Patrick Verhoeven is Secretary General of the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA). Based in Brussels, the organisation represents the national shipowner associations of the EU and Norway. Prior to joining ECSA in August 2013, Patrick served thirteen years as Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation and seven years representing the interests of terminal operators, ship agents and silo companies at EU level. He started his career working for the Antwerp-based ship agent Grisar & Velge.

Patrick holds a master in applied economics and a bachelor in law from the University of Antwerp, where he further specialised in maritime economics and maritime law. He is also a guest professor at the University of Ghent. Patrick lives in Antwerp with his wife and three children.