ETRC President Nigel Keal delivers his welcome remarks.

The ETRC Business Forum took place in Amsterdam today (22 January) under the theme of ‘Protect, Persuade, Prosper’.

To kick-start proceedings, the association’s President, Nigel Keal, took to the stage to deliver welcome remarks and set the scene for the conference sessions ahead.

In the style of an informal chat, Nina Semprecht, Director Corporate Communications & External Affairs, Gebr. Heinemann & Vice President Public Relations & Communications, ETRC, gave Keal a grilling on key topics that are top of mind.

After reflecting on key wins in 2025, Keal said one of the most important factors on the agenda is data.

“We cannot continue to not share data,” he said.

“I’m super proud of the ETRC Airport Index, which has been running for five years. Next, we are going to show you the Nordic and Baltic Ferry Index. None of this happens overnight – it takes many years. But we are still way behind the game. We still need to do more on data.”

A big reason for this, says Keal, boils down to advocacy.

“How can Julie [Julie Lassaigne, Secretary General, ETRC] or any of the people who are going to see regulators have a sensible conversation – the first thing they say is: “How big is this problem?, ‘How big is this industry?’ And we say: ‘Well, we can’t really tell you because we don’t really share data.’ We have to change that.”

Keal promised that ETRC is going to “keep pushing” for a solution.

The ETRC Business Forum welcomed approximately 170 delegates.

On the regulatory framework in the EU becoming more complex and being prepared to navigate those challenges, Keal’s outlook is confident, considering how ETRC has grown over the years to having its own office in Brussels.

“We need to be there and understanding and monitoring what is going on in the Commissions,” he said.

He also hinted that there will be a change half-way through the year to help ensure ETRC remains “in the right place”. With this in mind, Keal also stressed the importance of having a solid membership base.

“It is absolutely infuriating for this association and the national associations within Europe when somebody says: ‘I’m sorry, I can’t afford to be a member any longer’. It’s not just about the money – we need the people on the ground. We need to hear what’s going on in a country. We need to keep that link – and the national associations are so important in that.”

He continued: “No mid- to long-term vision from a brand is not acceptable, in my opinion.”

Keal underscored the importance of industry data sharing.

Keal also spoke about the ETRC’s proactive approach to its development and his hopes for a strong DF&TR industry in the decades to come.

As he summarised in his closing remarks: “We have a bright future ahead.”

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