With more than 32.600 visitors from 138 countries and more than 2000 exhibitors, POSIDONIA is one of world’s most prominent International Shipping Exhibitions. POSIDONIA 2024 took place in Athens from 3-7 June 2024 at the Metropolitan Expo.
Chaired by industry leaders,it was also marked by lively discussions and debates on a wide variety of topics that are relevant to the shipping industry .
This workshop was an opportunity particularly for the maritime community of the Mediterranean sea basin to learn more about what the Partnership can offer in terms of funding, networking and investment opportunities. At the same time, it was an opportunity for regional initiatives and programs to be at the same table to share experiences, best practices and possible ways of cooperation for a sustainable blue economy.
Moderated by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the panelists from EUSAIR, BlueMissionMed, Interreg MED, UNEP/MAP and the WestMED Assistance Mechanism promoted their objectives, discussed how better to align their ongoing activities, identify relevant synergies to bridge science with policy and how funding and investments can become a significant tool for sustainable development.
The WestMed Assistance Mechanism, represented by Thanos Smanis from the central team, specifically outlined the work taking place in WestMED’s three Technical Groups: Maritime Clusters, Green Shipping and Aquaculture.
He also highlighted the work done by the ‘MSP Community of Practice for the Mediterranean‘ where MSP practitioners from around the sea basin gather on a regular basis to discuss common topics, learn from one-another and align activities across borders. Thanos Smains invited the other initiatives to actively follow and build on their results.
Adriana Salazar from the UfM moderating the expert panel with a.o. Thanos Smanis from the WestMED Assistance Mechanism
Photo source: Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Posidonia.jpg15362048Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2024-06-10 06:37:302024-07-22 07:12:40WestMED Initiative at POSIDONIA 2024 – the leading international shipping exhibition
In the framework of the WestMED Initiative, the Moroccan focal point and the national hub organized the first High-level national dialogue on “The challenges of integrated governance and the roadmap for implementing blue economy in Morocco” in Rabat, June 5, 2024.
Chaired by the Department of Maritime Fisheries, focal point for the WestMED Initiative, the event drew over 50 participants from the main national institutions with a focus on the maritime sector or an interest in blue economy.
Mr. Matteo Bocci (representative of the WestMed Initiative’s Assistance Mechanism) and Mr. Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy) were also present and provided valuable insights into WestMED Initiative and the Blue Mediterranean Partnership in general, and in particular concerning maritime clusters, green-shipping and the newly created technical group for sustainable tourism that will be launched at the Sun&Blue Congress in November 2024 (in Almería, Spain)
In its opening address, the Department of Maritime Fisheries underlined Morocco’s commitment to the sustainable development of its maritime resources as well as its wish to play a leading role in preserving and enhancing marine ecosystems, and thanked WestMED for making the event possible and allowing the discussion of key issues for the future of blue economy in Morocco, ranging from integrated institutional governance, the Energy-Saltwater-Green Hydrogen-Biodiversity Nexus, the climate resilience of the national coastline and the fight against marine pollution, to approaches for a national blue tourism strategy.
One of the speakers was Paul Henri-Presset, Head of the Trade Section of the European Union Delegation in Rabat, who provided an overview of EU relevant policy in the support of a sustainable blue economy across EU seabasins
The results of the day’s discussions will be used contribute to strategic guidelines allowing the development of a coherent and ambitious national strategy.
The opening words also outlined the Moroccan potential for the blue economy and the importance of collaboration was stressed to maximize the impacts in favor of a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.
Four sessions were organized with a focus on integrated institutional governance:
Energy, Seawater Desalination
Green Hydrogen and Biodiversity Nexus
the need for climate resilience of the national coastline and the fight against marine pollution
approaches for a national blue tourism strategy in Morocco
Each session was followed by very constructive discussions
Conclusions and Recommendations:
Blue economy governance in Morocco should be supported by a robust national mechanism responsible for co-designing and monitoring the implementation of the national blue economy strategy. This mechanism should be supported at territorial level by the deployment of regional coastal maritime clusters. The deployment of two pilot maritime clusters in the regions of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima and Souss-Massa should contribute to this objective.
