Shoreham Port Wins 2025 ESPO Award for Social Integration of Ports
Shoreham Port, located in Shoreham, UK, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 ESPO Award for Social Integration of Ports by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO). The award recognizes the Port’s innovative and inclusive approach to creating a more equitable maritime workplace.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of the ESPO Award, which celebrates ports that demonstrate exceptional commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. The theme for this year’s award was “Innovative strategies to attract more women to work in ports,” highlighting the importance of gender equality, representation, and inclusion in Europe’s port sector.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Brussels on November 5th at the historic Hotel des Douanes. Shoreham Port’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy was commended for its authenticity, measurable impact, and cultural depth. The Port’s approach showcases how a Trust Port can achieve both commercial success and meaningful social purpose.
Catherine May, Chair of the Shoreham Port Board, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It is a real honor for a port of our size to be recognized alongside the inspiring diversity work being done at some of Europe’s most significant maritime hubs. We are thrilled that our cultural transformation at Shoreham Port has won the ESPO award this year. Five years into our program, we have made significant changes for working women in our port and our community. This recognition from ESPO will encourage us to continue our efforts and be even more ambitious as we complete the second half of our 10-year plan.”
Shoreham Port’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy has integrated inclusive values into all aspects of the business, from recruitment and leadership development to apprenticeships, accessibility, and community partnerships. Key initiatives include gender-balanced leadership pathways, targeted mentoring for young women entering maritime careers, and collaborative projects promoting inclusive economic growth across Sussex.
The award was presented by Oihane Agirregoitia Martinez, a Spanish Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe) and member of the TRAN Committee, who praised this year’s nominees for their efforts in advancing equality in Europe’s maritime workforce.
Shoreham Port also extends its congratulations to the other shortlisted ports of Rotterdam, Lisbon, and Helsinki, whose projects also exemplify the spirit of innovation and inclusion that defines the ESPO Award.