Despite being the most environmentally friendly way to transport large quantities of goods, maritime transport, like any other human activity based on fossil fuels, has a heavy impact on climate change. This is even more the case in Mediterranean ports, often located close to populated areas, and responsible for the quality of the local air deteriorating.
In order to try to change this situation, and to make an effective contribution to the global fight against environmental pollution, the North Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority has decided to join the European project RENEWPORT ‘Harnessing RENEWable energy potential for clean energy transition of MED PORTs’, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021-2027.
The project, led by the Trieste Port Network Authority, aims to support the clean energy transition of Mediterranean ports, transforming them from emitters of pollutants and greenhouse gases into clean energy hubs, exploiting the untapped potential of renewable energy sources (RES).
One of its goals is to establish a long-term cooperation network in the field of clean energy transition, well aware that pollution and greenhouse gas emissions do not stop at the borders of a single port but have obvious repercussions on the entire ecosystem.
Almost €3 million have been budgeted for the project. It is set to last 33 months, from January 2024 to September 2026. In addition to the two Italian PNAs, the Var Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Valencia Port Authority, Durres Port Authority, and the ports of Koper, Rijeka, Bar and Piraeus are also taking part in the initiative.
Translation by Giles Foster