The alliance of Mediterranean clusters is an opportunity for Morocco’s coastal regions to share their experiences and create networking and knowledge-sharing connections between peers.
It is proposed to organize a second high-level event dedicated to regional maritime clusters with the Association of Moroccan Regions which could be scheduled for October 2024.
Participants stressed the need to build capacities of institutional and private stakeholders in the various areas of blue economy. They also wished for their enhanced representation in the thematic WGs of the WestMED initiative, in particular concerning Green shipping, maritime spatial planning, and sustainable tourism.
The Ministry of the Economy and Finance stressed the need to map existing blue financing and its eligibility criteria, to be shared with public and private institutions and local authorities in Morocco.
Finally, in terms of research and innovation, the participants proposed the creation of a national cross-cutting cluster on the issues and challenges of scientific knowledge of maritime and marine capital and new green technologies linked to blue economy.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG-20240605-WA0053.jpg9601280National Hub Moroccohttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Morocco2024-06-07 05:58:262024-06-27 07:44:06National stakeholder dialogue in Morocco paves the way towards a national sustainable blue economy strategy
WestMED was highlighted at DEPORTIBUS 2024 ; the first European festival with 3 days celebrating port-related themes, including maritime exploration, sustainability, smart cities, and more.
Activities ranged from technical summits, guided tours and concerts to author meet-ups, regattas, and film screenings. The festival engaged at various locations across La Spezia-Italy, making it a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s maritime spirit.
This first edition took place from 12-15 May 2024 and attracted more than 3000 participants, including representatives from more than 50 insitutions, more than 80 speakers and more than 10 port authorites from different parts of the world
On Saturday 11 May 2024, Leonardo Manzari from WestMED Italy and WestMED’s Green Shipping Technical Group, presented the Initiative and its activities on the main festival stage in La Spezia, Italy. It was a unique opportuniy to present the Initiative and its activities to other professionals and the public.
The DEPORTIBUS Festival is a dynamic event that travels to different cities each year, celebrating the global connections of ports. It’s like a maritime adventure that unfolds in various locations, Keep an eye out for announcements about next year’s host city—it could be anywhere from bustling coastal hubs to hidden gems!
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Deportibus.2024.westmed.italy-LeonardoManzari.jpg11812048Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2024-05-22 11:58:122024-05-23 15:25:05WestMED at DEPORTIBUS 2024: the first European port festival
A National Stakeholders Consultation and Validation workshop for the National Blue Economy Strategy in Libya has been held under the auspices of the African Union from May 13-15, 2024 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Many ministries incl transport and maritime transport, tourism, economy and trade, the oil sector, the Libyan Ports Authority, the General Secretariat, the National Aquaculture Project in Libya, and other sector representatives, participated in this workshop dedicated to the blue economy in Libya.
The workshop was rich with lecturers and many experts from different countries of the world. Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy) and Matteo Bocci (WestMED and EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism central team) also participated and shared valuable information on the sustainable blue economy in Africa with a focus on Libya.
Ali Shagrune (Libyan National Coordinator and member of the WestMED Steering Committee) and Masauda Abuarosha (WestMED Centre Libya) both were pivotal for the success of this event.
This workshop is part of an initiative by the African Union aimed at supporting a number of member states in Africa to develop blue economy strategies. This is made possible with funding by the Kingdom of Norway.
Outcomes of the group discussions
Group 1: Draft Strategy
Group 2: Draft Implementation Plan
Group 3: Draft Governance Coordination Mechanism
(for details see report below)
Next steps
The Outline of the National Blue Economy Strategy will be disseminated to all key stakeholders present and not present at the consultative workshop to get broader views, gain the political goodwill, support, and ownership. The National consultant will follow-up and obtain feedback on views and opinions and incorporate into the National Blue Economy Strategy.
The Draft National Blue Economy Strategy will be finalized and validated in a physical meeting to be held in Libya.
