A European ports organisation has joined the International Association of Ports and Harbors’ (IAPH) World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) to strengthen its sustainability practises.
The Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) formalised its partner status with the signing of the WPSP declaration by Bogdan Ołdakowski, BPO secretary general. Guided by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the WPSP programme aims to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide, fostering international cooperation with partners in the supply chain.
Mr Ołdakowski said: "One of the main goals of our policy ‘Baltic as a model region for green ports and maritime transport’ is to share our experience with the port industry. Therefore, we warmly welcome the co-operation with global players within the WPSP initiative.
“I am sure that Baltic ports, especially the BPO Environmental Working Group, will be interested to learn how sustainable projects have been carried out in other regions."
‘Active contribution’ anticipated
Dr Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of the IAPH and coordinator of the WPSP, commented: "We are delighted that BPO has decided to join our Program and look forward to sharing their members' sustainability projects through the WPSP portfolio. Some of the world's most advanced port innovators are to be found in this region , so we look forward to BPO's active contribution towards achieving our goals."
BPO facilitates cooperation among ports and to monitor and improve the possibilities for shipping in the Baltic Sea region. Comprised of 47 members as well as friendship members, the organisation's mission is to contribute to economic, social and environmentally sustainable development of maritime transport and the port industry in the Baltic Sea region.
