Shoreham Port Receives Prestigious 2025 ESPO Award for Social Integration of Ports
Friday 14 November, 2025
Shoreham, UK- Shoreham Port has been recognized for its commitment to promoting a more equitable maritime workplace by being awarded the 2025 ESPO Award on Social Integration of Ports by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO). The Port’s innovative and inclusive approach has earned them this prestigious award, which highlights their exceptional efforts in creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Each year, the ESPO Award celebrates ports that demonstrate exceptional commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. This year’s theme, “Innovative strategies to attract more women to work in ports,” emphasizes the importance of gender equality, representation, and inclusion in Europe’s port sector.
The award was presented at the ESPO’s annual ceremony in Brussels on 5 November 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 balance commercial success with meaningful social purpose.
Catherine May, Chair of the Shoreham Port Board, expressed her pride in receiving the award, stating, “It is a real honor for a port of our scale to benchmark with the inspirational diversity work carried out at some of Europe’s most significant maritime hubs. We are delighted that our cultural transformation at Shoreham Port won the ESPO award this year. Five years into our program, we have delivered significant 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 successfully implemented inclusive values in every aspect of the business, including recruitment, leadership development, apprenticeships, accessibility, and community partnerships. Key initiatives include promoting gender-balanced leadership pathways, providing targeted mentoring for young women entering maritime careers, and collaborating on projects to promote inclusive economic growth in Sussex.
The award was presented by Oihane Agirregoitia Martinez, Spanish Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe) and member of the TRAN Committee. Martinez praised this year’s nominees for their dedication to advancing equality in Europe’s maritime workforce.
Shoreham Port would like to extend 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.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.