The workshop jumpstarted discussions between the WestMED and the African Union with an open invitation to cooperate by Dr Hellen Guebama from the Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) – which will be followed through – see video below
Dr Hellen Guebama from the Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024.libya_.nat_.BE_.strategy.workshop.african.union_.mombasa.jpg10001500Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2024-05-22 07:09:212024-05-24 16:19:21Libya takes a major step towards a national blue economy strategy with African Union support
On May 13, 2024 a meeting was held in Brussels to discuss concrete decarbonization opportunities for ports and vessels between some major stakeholders and EU policy makers
Carlos Botana, president of the Port Authotity Vigo (and Atlantic Action Plan – Pillar 1 coordinator on ports) also presented a roadmap on potential energy sources and the prototypes needed to facilitate the energy transition of the different maritime fleets.
The discussion focused on the main challenges encountered when finding solutions for energy sources and adapting the various maritime fleets towards the energy transition needs. The proposed prototypes were analyzed, potential funding opportunities discussed and ways of collaboration explored to increase critical mass for joint and coordinated action.
This mutual exchange was productive with specific follow-up actions agreed amongst the participants to advance these decarbonization efforts both through the WestMED Initiative and the Atlantic Action Plan.
STAY TUNED and watch this website or follow us on Twitter for the latest developments
Tour de table with presentations of those participating (all present)
16,10 – 16, 20
Context of both documents to be presented at the meeting
Marta Pascual – Spanish National Hub Atlantic Action Plan & WestMED Initiative
16,20 – 16,35
Presentation of the Atlantic Pillar I decarbonization prototypes report
Gerardo González – AAP Vigo
16,35 – 16,45
Presentation of the Blue Growth Strategy of Port of Vigo
Carlos Botana – President of Port Authority of Vigo
16,45 – 17,00
Presentation of the WestMED decarbonization prototypes report
Marta Pascual – Spanish National Hub Atlantic Action Plan & WestMED Initiative
17,00 – 17,10
Presentation of the needs and potential funding opportunities for such prototypes
Marta Pascual – Spanish National Hub Atlantic Action Plan & WestMED Initiative
17,10 – 17,45
Open discussion between ETP team and participants to seek for synergies, collaboration opportunities, how some of these could be embedded into the 2024 ETP roadmap, etc
All present
17,45 – 18,00
Closing remarks and closing of the meeting
Ana Peralta – DG MARE / Carlos Botana – AAP Vigo / Francisco Manuel Fernández Martínez – MAPA / Marta Pascual – AAP & WestMED
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/westmed.atlantic.vigo_.etp_.decarbonization.meeting.brussels.13.5.2024-e1715781854373.jpeg8362048National Hub Spainhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Spain2024-05-15 14:07:372024-05-17 10:09:10The Atlantic Action Plan, WestMED Initiative, Port of Vigo, DG MARE, MAPA and the Energy Transition Partnership streamline port and vessel decarbonization actions
On 15 May 2014, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Regulation was adopted. This also marked the date when for the first time, the European Commission delegated the implementation of part of the fund to a European Executive Agency and new funding possibilities opened for beneficiaries.
In the past ten years, the fund has achieved great results, supporting fisheries science and innovative blue economy solutions for citizens, companies, fishing and coastal communities and the environment.
This year, CINEA will be celebrating the great achievements of the fund and give extra visibility to the projects and the fund via several actions during the year.
Would you like to join?
Post on your social media:
explaining how the EMFF/EMFAF funding helped your innovation. In alternative, you can use the following text “We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable blue economy in Europe, thanks to the EU #EMFAF funding (or #EMFF, according to which year your project has been funded). Happy #10yearsEMFaF.”
Send a testimony of how the EMFF/EMFAF funding supported your project. CINEA will be happy to promote it on their social media platforms. Use the following email address to get in touch: CINEA-COMMUNICATION-EMFAF@ec.europa.eu.
Talk about the anniversary at the events where you take part.
What has been achieved in 10 years?
The European Maritime, Fisheries (and Aquaculture Fund) has a total budget of EUR 12.508 billion for the period 2014-2027. Part of the fund is directly managed by the European Commission and its Executive Agency since 2014, in complementarity with the EU Member States, which manage the rest of the fund by financing national projects.
