Danube Ports Network first Advisory Group members elected

6 February 2019, Enns - Danube Ports Network announces the formation of its First Advisory Group and the election of its Chair, Captain Béla Szalma, President of the Hungarian Federation of the Danube Ports (HFIP), effective today.

Danube Ports Network (DPN) announced today that it has formed an Advisory Group (AdG) to assist in further building and consolidating the capacity and identity of the Network, implementing the DPN’s current plans, as well as identifying means to capitalize on future growth opportunities. In addition, the AdG shall contribute to achieving a more dynamic, sustainable, state-of-the art network of ports in the Danube Region with a stronger and more coordinated voice at regional and EU level.

With the election of Captain Béla Szalma as Chairman, the DPN’s Advisory Group consists of 6 members, including Werner Auer, Managing Director Ennshafen, Anguel Zabourtov, Director General of the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.), Gerhard Gussmagg, Managing Director Rhenus Logistics, Rhenus Donauhafen Krems, and Thomas Moser, General Director Danube Logistics SRL general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP). The National Company Maritime Ports Administration Constanta S.A. shall also be represented in the DPN Advisory Group.

The Advisory Group members bring a rich and useful skill set and professional experience to the DPN in its early stage of organisational development in the following areas: international business operations and shipping, port business development, strategy, financing and market analysis, and public ports governance and administration (see the attached professional biographies of the DPN AdG Members).

The Advisory Group is the decision-making body of the DPN. It is responsible for the strategic management of the network and offers overall direction and guidance. It takes decisions on the scope of work of the network (annual work program) based on proposals of the Technical Secretariat. Its structure is informal. There are no formal legal responsibilities or fiduciary duties to the DPN partners. The DPN Partner Forum is chaired by the elected chairman of the Advisory Group.