The EcoPorts Foundation has developed several tools that are now seen as a European standard. It is suggested that the professional status and further development of EPF tools will be assisted by consideration of some international aspects of its profile. Out-reach activities involving international links would assist information flow (data exchange), influence (on development of best practice) and collaboration (on future, international R & D projects).

One of the most important steps is to validate the products, services and tools of EPF against the international benchmarks associated with Environmental Management Systems (EMS), training programmes, information systems (EMIS) and support services. Direct comparisons with products and activities with other (international) initiatives would act as a form of quality control, assist in the development of specification of future EPF products and identify subjects that could be best dealt with by collaboration outside Europe.

For the next period EPF aims at:

• Presentations at international port-related conferences (to promulgate EPF concept, experience and capabilities)
• Identify opportunities for collaborative R&D outside Europe where this will be beneficial to the aim of continuous improvement of environmental standards ‘level playing field’ of implementation of (international/national) legislation, and equitable cost basis of environmental stewardship by port authorities
• Direct links with selected organizations outside Europe in order to identify common approaches, projects for joint development and mechanism for information exchange
• Development of an international capability to provide environmental support services for ports outside Europe, where such activities would assist with the recognition of EU policies and standards

EcoPorts in Asia

EcoPorts Foundation already has enquiries of interest from North and South America, China, Canada, Australia and South East Asia.

Currently, EcoPorts Foundation is providing scientific support for the following project: "Establishing scientific support for environmental management for ports in Vietnam and Cambodia", funded by the European Commission.