A number of industry associations, representing different modes of transport, cargo owners, freight forwarders, logistics and port service providers, shipyards, transport workers and equipment manufacturers have joined forces on multimodal connectivity and logistics for growth.

Namely, a total of 21 industry associations have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of an Industry Alliance for Multimodal (IAM) Connectivity and Logistics for Growth to express their positions and expectations with regards to EU policy initiatives that could boost and enhance European multimodal connectivity and logistics.

The Industry Alliance for Multimodal (IAM) includes the Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT), European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA), European Community Shipowners’ Association, (ECSA), European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA), European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), European Shippers Council (ESC), and other.

The Alliance will provide industry input to EU decision-makers, TEN-T Corridor Coordinators and relevant EU agencies, operating on a coalition model, on topics where there is consensus.

Areas of mutual interest cover competitiveness, efficiency, reliability, safety, security and sustainability of supply chain, logistics, cargo transport, handling and freight services across the European region.

“In these challenging times, seamless, sustainable and resilient logistics chains are more important than ever before to Europe’s economic, environmental and social well-being,” Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid, Secretary General of FEPORT, said.

“I AM Connectivity & Logistics for Growth will facilitate the important dialogue with EU institutions on the current and future policy framework,” Nik Delmeire, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council, added.

I AM Connectivity & Logistics for Growth will decide upon its priorities during an annual plenary meeting to be held in spring 2017.