1

Why the project matters

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s emissions, with maritime transport contributing 13.5% of these emissions and significant sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution. Mediterranean ports contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and environmental degradation. Despite past efforts, the sector continues to struggle with decarbonization, outdated fleets, and a lack of harmonized policies across countries. The project emphasizes the transnational dimension, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including port authorities and freight operators, to tackle shared challenges.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To build a sustainable, transnational Mediterranean maritime network by encouraging collaboration among ports, freight forwarders, and key stakeholders to tackle environmental challenges.
• To address high emissions, pollution, and outdated practices by promoting cleaner, more efficient operations and aligning regional policies for greener port activities.
• To improve regional resilience by boosting economic growth, sharing knowledge, and fostering cooperation across borders to ensure long-term sustainability in Mediterranean maritime transport.

3

Expected change

• Carbon Footprint Platform (CFP) developed to monitor and assess emissions from maritime transport, helping ports make data-driven decisions for more sustainable operations.
• Green Label Port certification system established to incentivize ports that meet sustainability standards, promoting eco-friendly practices and improving regional environmental performance.
• Community of Local Green Port Hubs (LGPHs) created to foster transnational collaboration among port authorities, freight operators, and stakeholders, addressing maritime environmental challenges.

4

What the project delivers

• Institutionalization of the Local Green Port Hubs (LGPHs) as key structures for regional collaboration.
• Signature of Cooperation Agreements to promote sustainable and energy-efficient transport practices.
• Implementation of the Carbon Footprint Platform to monitor and guide port decarbonisation.
• Pilot testing of green solutions in five GREENMEDPORTS areas.
• Capacity building on scenario planning, policies, and decarbonisation strategies using Decision Support tools.
• Development of a Green Label Certification Scheme for maritime operators.
• Drafting of a Transnational Low-Carbon Transport Strategy as a blueprint for carbon-neutral port operations.

5

Who benefits

• Local actors from the 6 Local Green Port Hubs Including around 42 target groups (approx. 7 per port) such as port authorities and port communities.
• Research and academic institutions: Benefiting from pilot actions, knowledge exchange, and participation in transnational working groups.
• Managing authorities of infrastructure will benefit from improved coordination and planning tools.
• Fishers and the fishing industry will gain from cleaner port environments and policies.
• Transport companies will benefit from more efficient logistics, reduced emissions, and access to greener operational standards.