Last week’s tariffs round highlighted the need for intra-European trade and how Canada 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’[1].
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 prioritize 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 in the centre of the conversation!
Coastlink takes place on 29-30 April 2025, and will be hosted by Bilbao Port Authority.
Click here for more information and how to book, or contact our delegate team at sales@coastlink.co.uk
[1] Verschuure, Johan-Paul. (2025, April) Trump’s tariffs highlight the need for a flexible #shortsea sector. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7313545189631885313/
