ESPO – In a significant development for the European maritime industry, Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Freeport of Riga Authority, has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) during the General Assembly held today. Zeltiņš, who has served as Vice Chair of ESPO since 2022, takes over from Zeno D’Agostino, who has led the organisation over the past two years.
A Maritime Leader with Two Decades of Experience
Ansis Zeltiņš brings over 20 years of expertise in the maritime sector. Since 2017, he has been at the helm of the Freeport of Riga Authority, playing a crucial role in developing the port’s strategic initiatives. His extensive background includes representing Latvia at international maritime bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and serving on the board of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Additionally, Zeltiņš holds the qualification of chief mate for vessels of 3,000 gross tonnage (GT) and above, further underscoring his technical and operational expertise in the maritime field.
Strategic Leadership Team Announced
In his acceptance speech, Zeltiņš expressed his commitment to advancing the organisation’s vision of a strong, sustainable, and competitive European port industry. He remarked:
“I am honoured to lead the most professional and strongest industry team of the European Sea Ports Organisation. Our strength is proven, as well as our wide competence, unity, and ever-present partnership spirit. Together with the ESPO team, we will continue cementing these values to assist Europe’s ports—whether small or big—in building a sustainable and very competitive European port environment. I welcome the election of two port industry professionals, Cédric Virciglio and Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, as my Vice Chairs. We extend our gratitude to all European port colleagues and the Secretariat team for their support.”
The assembly also saw the election of two new Vice Chairs:
- Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, President of the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay since 2019. Landaluce brings extensive experience in port management, with a focus on strategic growth and international trade.
- Cédric Virciglio, Strategic Planning Director at Haropa Port since 2021. Virciglio is known for his expertise in long-term planning and sustainable development, making him a valuable addition to the leadership team.
ESPO Annual Report and Award Ceremony
In addition to the leadership appointments, ESPO released its Annual Report for 2023-2024, detailing the organisation’s activities and initiatives over the past year. The report highlights efforts to foster collaboration, enhance port sustainability, and strengthen the role of European ports in global trade. The full report is available for stakeholders and industry members.
ESPO will host its prestigious ESPO Award 2024 ceremony at the Albert Hall in Brussels. The award, which focuses on societal integration, will be presented to one of the four shortlisted projects from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), Port of Gothenburg (Sweden), Port of Huelva (Spain), and Port of Sevilla (Spain). The recognition aims to honour ports that have made outstanding contributions to fostering positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
About The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is the principal interface between European seaports and the European institutions, advocating for a clear policy framework that supports sustainable and efficient port operations. ESPO represents over 1,200 ports across 23 EU Member States and Norway, focusing on promoting the interests of its members in Brussels and advancing the role of ports in the European supply chain.
For more information, visit ESPO’s official website or refer to the full Annual Report 2023-2024.