For the period 2014-2024, the Executive Agency funded more than 500 actions, with a budget of EUR 389.5 million, reaching more than 8,000 stakeholders. In only 10 years:
Highly innovative projects in all blue economy sectors developed new technologies and sustainable solutions, filled knowledge and gender gaps, introduced bio-based marketable products, addressed the issue of unexploded ammunitions at sea and much more. More than 1,000 beneficiaries have been supported!
109 published studies provided scientific advice for fisheries, supporting policy decisions and the sustainable management of marine resources;
International ocean governance was fostered through dialogues and actions, including with indigenous people in the Arctic area;
Guidance and cross border exchanges supported EU Member States in the elaboration of their maritime spatial plans and the implementation of the EU MSP Directive, also through the establishment of the European Blue Forum;
472 companies and investors have benefitted from coaching, investment readiness and fundraising assistance thanks to BlueInvest since 2019;
The EU4Algae community, counting on 927 stakeholders, is working to scale-up a resilient and climate-friendly algae industry since 2020;
Through the EU4Ocean, 926 stakeholders have been involved in ocean literacy activities and 382 schools have been certified Blue Schools;
EMODnet streamlined access to marine data through the creation of a central portal, providing a single access point for an easy and free access to marine environmental and human activities data;
3717 stakeholders networked and benefitted from events and activities under the sea basin strategy assistance mechanism for the Atlantic, WestMed and Black Sea.
These are only some of the fund’s big accomplishments and much more is to come in the coming years!
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10yearsEMFaF-Website-compr.jpg7681366Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2024-05-15 07:48:172024-05-15 07:48:17Celebrating 10 years of EMFF/EMFAF – the European Maritime, Fisheries (and Aquaculture) Fund!
On 16 April 2024, The WestMED Asistance Mechanism organised a side-event at the 9th edition of the Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece.
Attendance to the Conference was by invitation only; extended to representatives from countries, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, academia, philanthropists, and the private sector, all of whom demonstrate a dedicated commitment to the protection of the ocean.
During the conference, participants discussed critical topics related to ocean health and sustainability, including marine protected areas, sustainable blue economies, climate change, maritime security, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution and green shipping.
These discussions aimed to foster collaboration and implement effective solutions for safeguarding our oceans’ delicate equilibrium
Additionally, the conference received more than 460 commitments worth USD 11.35 billion across the six issue areas, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to protect ocean health and security
WestMED workshop – Emerging impacts of regional cooperation
One of the discussions that took place was a side-event organised by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism and moderated by Thanos Smanis. It was titled ‘Emerging impacts of regional cooperation in the Mediterranean Sea – with a special focus on green shipping and sustainable coastal tourism.’
In the opening remarks Orlando Costa (Portuguese directorate for maritime policy and WestMED’s current copresidency) outlined the shared objectives between the Our Ocean Conference and the WestMED Initiative focused on supporting a sustaiable blue economy.
Thanos Smanis then highlighted the results that have been achieved through the WestMED Initiative with partnerships and discussions that have been formed and consist of organisations from Northern and Southern shore countries. Increasingly, project cooperations are established across the full Mediterranean sea basin, especially when applying for cross-border funding opportunities.
EU funded project cooperation examples
The 2nd part of this workshop was reserved for 3 projects that were awarded funding with the support of the WestMED Assistance Mechanism and focused on green shipping and decarbonisation, sustainable tourism in coastal areas and blue skills.
Manolis Annetis from the Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion in Greece presented ‘Greenmed – Green Shipping Pathways Towards a Clean Energy Transition in the Mediterranean’. GreenMED is a regionally oriented project aiming to effectively support green shipping efforts in the Mediterranean Sea basin, by promoting plausible scenario-based decarbonisation pathways.
Amal Muntaser from X23 took the floor to present WeMED NATOUR and ECO-Cruising FU TOUR that aims at enhancing sustainable coastal tourism. She stressed the importance of smart technologies, digitalization, education and training
Ioannis Argyriou from the Technical University of Crete presented ‘Blue Ports – Blue careers in net zero energy ports’ with the objective to help port staff and port authorities with practical tips and smart tools to cover the gap between current port services and targets of the European Green Deal, including the Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy until 2030 and 2050.
