End of October, ESPO presented its Environmental Report 2025 – EcoPortsinSights during the GreenPort Congress in Valletta. The report, based on data from 77 ports in 18 countries, highlights the ongoing environmental progress of Europe’s port sector.
Key findings:
- Climate change remains the top environmental priority for the fourth consecutive year, followed by air quality and energy efficiency.
- 80% of ports have GHG reduction targets; 53% extend these to port-related operations.
- The Fit for 55 package (AFIR and FuelEU) continues to drive change, with ports expanding OPS connections and supporting alternative fuels.
- 69% of ports report operational challenges linked to climate impacts; 86% integrate adaptation measures into new projects.
- Land-use planning and green infrastructure have become key concerns as ports evolve into energy hubs.
Environmental governance is also strengthening:
- The Environmental Management Index reached a record 8.67.
- 99% of ports now have environmental policies, legal inventories, and defined improvement objectives.
- Certification under the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) continues to grow.
Ansis Zeltins, ESPO Chair, said the report “highlights the positive progress ports are making in environmental management.”
Tim Verhoeven, ESPO’s Senior Policy Advisor, added that it shows “how ports voluntarily strive to improve their surroundings and reduce environmental impact.”
