The EU port industry is currently one of the economic pillars of the European community. On average, around 74% of goods imported and exported, and 37% of exchanges with outside entities, go through seaports. However, these vital infrastructures are responsible for a significant rise in environmental impacts in terms of carbon emissions, soil & water pollution, and loss of biodiversity, among others. Not in vain, maritime transport in the EU accounts for approximately 13% of its transport GHG emissions. This fact puts the greening of the port’s emitting activities as a necessary step to achieve the ambitious goals for 2030 (55% reduction) and 2050 (net zero). In parallel, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, flowing from the European Green Deal, sets as a flagship the achievement of zero-emission ports, becoming “clean energy hubs for integrated electricity systems, hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels, and testbeds for waste reuse and the circular economy”.
In this respect, the SEANERGY project supports the creation of the best possible setting and conditions for the EU energy transition through the development and implementation of sustainability and an educational path centred on the port ecosystem. Kicked off in 2022, the SEANERGY Project has aimed to provide a solution to this challenge through the creation of the SEANERGY Master Plan (MP), which is to be an aggregator of information and guidelines that will allow all the port industry’s stakeholders, regardless of their geographical context, to assess, plan and execute the necessary activities towards transforming ports into clean energy hubs.
The MP is therefore the primary reference for all port institutions approaching the preparation of environmental and energy planning documents.
What is the Port Energy Transition Master Plan?
The Port Energy Transition Master Plan is a key deliverable of the SEANERGY project, developed in collaboration with leading experts in port management, energy, and environmental sustainability. The Master Plan outlines actionable strategies and solutions to help ports transition to greener energy sources, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Master Plan
- High-Level Vision (Phase 1): The initial stage focuses on the conceptualization and strategic formulation needed to transform EU ports into sustainable energy hubs. This phase outlines the overall vision for decarbonizing ports and sets the foundation for subsequent planning and implementation.
- Master Plan Development (Phase 2): This phase involves the detailed planning and framework development tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of various European ports. It includes a comprehensive approach to integrating sustainable energy solutions, enhancing port efficiency, and adopting new technologies.
- Implementation and Review (Phase 3): The third phase is dedicated to putting the strategies from the Master Plan into practice. It emphasizes a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of these strategies, ensuring they meet the objectives for reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability.
This structured, phased approach ensures that ports can strategically plan, execute, and optimize their energy transition journeys, creating a sustainable future for the maritime sector. SEANERGY is committed to supporting ports and their stakeholders in implementing the strategies outlined in the Master Plan. We encourage you to explore the document, share your feedback, and get involved in our ongoing efforts to drive the energy transition in the maritime sector.