Isabelle Ryckbost will be the new general secretary of the European Sea Ports Organisation

Isabelle Ryckbost, director of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP), next 1° August will assume the assignment of general secretary of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) having succeeded to Patrick Verhoeven, than after 13 years lascerà this charge in order to cover the same role near the European Community Shipowners' Associations (DECOY)(of 3 December 2012).

the nomination of Isabelle Ryckbost to general secretary of the ESPO is decided today by the shareholders' meeting of the association of the European ports reunited to Vahrn. "With much pleasure - the president of ESPO, Garci'a-Thousand Santiago has declared - I receive Isabelle on board. We are all trusting ones that will make an optimal job. Besides its personal professional qualities and, she is a true expert of the things of Brussels and already has an operating net in our field. This will guarantee a very easy transition".

Isabelle Ryckbost has in fact a consolidated experience in the field of the ports and the harbour policies of the European Union: for beyond 15 years it has worked to the European Parliament guiding the office of europarlamentare Belgian Dirk Sterckx, member of the commission for the Transports and the tourism. Moreover in 2009 he has become director of the EFIP, organization that work near the offices of the ESPO to Brussels.

"is honored - Isabelle Ryckbost has declared - of being named new general secretary of the ESPO. I must say that to replace Patrick it will be rather difficult, but with the support of the associates and the assistance of the valid team of the secretariat I hope to continue the optimal job of my predecessor. I do not see the hour to represent the European marine ports to Brussels".

"the ports - it has continued Isabelle Ryckbost - represent more than an activity field and try to conjugate the economic interests with the interests publics. Being the main doors of the commerce of Europe they carry out an essential role for our economy and our well-being. But at the same time the ports are the pulling ahead force of many E regions have responsibility regarding the respective local communities. I hope, where possible, to contribute to lubricate these motors of increase and, if necessary, to safeguard them. I consider that every port in Europe has its role and its space".