European ports growing greener

European ports are making further progress on environmental performance, with climate change remaining their top priority for the fifth consecutive year, according to the latest report from the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)

The ‘ESPO Environmental Report 2026 – EcoPortsinSights 2026’ draws on environmental data from 73 European ports across 17 countries, collected through the EcoPorts self-diagnosis method.

“The new report shows both progress and ambition,” said Tim Verhoeven, ESPO senior policy advisor and EcoPorts coordinator.

“For the first time, it brings together key policy recommendations and takeaways, while placing greater emphasis on the relationship between ports and their local communities.”

The report shows that 85% of participating ports have established greenhouse gas reduction targets, while 79% are taking measures to improve the resilience of existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, 89% consider climate adaptation when developing new infrastructure.

Air quality and energy efficiency also remain major priorities. Shore power is available in 60% of participating ports, while environmentally differentiated port dues have reached 70%. Charging infrastructure for cars and trucks is available in 93% of responding ports, although grid capacity and connectivity continue to pose challenges.

Environmental management systems are also becoming increasingly established. Some 97% of participating ports have a documented environmental policy, 99% have defined environmental improvement objectives and 95% operate environmental monitoring programmes. Public environmental reporting has reached 85%.

ESPO said the findings demonstrate strong environmental performance while highlighting a shift towards implementation and measurable outcomes.