Issue 17

HOT SEAT: 

Interview with Mrs. Ana Rumbeu, Training Director, Valenciaport Foundation and Chair of MEDPorts Women Committee

The New MEDPorts Women’s Committee: Empowering Women in the Mediterranean Port Sector 

• What unique contributions does the new Women’s Committee bring to the MEDPorts Association, and how do these contributions enhance the overall mission of the association?

The Women’s Committee brings a unique and much-needed dimension to the MEDPorts Association by fostering diversity and inclusion as key drivers of innovation and progress. In a sector traditionally dominated by men, the Committee introduces fresh perspectives that can address complex challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, and operational resilience. Research has consistently shown that diverse teams make better decisions, and the Women’s Committee aims to harness this potential for the benefit of Mediterranean ports.

One of the Committee’s key contributions is its ability to connect women across different ports and regions, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration. By creating initiatives like cross-port exchange programs and annual talent showcases, the Committee not only empowers women currently in the industry but also inspires future female leaders to envision a career in the port sector. Ultimately, this enhances the association’s mission by ensuring that Mediterranean ports are better equipped to tackle emerging challenges while building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

• Female talent is underrepresented in the Mediterranean port sector. What specific challenges do women face in the Mediterranean port sector and how the Women’s Committee is planning to support female talent and reduce the gender gap?

Women in the Mediterranean port sector face several challenges, ranging from deeply rooted cultural norms and biases to systemic barriers like unequal access to leadership opportunities and technical training. The perception of ports as physically demanding, male-centric workplaces has historically deterred women from pursuing careers in this sector. Furthermore, data suggests that women are underrepresented in managerial roles and face disparities in promotions, wages, and professional networks.

The Women’s Committee addresses these challenges head-on with a combination of strategic initiatives. For example, it will publish an annual Gender Gap Report, which analyses disparities in hiring, promotion rates, and salaries across Mediterranean ports. This data will help establish clear benchmarks for progress. Additionally, the Committee will introduce programs like the Women’s Leadership Training Program, which focuses on skills like negotiation and project management, and cross-port job shadowing programs to promote mentorship and knowledge exchange. These initiatives aim to create an ecosystem where women feel supported and valued, ultimately reducing the gender gap and ensuring women are recognized as essential contributors to the port sector’s growth and innovation.

• Finally, could you elaborate on who can become a member of the Committee and why they should consider becoming members? What are the next steps of the Committee? 

The Women’s Committee is open to women across all roles within MEDPorts member ports, from operational staff to managerial and executive positions. By joining, members gain access to a powerful network of professionals dedicated to fostering gender equality and professional growth in the Mediterranean port sector. Membership also offers unique opportunities for leadership training, mentorship, and participation in cross-port initiatives, all of which can accelerate personal and professional development.

The next steps for the Committee include launching initiatives like the Mediterranean Women’s Network, an online platform where members can share resources, collaborate on projects, and support one another’s growth. Additionally, we aim to host the first Women’s Cross-Port Cooperation Forum, where members will collaborate on solutions to shared challenges such as sustainability and operational efficiency. These projects are designed to give members a tangible role in shaping the future of the port sector while building lifelong connections. Joining the Women’s Committee isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about being part of a movement to transform the industry into a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable space.

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We are pleased to join the 2nd edition of East Med Maritime Conference – EMMC 2025, taking place on 19th of June in Athens, Greece, as a supporting partner.

EMMC is the perfect platform that will discuss the latest development in the shipping, maritime and offshore industries, as well as provide a premier regional interdisciplinary forum to the maritime professionals and community to present the most recent innovations, trends and concerns, present/future challenges and recommended solutions.

Join the conference themes: Towards A Sustainable Maritime Industry!

For More Information:

The MEDPorts Association has been invited again to Alexandria to extend the yearly cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport as a Co-Organizer to the Forteenth International Maritime Transport & Logistics Conference (MARLOG-14) Conference, which will be held this year on 23-25 of February in Alexandria, Egypt, under the title: Artificial Intelligence Implementations: Towards Shaping the Future of the Digital World

The Marlog Conference has grown to become one of the most prominent International Conferences on the Mediterranean Region and Worldwide The conference provides a venue for international standards and perspectives through more concentrated sessions that comprise cutting-edge presentations and special panel discussions led by distinguished speakers with extensive scientific expertise in marine transport and logistics.

We are thrilled to announce the official date for our next and 5th MEDPorts Forum, the 30th of May 2025, in Tangier, hosted by Tanger Med Port.

Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of an inspiring and insightful Mediterranean gathering in one of the world’s leading ports!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the #MEDPortsForum2025’s theme and more details soon.

On behalf of MEDPorts President, and all members, we extend our deepest condolences to the people, our colleagues, friends and partners in Valencia affected by the recent flash floods and heavy rainfall. We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss, and our thoughts are with you, hoping for a fast recovery.

We are here to support each other as a unified MEDPorts community, Stay Safe!

Issue 15

HOT SEAT: 

Interview with Ana Arévalo, Head of Shorepower Department, Port of Barcelona

The First Container Vessel Connected to OPS in Barcelona

• We are interviewing you following the recent news about the first connection to the electricity of a container vessel in the Mediterranean last month in Barcelona. Can you tell us how important is this project for the Port and the city of Barcelona?

