Ports urged to think globally, act locally

Chairman and moderator, Christopher Wooldridge, science coordinator, EcoPorts, told attendees that “no one has your local report like you do and that you need to use this knowledge to inform big picture policy.” 

This is something which this year’s Congress host Valletta in Malta, is certainly doing

Leading by example 

Valletta’s Grand Harbour was the first port in the Med to install shore power. 

Kurt Farrugia, CEO, Transport Malta took to the stage to welcome delegates to the Congress. 

He explained that Malta has a great deal of responsibility, especially with regards to cruise, to get better with efficiency and drive down the impact on communities in the area. 

The Grand Harbour’s shore power system, which went into operation last year, is reducing port emissions by 90%. 

“We’re choosing to lead by example and that includes creating an environment where stakeholders can test and trial innovation,” he said.

The next phase will include branching out even further to broaden the energy transition. 

Malta is working on hydrogen, methanol and biofuels projects to both serve the nation’s energy transition goals and the requirements under the new Fuel EU requirements. 

Just like with its shore power project, Malta will once again be collaborating closely with its stakeholders. 

“No port can make the transition alone. The future of green port operations relies on partnerships. That’s what makes the GreenPort Congress so great, you have all of those voices in one place and that’s how we can make real progress” he said. 

ESPO report 

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) used the first session of the Congress to talk in depth about its 2025 Environmental Report. 

Every year, ESPO surveys its members to drill down the ten core environmental factors that affect operations. 

Tim Verhoeven, senior policy adviser, sustainable development, ESPO, revealed that the top three concerns for ports this year were: Climate change, air quality and then energy efficiency. 

These are largely unchanged from previous years, but the fourth largest concern was land-related port development.

This has been moving up the board in relation to considerations that ports now have over the increased space needed for alternative fuel facilities and bunkering. 

But the concern surrounding water quality is moving up each year too – perhaps indicating increased regulation. 

“Indicators are really important as regulation gets stricter,” Mr Verhoeven said. 

“You have to know what is happening in your port to use it as a benchmark for change.” 

Tellingly, 69% of ports said they are experiencing operational challenges related to climate change and 88% are considering adaptation of port infrastructure. 

Concerns remain over insufficient grid infrastructure and around half of respondents and concerns remain with hydrogen, methanol and biofuels, in particular with regards to safety and regulation. 

The 2025 ESPO Environmental Report will be available online imminently.

Global picture 

Chris Woodridge, science coordinator EcoPorts and Marti Puig Duran, chemical engineer and university lecturer, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, talked about how the 2025 EcoSLC environmental report slots in nicely with ESPO’s work. 

“Our report is looking to form a global picture of where port managers are with environmental management. Policy is driving resources in this area so don’t underestimate it,” said Mr Wooldridge. 

“Over the years we have gone from environmental issues being just on the quayside, to now being truly global with an explosion of stakeholders. Nowadays if you’re not sustainable, you’re not investable.” 

The best advice he said is to “Invest in sustainability and broaden your network as wide as you can.”