Hatzakos named president of ESPO's newly formed Cruise and Ferry Port NetworkHatzakos named president of ESPO's newly formed Cruise and Ferry Port Network

The collaboration, officially announced during Seatrade Med in Barcelona, brings together the port associations of Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway, and MedCruise, representing a membership of more than 250 European cruise and ferry ports.

Beyond chairing the Network, Hatzakos will also serve as member of the new executive committee of ESPO.

‘The Cruise and Ferry Port Network is a major upgrade of cruise and ferry ports representation towards the European institutions and fora,' remarked Hatzakos.

‘I am honoured by the appointment and looking forward to work with all cruise and passenger ports and their associations to discuss and advance positive developments at EU level. We will also engage in a constructive debate with the associations representing cruise lines and other stakeholders involved in the cruise or ferry sector and investigate potential collaborative synergies. The expertise available within the ESPO framework provides a first class opportunity to reach these targets, ‘ he added.

Hatzakos, who has long led discussions and chaired committees within ESPO and other international port associations is also honorary president of MedCruise.