This project is extremely significant both for the Port of Barcelona and for the city as a whole. It marks a major step forward in our efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality, which is a priority for both the port and the local community. By enabling container ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked, we significantly reduce their reliance on diesel engines, which in turn lowers CO2 emissions, NOx, and particulate matter in the surrounding area. For a port this transition is crucial for improving environmental sustainability. It also positions Barcelona as a leader in adopting green technologies in the Mediterranean region. And what it is more important is that this project is the FIRST milestone within Nexigen plan.

• Now you are working to extend the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) to ferries and cruise ships. How will you be able to smanage to supply all the electricity needed for the biggest cruise ships in the world that call at your port? This has to be a very big challenge.

It is indeed a significant challenge to meet the energy demands of the world’s largest cruise ships, but we are addressing this by constructing a dedicated substation and developing a private electrical grid with an initial capacity of 80 MW, supplied by REDEIA (the transport utility in Sapin) . This infrastructure will allow us to handle the high energy needs of these ships, which are comparable to those of small towns. By creating this robust network, we will be able to provide sufficient and stable power to the vessels while ensuring the energy supplied is renewable and sustainable. Our strategy includes close coordination with energy provider and smart energy management systems to optimize the supply and distribution of power. This project not only addresses the immediate needs of the port but also prepares us for future demands as we continue expanding our capacity for OPS connections.

• Do you think OPS is going to be financially sustainable in the future or will it always require public funding support? 

I believe OPS has the potential to be financially sustainable in the future, but it will depend on several factors. Initially, public funding is essential to support the necessary infrastructure investments, as the upfront costs are significant. However, as more ships and ports adopt OPS, the operational costs will decrease due to economies of scale. Additionally, with stricter environmental regulations coming into force, shipping companies will increasingly seek out ports with OPS to avoid the costs associated with running engines while at berth. Over time, this shift could create a market where OPS is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable, especially as the cost of renewable energy continues to drop. That said, long-term viability may still require a mix of public and private investment, particularly in the early stages of adoption to create the inercia.

• We understand you also have OPS for mega yachts. How different are these OPS connections to the one recently developed for containers? 

While the underlying technology is similar, the OPS for mega yachts differs in terms of scale and specific requirements. Mega yachts generally have lower energy demands than container vessels or cruise ships, so the power capacity required is much less. Additionally, the connections for yachts tend to be more flexible and tailored to the individual vessels, as their electrical setups can vary widely. For container vessels, on the other hand, the OPS needs to be designed to handle high energy loads and ensure seamless integration with the ship’s existing power systems. In both cases, the goal is to reduce emissions while docked, but the technical specifications and implementation processes differ based on the type of vessel and its energy needs.Add ti this one of the main differences is the frequency converter that is required in case of containers vessels and this means a more complex technical project.

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Issue 14

HOT SEAT: 

Interview with Mr. Minas Papadakis, CEO of Port of Heraklion

Insights on Heraklion Port, and the Future of Crete’s Maritime Industry 

• You have recently hosted the seminar on island ports. Can you please tell us what was the main outcome of the seminar?

The seminar successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration among island ports in the Mediterranean. One of the key outcomes was the establishment of a framework for sharing best practices related to sustainable operations and innovative port management. Participants engaged in fruitful discussions on optimizing logistics, enhancing service quality, and boosting regional economic growth, ultimately fostering stronger partnerships among the ports.

• We have seen during the seminar several huge cruise vessels in your port. What is the main benefit of the cruise industry for Crete and Heraklion? 

The cruise industry serves as a vital economic engine for Crete and Heraklion. Beyond the immediate financial impact, such as port fees and passenger spending, it significantly boosts local businesses in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. The influx of visitors helps to diversify our economy, creating job opportunities and promoting cultural exchange. Moreover, the enhanced visibility from hosting major cruise lines strengthens Crete’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

• Crete is a big island, the third biggest in the Mediterranean, how important is the port of Heraklion for the island prosperity? 

Heraklion port is pivotal for the economic stability and growth of Crete. It acts as a critical gateway for goods, facilitating trade and commerce not only with the mainland but also with international markets. The port’s strategic location enables us to support both passenger and freight transportation, thus enhancing connectivity. This connectivity is essential for attracting investment and fostering tourism, contributing directly to the island’s overall prosperity.

• You previous background is from the financial sector. How has this helped you in the management of the Port of Heraklion? 

My background in the financial sector has equipped me with a robust understanding of financial management, risk assessment, and strategic planning. These skills are invaluable in navigating the complex financial landscape of port operations. They enable me to implement cost-effective measures, optimize resource allocation, and identify growth opportunities. By applying financial principles, we can ensure that the port operates sustainably while maximizing its economic impact on the region.

• Grimaldi became recently the main shareholder of the port of Heraklion. What do you expect from the Italian company? 

With Grimaldi as the main shareholder of the port, I anticipate a collaborative approach that emphasizes green development and sustainability. Grimaldi’s commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns with our vision for a sustainable port. I expect this partnership to drive significant investments in green technologies and initiatives, such as reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing waste management practices. Together, we can position Heraklion as a model for sustainable port operations in the Mediterranean, contributing to a greener future for our community and the environment.