The Port Authority of Valencia (APV), which manages the ports of Valencia, Sagunto, and Gandia, has officially approved its adhesion to the Upcycling the Oceans project. This significant move underscores APV’s commitment to environmental sustainability and circular economy principles within the maritime sector.
Commitment to Combating Marine Pollution
Valenciaport has formally joined the “Upcycling the Oceans” initiative, an international project led by the Ecoalf Foundation and Ecoembes, aimed at recovering marine waste and reintroducing it into the recycling chain with the help of the fishing sector. This agreement, which carries no direct economic implications for Valenciaport, spans an initial term of four years, renewable annually for up to eight years.
By incorporating the ports of Valencia, Sagunto, and Gandia into this initiative, Valenciaport becomes part of a Mediterranean network of 72 other ports dedicated to fighting marine pollution. This action directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
The project plays a crucial role in characterizing marine debris, with a particular focus on microplastics. The presence of microplastics poses significant risks to both marine ecosystems and human health, as they can facilitate the entry of hazardous chemicals into the food chain.
This collaboration between Valenciaport, the Ecoalf Foundation, and Ecoembes exemplifies a model of public-private cooperation to give marine waste a second life through advanced recycling processes, converting “garbage into a resource.” Beyond its operational aspects, “Upcycling the Oceans” is committed to raising awareness and educating the fishing sector and the general public about the impact of marine waste and the collective role in reducing it.
Previous Experiences: Valenciaport has a strong track record in marine environmental protection. Recent initiatives include:
- European LIFE IP INTEMARES project: Collaboration on cleaning up underwater waste near Valencian ports.
- MARPOL Gandia project: A pilot system established with the Valenciaport Foundation and the Gandia Fishermen’s Guild for collecting and managing fishing waste in the port of Gandia, with a special focus on end-of-life fishing nets (NPFU).
- Oceanets project: Co-financed by the EU’s LIFE program, focusing on the recovery of fishing nets and their transformation into new textile products.
- Informative activities: Organization of traveling exhibitions and educational workshops to raise awareness about marine debris.
New Authorizations for Port Services
In addition to environmental initiatives, the APV Council has approved several new authorizations and concessions for commercial services across the ports of Valencia, Sagunto, and Gandia:
- Ship Consignment Services:
- GANDIA SERVICIOS PORTUARIOS S.L. has been granted authorization to provide commercial ship consignment services in the ports of Valencia, Sagunto, and Gandia, aiming to boost commercial activity in the port of La Safor (Gandia).
- A similar proposal for BERGÉ MARÍTIMA SAGUNTO, S.L.U. to provide commercial ship consignment services in the same three ports has also been approved.
- Railway Shunting Services:
- TRACCION RAIL, S.A. has received authorization for the provision of commercial railway shunting services and other train operations-related services for the ports of Valencia, Sagunto, and Gandia, enhancing the “land side” of port activity.
Collaboration with València City Council Firefighters
The APV Board has approved a four-year extension and an addendum to its collaboration agreement with the City Council of Valencia regarding firefighter intervention. This agreement aims to improve emergency response, particularly for activations of the Self-Protection Plan of the Port of Valencia.
Key aspects of this extended agreement include:
- Enhanced Training and Drills: Firefighting teams assigned to the Port will participate in drills and training visits promoted by the Port Authority to reinforce preparedness for emergency situations. Specialized training courses will be provided to Valencia Fire Department staff, focusing on specific actions required in the Port of Valencia’s unique environment.
- Financial and Material Support: Valenciaport will cover the costs of these training courses and provide the Fire Department with necessary material means to act effectively during incidents or emergencies at port facilities.
- Increased Economic Contribution: The addendum introduces a higher financial contribution from the APV compared to the previous period, with annual amounts up to €165,000. This increase addresses the growing need for specialized training for Fire Department personnel in response to the increasing complexity and particularities of emergencies within the Port of Valencia, which handles a wide variety of technologies, energy sources, and multimodal activity.
This agreement underscores Valenciaport’s self-imposed high-security standards and its commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals and operations within its complex port environment.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Valenciaport
