Greetings for a Sustainable New Year!

As we embark on 2025, the GREENPORT Alliances team extends heartfelt wishes for an eco-friendly year ahead. Reflecting on our journey, we’re grateful for the steps we took in promoting sustainability in the port sector and the partnerships that have made it possible.

Project Highlights and Updates

Advocacy Success: Tugboats Exempt from MRV Regulation

Tugboats operating in European ports will remain exempt from EU’s Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Regulation, which primarily targets large cargo vessels. Initially, “offshore tugs” were included in the draft revision, potentially imposing significant administrative and financial burdens on towage companies. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of the European Tugowners Association (ETA) and stakeholders, this exemption was secured.

Despite this exclusion, the ETA continues to actively engage in the GREENPORT Project by developing training programmes aimed at encouraging behavioural change among tugboat operators. Additionally, the sector is advancing its green initiatives by operating more efficient tugboats, constructing vessels powered by hydrogen, LNG, and biofuels, and adopting digital technologies to monitor fuel consumption.

Compiling Best Practices for Port Sustainability

MAR.TE, one of our project partners, has been diligently working on compiling a comprehensive collection of best practices as part of Work Package 3. This effort focuses on enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting innovative technologies. The compilation will serve as a cornerstone for knowledge sharing and skill building among stakeholders, ensuring a greener future for the maritime industry.

Spotlight on Recent Events and Activities

Science and Training for Sailing Event

On November 8, 2024, the Antwerp Maritime Academy hosted the “Science and Training for Sailing” event, spotlighting the GREENPORT Alliances project. This event served as an excellent platform to showcase the project’s objectives and progress, emphasising our commitment to encouraging sustainable maritime operations.

Engagement with Cul-Mar Skills Project

The Piri Reis University GREENPORT Project team recently participated in meetings within the Cul-Mar Skills Project, another European initiative focused on sustainability, hosted by Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy in Constanta, Romania. During the event, a presentation was delivered to participants from Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy, University of the Aegean, and Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, offering insights into the GREENPORT Project and its contributions to maritime sustainability. The visit also included a meeting with Assoc. Prof. Nicoleta Acomi at Constanta Maritime University, one of the partners of the GREENPORT Project. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Acomi on her appointment as the Dean of Faculty of Navigation and wish her continued success in this esteemed role.

Looking ahead

The coming months are set to be pivotal for GREENPORT Alliances as we continue implementing key initiatives. Notably, we are finalising the best practices guide under Work Package 3, which will be a valuable resource for encouraging sustainability in port operations. Additionally, our consortium is preparing for the next in person meeting that will be held in Brussels in March.

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