The presentations resulted in an animated in-depth discussion amongst the approx 30 participants, focused on the projects as well as the broader topic of decarbonization efforts and technologies.
This workshop and the ensuing discussions aligned with the many interesting and well received dynamic thematic side-event sessions that were held throughout this conference.
Orlando Costa | Portuguese directorate for maritime policy (DGPM)
Manolis Annetsis | Greenmed
Amal Muntaser | WeMED NATOUR and ECO-Cruising FU TOUR
Ioannis Argyriou | Blue Ports
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During the conference, scholars and other experts discussed and presented research on issues related to social, environmental and economic aspects of the Blue Economy. This included maritime occupations; food security; sustainable blue consumption; port cities; coastal communities; fisheries governance; marine tourism; emergent activities; climate change; and natural hazards.
The RethinkBlue conference was opened by the Chairperson of RethinkBlue, Dr Dražen Cepić and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zadar Prof Zvjezdan Penezić.
Malta was represented by RethinkBlue Management Committee members Prof Michael Briguglio and Matthew Laspina. Prof Briguglio and Prof Godfrey Baldacchino also presented their respective research during the conference.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rethinkblue.jpg9782020National Hub Maltahttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Malta2024-05-09 09:05:202024-05-09 09:31:26Malta represented at International Conference on Blue Economy
El evento, que se celebró en la Sala Claustre del Carme en la ciudad de Mahón, contó con una destacadísima participación de expertos nacionales e internacionales en ámbitos de la descarbonización de puertos, buques pesqueros y buques recreativos.
El workshop participativo congregó a un total de 46 personas, representantes de puertos, organismos y sector pesquero, clústeres, GALPs, asociaciones, sector recreativo marino, puertos deportivos, puertos pesqueros, proveedores tecnológicos, desarrolladores de infraestructuras portuarias, investigadores, sector energético, astilleros, y otras empresas e instituciones (ver listado de asistentes) dedicadas a los sectores de puertos, pesca y náutica de recreo.
La jornada se dirigió a todos los actores mediterráneos y/o atlánticos de habla hispana de los sectores de puertos, pesca y náutica de recreo, pero también a representantes de la Administración nacional y regional. El evento fue además seleccionado por la Comisión Europea como un evento ‘EMD in My Country’, dentro de los eventos en torno al Día Marítimo Europeo de 2024.
Contexto
Al igual que con otras actividades económicas en la UE, existe una necesidad creciente de que nuestras flotas marítimas hagan la transición y se alejen lo antes posible de los combustibles fósiles. Esto no es solo una contribución a los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo, incluida la reducción de las emisiones de GEI, sino también a la rentabilidad, la sostenibilidad y la resiliencia del sector (Comisión de la UE, 2023). Los retos a los que se enfrentan las flotas para acometer una transición energética van desde los regulatorios hasta los tecnológicos.
El presente workshop participativo tuvo como objetivo debatir sobre los retos que la descarbonización plantea para los puertos y embarcaciones recreativas y pesqueras. El workshop participativo aportó la perspectiva de los participantes sobre las embarcaciones de pesca, embarcaciones de la industria de la náutica de recreo, así como de sus puertos e instalaciones (pesqueros y recreativos).
Los participantes debatieron en 3 mesas de trabajo sobre posibles prototipos, fuentes de energía, soluciones tecnológicas, marcos regulatorios y oportunidades y desafíos generales para avanzar hacia los esfuerzos de descarbonización. Se utilizó el método de “design thinking”.
Preparar el escenario Varios destacados expertos y responsables políticos prepararon el escenario, esbozando el contexto y compartiendo los últimos avances.
En la inauguración de la jornada, el Sr. Héctor Pons Riudavets, alcalde de Mahon, comentó: “necesitamos prototipos y tecnologías público-privadas adaptadas a la realidad actual para alcanzar nuestros objetivos de descarbonización”.
