The ports have been commended for their sustainable and innovative practices to support the Mission ‘Restore our Ocean & Waters by 2030’
The Ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Ravenna, Heraklion and
Galataport have been identified as the winners of three award categories at
the 9th Our Ocean Conference in
Athens, in recognition of their contribution to the EU Mission ‘Restore our
Ocean and Waters by 2030’. The awards were granted in cooperation with BlueMissionMed, the coordination support
action of the Mission Mediterranean Lighthouse.
The categories and winners are:
- Category
1: Building, Design, Construction, or Technical Sustainability Solutions.
Winner: Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium)
The port was recognised for its commitment to sustainability across all operations, with notable initiatives including proactive dockwater level management, collaboration for water conservation, and measures to enhance water quality and biodiversity.
- Category
2: Social, Corporate Sustainability, Community & Port
Connectivity
Winner: Ravenna Port (Italy)
The port was acknowledged for its visionary strategies supporting the city's green transition. Key actions include the development of a green port and energy hub, the creation of a maritime park, and emphasis on sustainable mobility initiatives.
- Eco-Conscious
Entrepreneur & Personality
Winners (ex aequo): Heraklion Port (Greece) and Galataport (Turkey)
Both ports were commended for their dedication and innovation in advancing sustainable practices within the maritime industry, setting a global example.
The awards come at a time when support for and recognition of Mission Ocean and its objectives is increasing all around. More and more stakeholders are endorsing the Mission Charter –at the UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, the cities of Barcelona, Ancona, Burgas and Mersin announced their support of the Mission and shared best practices to restore our ocean, seas and rivers.
Moreover, the Mission Ocean side event at Conference in Athens showcased the increasing collaboration with foundations and the philanthropic community, addressing the need to better align public and private funding in order to restore islands across the globe.