ESPO warmly welcomes you to the EcoPorts portal. Through this website, ESPO is managing the EcoPorts network of ports and offers the opportunity to ports within its broad membership to use the well established EcoPorts tools, Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) and Port Environmental Review System (PERS).
This page provides visibility and credit to ports that are currently part of the Network through the interactive map and the list below. The "EcoPort" status is obtained by any port within the broad ESPO membership upon completion of a Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) checklist. Additional credit is provided to ports that are certified with PERS, the only port-sector specific environmental management standard, and ISO 14001.
Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) - The user friendly environmental checklist
Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) is a well-established and widely adopted, time and cost-efficient methodology for identifying environmental risk and establishing priorities for action and compliance. SDM is a concise checklist against which port managers can self-assess the environmental management programme of the port in relation to the performance of both the European port sector and international standards. Individual port responses are treated confidentially and SDM is by no means a "pass" or "fail" exercise. Download the SDM 2011 Brochure
Port Environmental Review System (PERS) - The only recognized port-sector specific standard
The Port Environmental Review System (PERS) has firmly established its reputation as the only port-sector specific environmental management standard. PERS stems from work carried out by the ports themselves and it is specifically designed to assist port authorities with the functional organisation necessary to deliver the goals of sustainable development. While incorporating the main generic requirements of recognised environmental management standards (e.g. ISO 14001), PERS is adapted to deliver effective port environmental management and its implementation can be independently certified. Download the PERS 2011 Brochure
The environment has always been a major priority for ESPO. There is a firm link between effective environmental management and effective port management. If ports want to secure their license to operate and the future for new port development and new investment this must be done with environmental protection to the forefront. ESPO is in a unique position to encourage best practice amongst its member ports and to set challenging targets. The integration of EcoPorts within the structure of ESPO and the launching of this website is part of that process.
Since 1994, the vision of EcoPorts has been to create a level playing field on port environmental management in Europe through the sharing of knowledge and experience between port professionals. Serving the principle of "ports-helping-ports" EcoPorts brought together a network of port professionals from several European ports committed to exchange views and practices and to commonly work towards the improvement of the sector's environmental performance in line with the principles of voluntary self regulation.
For any questions or enquiries regarding the EcoPorts network and the use of the EcoPorts tools please contact Dr. Antonis Michail
Dr. Antonis Michail
EcoPorts Coordinator
Policy Advisor, ESPO
Treurenberg 6
B–1000 Brussels
Email: please use the formula firstname.lastname@espo.be
Tel: +32 2 736 34 63
Fax: +32 2 736 63 25