Valencia renews its commitment to sustainability

Joan Calabuig, the new president of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), has reiterated Valenciaport’s commitment to economic, environmental and social values in order to become a benchmark model for infrastructure in Spain by 2030. 

”We want to be the most sustainable port in Europe and a reference in the world. We want to be leaders in energy transfer,” he said, as as he officially took up office, replacing Aurelio Martínez.

For this reason, we are going to take a leap forward in the ports of Valencia, Sagunto and Gandia in photovoltaic installations, energy self-sufficiency, the use of hydrogen, the electrification of the docks or the railway connection, increasing the weight of the train in the movement of goods.”

Social commitment

Mr Calabuig stressed that the port is an essential aspect of special interest for citizens and administrations.

“We have to listen, dialogue, minimise and contribute to the harmonious development of our environment. There are many more areas of agreement based on the conviction that no one is completely right and everyone is partially right,” he said.

He highlighted the strategic objective of Valenciaport 2030 to achieve zero emissions in which the entire port community and society must work together and be united.

On an economic front, the ports of Valencia, Sagunto and Gandia are connected to 1,000 sites around the world where 35 shipping companies operate, which as a fundamental impact on the nation’s economy.

In Valenciaport, the commercial exchange of an area that represents 55% of the GDP and 40% of all exports and imports by sea transport in Spain takes place, a strategic and essential infrastructure for the Valencian Community, Spain and Europe.

For this reason, Mr Calabuig said that the ports must be up to major investments such as the Power-Co gigafactory that Volkswagen is promoting, but also to its exporters in sectors such as ceramics, agri-food or textiles and others.