Under the theme “Ports that have developed innovative policies and/or strategies that successfully attract more women to work in ports”, the ESPO Award 2025 will be handed over to the port managing body that actively promotes a supportive and inclusive work environment for female professionals, thereby advancing gender balance.

The four projects that are shortlisted for this year’s Award are the projects of: Port of Helsinki (Finland); Port of Lisbon (Portugal), Port of Rotterdam (the Netherlands) and Shoreham Port (United-Kingdom).

ESPO is proud to present the shortlisted projects ahead of the winner’s announcement during the traditional ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner, which will take place on November 5 at the Hôtel des Douanes in Brussels. Find out more about the project of Port of Helsinki.

Port of Helsinki, Finland
A Harbour for All: Co-Creating the Future with the Community
1. Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the ESPO Award 2025! Could you briefly describe your project?
Our long-term terminal development project 2032 includes constructing a new terminal for Tallinn- bound traffic at West Harbour in Jätkäsaari and modernising the existing terminal for Stockholm-bound traffic at Katajanokka. This transformation is not only infrastructural but also cultural, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and gender equality. The conceptual vision for both terminals was developed through co-creation workshops involving local residents, event- and restaurant professionals, shipping companies, city planners.

2. Could you tell us more about how your project attracts more women to work in ports and creates a supportive work environment for female professionals in the port?
The Port of Helsinki has embraced an innovative, human-centered strategy to foster a more inclusive workplace, bringing women into port careers. The port facilitates frequent meetings with all B2B customers, focusing on commercial strategies and customer experience views. These sessions are arranged and facilitated by a predominantly female team, demonstrating in practice the leadership role women play in shaping our port’s direction and strengthening collaboration with our business partners. In addition, our mentorship program has been instrumental in broadening perspectives and building confidence among female professionals.
3. Could you describe the original and innovative character of your project?
The project leading style is based on our leadership promises, which emphasise ‘Appreciate and Inspire’, ‘Plan and Implement’, and ‘Enable and Coach’. These themes guide our managers to build a culture that actively values diversity, encourages female talent, and removes unconscious barriers. At the same time, the approach promotes inclusion for everyone—ensuring that people of all backgrounds, roles, and experiences feel respected, supported, and able to contribute fully to the success of the port.

4. Why do you think your project deserves to win the ESPO Award 2025?
Our inclusion of local residents and diverse stakeholders in the conceptual design was a groundbreaking action that strengthened the social integration of the port within the community. In addition, our ability to find solutions on a regular basis that meet customers’ needs and expectations is strongly correlated with the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which has been continuously improving. Both the great internal and external results act as confirmation that a cultural shift truly has taken place. The work behind these great results is worthy of recognition.

“The feeling of working together was incredibly powerful. People feel close to us. The atmosphere is very positive, even though one might imagine that the traffic caused by the port would be perceived as unpleasant. We want to be a good neighbour and contribute to the local experience and service offering.”
Marika Pauli, Head of Business Development & Conceptualisation
Source: ESPO