In 2012 the European Commission published the Blue Growth strategy to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities in Europe’s maritime economy. Blue Growth in ports can be classified into two main components – sustainability and inclusiveness. The Port of Vigo’s plan attempts to address both through a series of 46 projects and actions, outlined in its ‘Implementation of Blue Growth Strategy in European Ports’ document.
Port of the future
Central to the plan is ‘Greening Port’, part of Vigo’s ‘Our Ocean’ commitment which will reduce emissions by 30%, reach 10% energy self-sufficiency and reduce energy consumption by 25% by 2022. The port is also implementing a ‘Green Scheduling’ project which reduces emissions and fuel consumption by increasing logistic optimisation and by promoting renewable energy.
Living ports
The port is launched an innovative project to capture CO2 and thus promote biodiversity and ecosystems. An ‘eco-reserve’ will be created encompassing structures to increase biodiversity, eco-friendly pontoons with an underwater observatory and a kelp forest and seagrass area. It is hoped that this project will also show local residents and visitors the ecological value of coastal areas and to improve the interaction between port and city.
