The overall objective of PORT-NET is to identify and tackle the main challenges faced by the European ports industry in order to create better operational structures and capacities and achieve the best possible regional integration of ports. Since ports are an important link of the transport chain, sub-objectives are to increase the quality of port services and to encourage cost efficient and environmentally friendly maritime transportation and modern multimodal hinterland structures. Achievements: PORT-NET is a successfully implemented EU Interreg III C North project (02/2005 - 12/2007), financed from ERDF and partner funds. It has created a network of 18 partners from 12 countries (eleven EU / one Russia), networking activities ongoing beyond the official project closure. Objectives are to achieve a better understanding of the factors describing a suitable organization, appropriate operational structures and capacities and an optimal regional integration of seaports. On the operational level these objectives will be met by organizing workshops and best practice tours at different partner locations as well as by recruiting external expertise (lectures/studies). PORT-NET is co-coordinated by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, State Ministry for Economic and Labour Affairs, represented by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA). All activities are co-ordinated by a Steering Committee (SC) and four Working Groups (WG), representing four key project components: 1) Project Management and Administration, 2) EU-Policies, Port Administration, Management and Finance, 3) Ports and Multi-Modal Transport Structures (Maritime Cargo Transportation Challenges / Port Operations, Hinterland Cargo Distribution), 4) Ports and People (Environement / Passengers and Tourism / Urban Development). More background information on Port-Net structures, activities etc. can be found on the web-site (www.port-net.net). On port policy level an interregional exchange of experiences took place in component 2 where latest EU issues were addressed, dealing i. a. with the EU 'Port Package II'. Components 3 and 4 were concentrating on discussions and know-how transfer among partners and guests. In total, covering key aspects of port development, twenty three thematic workshops and best practice tours took place, organized by fourteen partners at Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Malta. In addition, four studies have been elaborated, offering specific know how, needed by partners, also to a wider public. European ports and their multi-modal transport (hinterland) partners are more and more forced to increase operational efficiency, to adjust administration and management structures and to increase regional awareness. This is a result of politically driven deregulation, increased competition and the necessity to switch, for environmental and cost reasons, traffic from road to rail, maritime shipping and inland waterways. PORT-NET could give some professional answers to the benefit of its partners, being open to third parties over the whole project duration. Thus it has been able to promote innovative European port and hinterland structures on basis of an sustainable interregional network, a concept valid also for the future.