| Europe’s ports welcome the Clean Industrial Deal as a first step, yet further work is needed
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal, the new Commission flagship project launched today by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.ESPO perceives the document a first but important step to advance on the decarbonisation track, while making Europe more competitive and stronger.
26 February 2025 | Read more
Europe’s transport sector joins forces in an open letter to the EU Member States: A competitive and resilient Europe requires a stronger EU Transport Budget
45 European transport organisations have joined forces and are collectively urging national governments and the European Commission to maintain and strengthen a robust dedicated European transport funding instrument under the future EU budget.
05 February 2025 | Read more
ESPO Good green practices: February
ESPO Good green practices database collects a diverse array of best practices from ports across Europe, demonstrating how every port, regardless of size or location—whether in the north, south, east, or west—can spearhead greening initiatives and serve as a model for others. The database highlights the continuous environmental efforts undertaken by port authorities and offers a resource for ports to inspire and promote further sustainability through the exchange of experiences and exemplary practices. This month, we gathered the following projects:
- Port of Seville leads PRISMA Project on digitalisation (here)
The Port Authority of Seville (APS) is leading the €10.3 million PRISMA project, funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), to digitalise operations within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Over four years, PRISMA will enhance real-time data management, improve transport integration, and optimise port operations through a Port Community System, navigation tools, and predictive maintenance. The project, involving APS, the University of Seville, Serviport Andalusia, and IDOM Consulting, also includes a virtual testing space for startups. It supports EU goals for digitalisation and emissions reduction in maritime transport.
- Onshore Power Supply (OPS) in four Northern European Ports by 2030 (here)
Aarhus, Gothenburg, Bremerhaven, and Stockholm ports have secured €18.8 million in EU funding under CEF for the EU.OPS.Network project. By 2030, they will implement onshore power supply (OPS) systems to reduce emissions from moored containerships, aligning with upcoming EU regulations. The initiative aims to cut CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions, improving air quality and working conditions.
- The ports of Oostende and Liège will collaborate on wind turbine recycling (here)
The ports of Ostend and Liège in Belgium have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on dismantling and recycling offshore wind turbines. Components from North Sea wind turbines could be transported via inland waterways to Liège for recycling. By 2030, an estimated 400 turbines will be replaced, with valuable materials like steel, copper, and metals to be recovered. Ostend has created a platform to foster collaboration, with Liège offering recycling capabilities and waterway transport as a sustainable solution.
- Klaipėda Port starts infrastructure installation to provide electricity for vessels (here)
Klaipėda Port is electrifying its quays to provide onshore power supply (OPS) and reduce emissions. By 2026, roll-on/roll-off ferries will use electricity. Three stations will be installed at the Central Terminal and one at the Container Terminal, with construction finishing by May 2025. The €11 million project, partly funded by the EU’s CEF, will use renewable energy. Full electrification, including for container vessels and cruise ships, is expected by 2028.
CALENDAR
ESPO MEETINGS
Sustainable Development Committee Meeting, Copenhagen, 6 March
First Meeting of the Harbour Masters and Safety Experts Committee Meeting, European Port House, Brussels, 13 March
Intermodal, Logistics and Industry Committee Meeting, Gent, 26 March |
