ESPO congratulates the Port of Melilla and Groningen Seaports for achieving EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS)

26 March 2021

ESPO congratulates the Port of Melilla (Spain) and the Groningen Seaports (The Netherlands) for being certified through the EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS). This is Melilla’s third PERS certification since they joined the EcoPorts network in 2016, while this is Groningen’s seventh PERS certification since 2005.

Port of Melilla renews its PERS certificate for the third time

Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General, commented: “The number of ports renewing their certifications keeps growing. It is very gratifying to see school examples of environmental management and engagement as the ports of Groningen and Melilla, two ports with a different but very interesting profile, rigorously renewing their PERS certification. Both of these ports have grown and developed alongside the EcoPorts network, helping to shape the network into what it is today. We wish them all the best in their continued environmental management work in the coming years.”

Valter Selén, ESPO Senior Policy Advisor and EcoPorts Coordinator, said: “I am very pleased to see that the Port of Melilla and Groningen Seaports have successfully renewed their EcoPorts PERS certificates. Showcasing the potential of ports as energy hubs, Groningen has consistently been ahead of the curve when it comes to proactive environmental management. As a port located just 90 miles from the shores of Africa, the Port of Melilla is a modern port situated in a strategic area. The PERS certification of both these ports show that no matter the nature of port activities, it is still possible to commit to environmental management!”

PERS is the only port-specific environmental standard. The last five years have seen important increases in its recognition and membership, with 116 ports from 25 countries currently counting themselves as part of the EcoPorts network, and 25 ports holding PERS certification. Compliance with the EcoPorts’ PERS standard is independently assessed by Lloyd’s Register 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.

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