocean divides us we face many of the same challenges and working conditions. We hope this is the next step in our long-term cooperation.”
Executive Director Aimee Anders followed by: “We are so grateful for the opportunity to exchange ideas, successes, and solutions to common challenges that will make inland shipping in both the U.S. and E.U. more resilient and attractive to shippers. With a deeper understanding of the European network, it helps IRPT strengthen one of our main messages: Our rivers are open for business, operating under capacity and welcoming of your cargo.”
About Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT)
IRPT is a U.S.-based nonprofit (est. 1974) serving 500+ members across 11 river basins, advocating for the value of inland river transportation and supporting the ports, terminals, and service providers that keep America’s supply chains moving. Learn more at www.irpt.net.
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