A continuación, el Sr. Antonio Ginard López, director general de la Autoridad Portuaria de las Islas Baleares, destacó que las islas Baleares ya están abordando el reto de descarbonizar sus puertos con varias actividades y ejes de trabajo.
La Sra Iolanda Piedra, presidenta del Cluster Marítimo Marítimo y Logístico de las Illes Balears, destacó que España quiere y tiene que ser un referente europeo y global en la descarbonización marina.
El Sr. Omar Collado, coordinador nacional de la Iniciativa WestMED por parte del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, indicó que: “Todos los sectores marítimos necesitan colaborar para lograr una Economía Azul sostenible. Necesitamos proyectos y tecnologías concretas, realistas y realmente sostenibles para avanzar hacia la transición energética que necesita la UE”. Para finalizar, el Sr. Francisco Manuel Fernández, del Ministerio de Agricultura Pesca y Alimentación, destacó que las ideas que se desarrollarán a través del workshop participativo son esenciales para avanzar en la descarbonización del sector pesquero. Hizo hincapié en que la mayoría de las pesquerías del Mediterráneo en España son flotas artesanales y que proporcionar soluciones de descarbonización a estas flotas es un reto que tenemos que abordar.
Mesas redondas Tras una pausa para el café, a las 11.30, comenzó el workshop participativo en 3 mesas de trabajo con el objetivo de intercambiar ideas, prácticas y experiencias entre los/las participantes:
MESA 1: Prototipos de descarbonización en puertos pesqueros y recreativos
MESA 2: Prototipos de descarbonización de buques pesqueros
MESA 3: Prototipos de descarbonización de buques recreativos
En todas las mesas se abordaron los siguientes pasos:
Identificación de retos/barreras/fortalezas
Priorización de retos (escoger top 3)
Identificación de hoja de ruta para los 3 retos priorizados
Resultados
Un breve resumen:
Mesa 1: Propuestas para que los puertos se conviertan en generadores de energía
Se seleccionaron tres propuestas: una plataforma móvil que permite generar energía (ecocubierta), un parque de turbinas que aprovecha la fuerza de las olas para generar electricidad y un proyecto para generar hidrógeno verde en los puertos basado en el ejemplo del puerto de Vigo.
Mesa 2: Proyectos para la descarbonización del sector pesquero
Se propusieron prototipos para la digitalización y el análisis de las necesidades energéticas de cada tipo de arte de pesca (plataforma de datos). También se propuso un proyecto para probar una solución híbrida (eléctrica y diésel) en un buque de 10 metros.
Mesa 3: Nuevos modelos de buques impulsados con energías verdes
Se seleccionaron distintos proyectos, como la adaptación de catamaranes a un modelo híbrido (biodiésel y electricidad), el desarrollo de una aplicación para controlar la autonomía de los barcos, la electrificación de buques de pasaje o la construcción de un barco propulsado por biodiésel e hidrógeno.
A continuación, cada mesa compartió y debatió sus conclusiones con el grupo completo de participantes.
La jornada concluyó con un resumen de los puntos más importantes y un esbozo de los próximos pasos.
Próximos pasos
Los resultados de prototipos por Mesas de Trabajo se recopilaron en un documento titulado “National Event from WestMED Initiative in Spain: Prototypes for the decarbonization of Ports, Fishing and Recreational Vessels” el cual se entregará al EU Energy Transition Partnership y podrá ser solicitarlo, por quien lo desee, a través del Hub Nacional Spain mediante el envío de un correo electrónico.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Afbeelding-van-WhatsApp-op-2024-04-17-om-11.52.16_f208c59e.jpg12041600National Hub Spainhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Spain2024-05-03 18:23:492024-05-07 08:03:55WestMED España organiza una interesante jornada participativa para abordar ideas concretas de prototipos para la descarbonización de puertos, buques pesqueros y recreativos en Mahón, Menorca
The event targeted all Spanish-speaking Mediterranean and/or Atlantic stakeholders in the port, fishing and yachting sectors, as well as representatives from national and regional administrations. People came from a wide range of organisations including clusters, GALPs, associations, marine recreation, marinas, fishing ports, technology providers, port infrastructure developers, researchers, energy sector, shipyards (see list of attendees).
