ESPO Award 2024: Let us present the shortlisted projects: Port of Sevilla
04 November 2024
Under the theme “Port projects or strategies in the field of circular economy that benefit the city and/or the surrounding community”, the ESPO Award 2024 will go to the port managing body which has developed a circular economy strategy and/or a significant circular economy project involving different stakeholders in or around the port. The winning project will be a project which can clearly demonstrate efforts that actively engage the port and benefit the surrounding community through circular economy activities.
The four projects that are shortlisted for this year’s Award are the projects of: Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), Port of Gothenburg (Sweden), Port of Huelva (Spain) and Port of Sevilla (Spain)
ESPO is proud to present the shortlisted projects before the winner is announced during the traditional ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner taking place on November 6 at the Albert Hall. Find out more about the project of Port of Sevilla:
Port Authority of Sevilla, Spain
Circular Economy for Valorizing Maintenance Dredging Sediments
1. Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the ESPO Award 2024! Could you briefly describe your project?
The project was developed to address the need for sustainable management, while adhering to the principles of the circular economy, of the sediments extracted during the maintenance campaigns of the Eurovía del Guadalquivir, used as a maritime access route. As such, the Seville Port Authority (APS) leads the Navigation Optimization Project on the Eurovía del Guadalquivir (E.60.02) to improve navigability and increase ship cargo capacity without altering the channel's gradient. This initiative, based on the 'Working with Nature' model, promotes sustainable dredging practices, sediment revaluation, and environmental improvement. Previously used only for civil works, uncontaminated fine sediments extracted during maintenance are now repurposed to boost biodiversity, restore coastlines, stabilize riverbanks, improve soils for agriculture and support the ceramics and construction industries. The project fosters social, economic, and environmental development through collaboration with stakeholders in the Guadalquivir estuary.
Port of Sevilla
2. Could you tell us more about how your project contributes to the development of a circular economy in the port area? How does your port's circular economy strategy or initiative involve different stakeholders and benefit the city and the surrounding community?
The conception of the Project was a participatory and open process. For this purpose, a series of sectoral roundtables were formed, bringing together those social and economic sectors that could and should contribute the most to the issues faced by the Port of Seville. Sectors with a presence in the Guadalquivir estuary were invited to participate, including residents, farmers, aquaculturists, environmentalists, conservationists, public administrations, business owners, water users, and any group with responsibilities and a presence in the physical, natural, and socio-political environment. In parallel, a technical-scientific committee was formed, consisting of university professors, consulting professionals, members of technical associations, and others. This panel of experts oversaw and provided technical criteria and feasibility to the proposals coming from the sectoral roundtables. As a result, a series of initiatives have been developed, such as:
- The creation of wetlands for waterbirds using the dredging sediments near Donana National Park, offering alternative habitats for over 70 bird species, including endangered species (eg: squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides), the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). This improves biodiversity in a region that is affected by drought. This site is also open to the public, where visitors, citizen science, schoolchildren can visit the area to observe the bird species.
- Ceramic industry: The dredging sediments are reused to create high-porosity flat ceramics (drainage floors). These floors are ideal to use in bioclimatic projects as they retain moisture and minimise the effects of high temperatures. This is expected to generate both economic and social benefits, with potential application in the port-city transition zones, such as the Seville Urban Port District, promoted by the Port Authority along with local and regional governments.
- Coastal restoration: Sediments are used to restore eroded beaches in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This increases the surface available for bathing and public enjoyment. Moreover, coastal restoration is also underway in the edges of Doñana National Park. This protects the integrity of the natural area and its sensitive ecosystems. This opens the door to visitors to find out more about the restoration efforts carried. In short, this type of intervention offers clear environmental benefits as well as social and economic advantages.
Coastal restoration
- Riverbank stabilisation: In rice production areas upstream, Compact Earth Blocks with seeds are being studied for reinforce riverbanks naturally, supporting both environmental sustainability and agricultural integrity.
- Soil improvement for agriculture: Sediments are also being used to create artificial substrates that improve agricultural soils, boosting crop production, and serving as carbon sinks for climate resilience. This will generate economic benefits for local farmers while providing significant advantages for both climatic and an environmental perspective.
Ceramic industry
3. Could you describe the original and innovative character of your project?
The initiative is innovative and original as it improves navigability and ship cargo capacity without altering the channel bed levels, while also promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability through the 'Working with Nature' model for very different and innovative uses. This project also brings benefits to other sectors present in the estuary, such as the economic sectors dedicated to rice cultivation and other agricultural products. The tourism and leisure sector, as well as the municipalities involved, will see their recreational infrastructure improved. Those who rely on the estuary’s ecosystem resources are witnessing the biodiversity of a highly sensitive area, such as the surroundings of Doñana National Park, being enhanced. Not to mention the benefits of creating wetlands in the area, providing alternative spaces for the rest, reproduction, and breeding of waterbirds, which are particularly vulnerable due to the frequent droughts in the region.
All these Nature Based Solutions (NBS) are very creative and innovative and incorporate a great variety of ingenious scientific knowledge and disruptive technologies as 3D printing.
However, the real challenge has been engaging local communities and stakeholders in the decision-making process of this project. The effort to make the project understandable and bring it closer to society has been worth it, giving rise to a viable, sustainable and climate resilient initiative.
Local communities and stakeholders
4. Why do you think your project deserves to win the ESPO Award 2024?
The Port of Seville seeks prestigious awards, like those from ESPO, to gain visibility for its innovative project that aligns port interests with environmental, social, and economic benefits for the Guadalquivir estuary. The project supports local sectors, including agriculture and tourism, improves recreational infrastructure, and improves biodiversity near Doñana National Park by creating wetlands for vulnerable waterbirds. It also demonstrates the port’s commitment to the Green Deal by fostering a circular economy, integrating stakeholder interests, and promoting sustainable development in the region.
"Dredged sands are a valuable resource, and we give them a second life by creating wetlands, regenerating beaches, or using them in the ceramic industry."
Rafael Carmona, President of the Port of Sevilla Authority
Wetlands for waterbirds
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