ESPO congratulates the Port of Cork (Ireland), the Port of Heraklion (Greece), and the Port of Harlingen (the Netherlands) for being recertified through the EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS). Both the Port of Cork and the Port of Harlingen are long-standing members of EcoPorts and are receiving the PERS certificate for the sixth time. As for the Port of Heraklion, they are now being certified for the first time.

Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General, commented: “Congratulations to the Ports of Cork, Harlingen and Heraklion for their certification. Again, three ports with a different profile but with an equally strong commitment towards environmental sustainability: the Port of Cork with its Port Action Climate Roadmap 2023, the Port of Harlingen by developing its activities in harmony with the precious and well protected environment of the Wadden Sea, the Port of Heraklion with its ambitious programme for installing onshore power supply in the port.”

Anaëlle Boudry, ESPO Senior Policy Advisor and EcoPorts Coordinator, said: “It is very fulfilling to witness the certification of these three ports. It shows the widespread environmental efforts of European ports, as well as the growing importance and recognition of the EcoPorts network. Congratulations to these three ports, and specifically to the Port of Heraklion as a first-time certified port.”

Minas Seimenis, Senior Consultant to the CEO and Minas Papadakis, CEO of the Port of Heraklion

Paul Pot, CEO of the Port of Harlingen

PERS (Port Environmental Review System) is the only port-specific environmental standard. The last five years have seen important increases in its recognition and membership, with 90 ports from 26 countries currently counting themselves as part of the EcoPorts Network, and 36 ports holding PERS certification. Compliance with the EcoPorts’ PERS standard is independently assessed by LRQA Nederland B.V. and the certificate has a validity of two years. EcoPorts’ PERS is revised after the 2-year period to make sure that the port continues to meet the requirements.

For more information on EcoPorts’ PERS, visit the EcoPorts website.