ESPO Award 2023, themed ‘Nature Restoration in Ports for Local Communities,’ acknowledges innovative port management combining nature preservation with development. The winner will be revealed on November 7 during the ESPO Award Ceremony in Brussels, coinciding with ESPO’s 30th anniversary.
Shortlisted:
- Port of Cartagena,
- Guadeloupe Port Caraïbes,
- North Sea Port, and
- Port of Vigo.
Living Ports
PORT AUTHORITY OF VIGO
ESPO Award 2023 finalist, LIVING PORTS project, pioneers port sustainability with innovative ECOncrete® technology that transforms traditional concrete coastal infrastructure into eco-friendly, thriving marine ecosystems.
The project includes large-scale demonstrations like an ECOncrete® seawall and ecologically-designed Coastalocks, monitored by the Technical University of Denmark, Port of Vigo, and ECOncrete®.
The LIVING PORTS project successfully preserves and restores the natural ecosystem around the port, benefiting the local community by creating eco-friendly infrastructure. By integrating ECOncrete® technology and ecological considerations, it enhances the societal integration of the port while providing ecological and structural benefits.
ECOncrete® Technology Benefits
- Marine Ecosystem Enhancement: ECOncrete® technology fosters marine life growth on infrastructure, bolstering protection against erosion and reducing maintenance costs.
- Eco-Friendly and Carbon Reduction: This innovation significantly cuts the carbon footprint with low-carbon additives and promotes CO2 absorption through calcification and photosynthesis, while reducing noise pollution by up to 50%.
- Biodiversity and Sustainability: Its unique features enhance biodiversity by supporting various marine flora and fauna, and it offers a durable, climate-resilient, and sustainable construction solution.
Societal Integration and Outreach:
- Market Adoption and Environmental Education: LIVING PORTS promotes market acceptance of eco-inspired concrete technology through large-scale demonstrations, while strengthening environmental education and community engagement.
- The NAUTILUS Observatory: The underwater observatory attracts over 30,000 visitors, serving as a symbol of environmental consciousness and community involvement.
Nature-Friendly
The LIVING PORTS project pioneers the integration of ecological knowledge through ECOncrete® technology, setting a new standard for sustainable port infrastructure with environmental and socio-economic benefits.
LIVING PORTS leads the way in combining green infrastructure, restoration, and innovative technology, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution for traditional maritime coastal infrastructure.
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Source: ESPO
