Chairman and moderator, Christopher Wooldridge, science coordinator, EcoPorts, told attendees that \u201cno one has your local report like you do and that you need to use this knowledge to inform big picture policy.\u201d <\/p>\n
This is something which this year\u2019s Congress host Valletta in Malta, is certainly doing<\/p>\n
Leading by example <\/strong><\/p>\n Valletta\u2019s Grand Harbour was the first port in the Med to install shore power. <\/p>\n Kurt Farrugia, CEO, Transport Malta took to the stage to welcome delegates to the Congress. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The Grand Harbour\u2019s shore power system, which went into operation last year, is reducing port emissions by 90%. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re choosing to lead by example and that includes creating an environment where stakeholders can test and trial innovation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The next phase will include branching out even further to broaden the energy transition. <\/p>\n Malta is working on hydrogen, methanol and biofuels projects to both serve the nation\u2019s energy transition goals and the requirements under the new Fuel EU requirements. <\/p>\n Just like with its shore power project, Malta will once again be collaborating closely with its stakeholders. <\/p>\n \u201cNo port can make the transition alone. The future of green port operations relies on partnerships. That\u2019s what makes the GreenPort Congress so great, you have all of those voices in one place and that\u2019s how we can make real progress\u201d he said. <\/p>\n ESPO report <\/strong><\/p>\n The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) used the first session of the Congress to talk in depth about its 2025 Environmental Report. <\/p>\n Every year, ESPO surveys its members to drill down the ten core environmental factors that affect operations. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n These are largely unchanged from previous years, but the fourth largest concern was land-related port development.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n But the concern surrounding water quality is moving up each year too \u2013 perhaps indicating increased regulation. <\/p>\n \u201cIndicators are really important as regulation gets stricter,\u201d Mr Verhoeven said. <\/p>\n \u201cYou have to know what is happening in your port to use it as a benchmark for change.\u201d <\/p>\n Tellingly, 69% of ports said they are experiencing operational challenges related to climate change and 88% are considering adaptation of port infrastructure. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The 2025 ESPO Environmental Report<\/a> is now available online.<\/p>\n