SAFETY4SEA is pleased to announce that Port Authority of Valencia has received the 2019 GREEN4SEA Port Award, sponsored by World LPGA, at a prestigious award ceremony which successfully concluded on March, 12th at Yacht Club of Greece in Athens, the evening ahead of the 2019 GREEN4SEA Conference.
Port of Valencia received the award for becoming the first port in Europe to use hydrogen energy to reduce the environmental impact of its operations by supporting H2Ports; a pilot project which focuses on using renewable energy with the installation of a mobile hydrogen supply station. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: Port of Amsterdam, Port of Helsinki, Port of Montreal and Port of San Diego.
Presenting the award Mr. Michael Kelly, Deputy Managing Director and Director Market Development, World LPGA said “The Port of Valencia is the first port in Europe to use hydrogen energy to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. By supporting the H2Ports pilot initiative which focuses on using renewable energy with the installation of a mobile hydrogen supply station, the Port of Valencia has ensured that its cargo operations reduce their negative environmental impact.”
Accepting the award on behalf of Port Authority of Valencia, Mr. Francesc Sánchez, General Manager, stated ’The H2Ports project is part of the Port Authority of Valencia’s energy strategy for a “zero emissions” model within the port activities. This project will soon be followed by others aiming to implement renewable energies and new storage technologies in ports. These initiatives show our firm commitment to energy transition and sustainability of port activities. The implementation of all ‘green’ initiatives has already resulted in a reduction of 17% in GHG while the cargo handled has grown by 24%.’’
Port of Valencia has become the first port in Europe to use hydrogen energy. In particular, Grimaldi (Valencia Terminal Europe) and MSC Terminal Valencia will be the first European port facilities to use hydrogen-powered machinery. The port implements the ‘H2Ports Project’ which is a European pilot project on implementing fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in ports. Within the framework of ‘H2Ports Project’, three pilot initiatives will be tested at the Port of Valencia: 1) a hydrogen-fuelled reach stacker; 2) a terminal tractor for ro-ro operations, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and; 3) a mobile hydrogen refuelling station. The €4m project, funded by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) programme, will also carry out feasibility studies on the development of a sustainable hydrogen supply chain in the port The port of Valencia sees sustainability as part of its strategy; as such, the port has set three key priorities: 1) the increase of energy efficiency; 2) the reduction of its carbon footprint and; 3) the reduction of waste generated onboard ships. ‘’Commitment by all stakeholders is needed toward reducing marine environment pollution.” noted Mr. Raúl Cascajo, Head of Environmental Policies, Valenciaport.
Port Authority of Valencia attracted the most votes by the end of the voting period which held online during a two-month period. GREEN4SEA Awards are held annually within the scope of awarding industry’s outstanding practices for green shipping excellence, technology, initiative, clean shipping practices, green ports and personalities that are leading the path toward a more sustainable future. Other winners of the 2019 GREEN4SEA Awards are: Blue Planet Shipping Ltd for the Dry Bulk Operator Award, Navigator Gas LLC for the Tanker Operator Award, MAN Energy Solutions for the Technology Award, International Windship Association (IWSA) for the Initiative Award, Clean Shipping Association 2020 (CSA2020) for the Clean Shipping Award, Mr. Panos Zachariadis, Atlantic Bulk Carriers for the Personality Award and Mr. George Tsavliris, CYMEPA for the Leadership Award.
Find photos from the awards ceremony at Flickr and explore more about the nomination & voting procedure and the winners of 2019 GREEEN4SEA Awards at https://events.safety4sea.com/2019-green4sea-awards/