Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Freeport of Riga Authority, was unanimously elected Chair of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) by its General Assembly. Zeltiņš, a prominent figure in maritime logistics, brings two decades of industry experience and expertise, with roles representing Latvia at international bodies like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and on the board of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Since 2017, Zeltiņš has helmed the Freeport of Riga Authority and has served as ESPO’s Vice Chair since 2022. He now succeeds Zeno D’Agostino, who chaired ESPO over the last two years.
ESPO, representing seaports across Europe, is crucial in shaping the sector’s future and promoting sustainable, competitive port development in the region. Under Zeltiņš’ leadership, the organisation looks poised to continue pushing for innovation, unity, and environmental responsibility in an evolving global logistics landscape.
Zeltiņš expressed his gratitude for the election, emphasizing the strength, dedication, and camaraderie within ESPO. “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 put our efforts to continue cementing these values to assist Europe’s ports — whether small or big — building a sustainable and still very competitive European port environment.”
In addition to Zeltiņš’ appointment, the ESPO General Assembly elected two Vice Chairs: Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, President of the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay since 2019, and Cédric Virciglio, Strategic Planning Director at Haropa Port since 2021. Their combined expertise is anticipated to reinforce ESPO’s strategic priorities, especially in areas of environmental sustainability, digitalization, and economic growth for ports across Europe.
This election day coincided with the release of ESPO’s Annual Report for 2023-2024, offering insights into the organisation’s efforts over the past year. The report is anticipated to spotlight ESPO’s strategic responses to global shifts in supply chain dynamics and environmental standards affecting European ports.
The day’s events will conclude with the announcement of the ESPO Award 2024 on Societal Integration, with this year’s finalists including the ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Gothenburg, Huelva, and Sevilla. The winner, to be revealed at a ceremony at the Albert Hall in Brussels, will underscore ESPO’s commitment to fostering partnerships between ports and their communities.