This workshop was selected by the European Commission as an official ‘EMD in My Country‘ event, as part of a larger EU-wide campaign consisting of many other events across the Union, designed to raise awareness about the importance of the oceans and seas.
Background
As with other economic activities in the EU, there is a growing need for our maritime fleets to transition and move away from fossil fuels as soon as possible. This is not only a contribution to the objectives of the European Green Deal, including the reduction of GHG emissions, but also to the profitability, sustainability and resilience of the sector (EU Commission, 2023). The challenges faced by fleets in undertaking an energy transition range from regulatory to technological.
The objective of this workshop was to discuss the challenges that decarbonization poses for recreational and fishing ports and vessels. It provided an opportunity to harnass the participants’ perspectives on fishing vessels and recreational vessels as well as their ports and facilities focused on this challenge.
By using the principles of ‘design thinking,’ participants identified and discussed possible prototypes, energy sources, technological solutions, regulatory frameworks, general opportunities and challenges to move towards decarbonization.
Setting the stage The stage was set by several leading experts and policy makers, outlining the context and sharing the latest developments.
Mr. Héctor Pons Riudavets, Mayor of Mahon, opened the event and stated that “we need prototypes and public-private technologies adapted to the current reality to achieve our decarbonization goals”. Next, Mr. Antonio Ginard Lopez, Director General of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, highlighted that the Balearic Islands are already addressing the challenge of decarbonizing their ports with several activities and work axes.
Ms. Iolanda Piedra, president of the Maritime Maritime and Logistics Cluster of the Balearic Islands, stressed that Spain wants and needs to be a European and global reference in marine decarbonization.
Mr. Omar Collado, national coordinator of the WestMED Initiative on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated: “All maritime sectors need to collaborate to achieve a sustainable Blue Economy. We need concrete, realistic and truly sustainable projects and technologies to move towards the energy transition that the EU needs”.
Mr. Francisco Manuel Fernández, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, stressed that the ideas that will be developed through the participatory workshop are essential to advance the decarbonization of the fisheries sector. He emphasized that most Mediterranean fisheries in Spain are artisanal fleets and that providing decarbonization solutions to these fleets is a challenge we need to address.
Roundtables After a short break, participants were split and divided over three thematic roundtables according to predifined preferences.
TABLE 1: Decarbonization prototypes for fishing and recreational ports
TABLE 2: Decarbonization prototypes for fishing vessels
TABLE 3: Decarbonization Prototypesfor recreational vessels
Each table was then asked to:
1: Identify of challenges/barriers/strengths
2: Prioritise the top 3 challenges
3: Identify a roadmap for these 3 prioritized challenges
Results A brief summary:
Table 1: Proposals for ports to become energy generators
Three proposals were selected: a mobile platform that allows energy generation (eco-deck), a turbine farm that harnesses the power of waves to generate electricity and a project to generate green hydrogen in ports based on the example of the port of Vigo.
Table 2: Projects for the decarbonization of the fishing vessels
Prototypes were proposed for the digitalization and analysis of the energy needs of each type of fishing gear (data platform). A project for testing a hybrid solution (electric and diesel) on a 10-meter vessel was also proposed.
Table 3: New models of green energy powered vessels
Different projects were selected, such as the adaptation of catamarans to a hybrid model (biodiesel and electricity), the development of an application to monitor the autonomy of ships, the electrification of passenger ships or the construction of a ship powered by biodiesel and hydrogen.
Each table then shared and discussed their findings with the full group of participants.
The day was concluded by summarising key take-home points and outlining next steps.
Next Steps
The full results will be compiled in a document entitled “National Event from WestMED Initiative in Spain: Prototypes for the decarbonization of Ports, Fishing and Recreational Vessels” which will be delivered to the EU Energy Transition Partnership so that they can take them into account when developing their roadmap for 2024.
Orlando Costa | Portuguese directorate for maritime policy (DGPM)
Manolis Annetsis | Greenmed
