Posted on November 12, 2025
We are delighted to have been awarded the prestigious 2025 ESPO Award on Social Integration of Ports by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), recognising the Port’s innovative and inclusive approach to creating a more equitable maritime workplace.
Now in its 17th year, the ESPO Award celebrates ports that show exceptional commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. This year’s theme, “Innovative strategies to attract more women to work in ports,” highlights the importance of gender equality, representation, and inclusion across Europe’s port sector.
The award was presented in Brussels on 5 November during ESPO’s annual ceremony at the historic Hotel des Douanes, where Shoreham Port’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy was commended for its authenticity, measurable impact, and cultural depth. The Port’s approach demonstrates how a Trust Port can balance commercial success with meaningful social purpose.
“It is a real honour for a port of our scale to benchmark with the inspirational diversity work carried out at some of Europe’s most significant maritime hubs,” said Catherine May, Chair of the Shoreham Port Board. “We are delighted that our cultural transformation at Shoreham Port won the ESPO award this year. Five years into our programme we have delivered huge change for working women in our port and our community, and the ESPO recognition will encourage us to be even bolder with our efforts as we complete the second half of our 10-year plan.”
Shoreham Port’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy has embedded inclusive values across every area 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, Spanish Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe) and member of the TRAN Committee, who praised this year’s nominees for advancing equality across Europe’s maritime workforce.
Shoreham Port extends warm congratulations to the shortlisted ports of Rotterdam, Lisbon, and Helsinki, whose projects also embody the spirit of innovation and inclusion that defines the ESPO Award.
