SEANERGY: transforming ports into clean energy hubs by 2050

The ports industry is one of the economic pillars of the European community as most imported and exported goods pass through ports. On average, 74% of goods imported and exported go through seaports. However, ports are responsible for a significant rise of environmental impacts, for example through carbon emissions, soil and water pollution as well as loss of biodiversity. Maritime transport accounts for approximately 13% of greenhouse gas emitted through transport in the EU. Greening ports is a necessary step to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, as called for by the EU, and to reach net zero by 2050.

The 2.5-year European Union-funded project titled ‘Sustainability educational programme for greener fuels and energy on ports’ (SEANERGY) will create a master plan that aims to solve this challenge. The master plan will present information and guidelines that will allow stakeholders in the port industry to assess, plan and execute activities to transformations ports into clean energy hubs. The master plan will become the main reference for all EU port institutions in their preparation of environmental and energy planning documents.

As a first step, project partners will research and analyse the current situation among port stakeholders in Europe, to determine what gaps need to be filled for a transition to clean energy.

The master plan will consider factors such as hydrogen, waste, water, electricity, carbon dioxide and steam.

IHE Delft, a project partner, will develop a handbook and training for port professionals. The Institute will also be involved in feedback sessions with end-users.

Led by Magellan Circle, the SEANERGY project brings together partners from across Europe: Anleg, Atperson, Dafni, Eco Imagination, Ennshafen, Fundacion Valencia Port, Future Proof Shipping, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Rina, World Maritime University and Zero Emissions Engineering.