The Living Ports Project – a European Commission funded consortium project led by concrete technology provider ECOncrete – has won the International Association of Ports and Harbor’s (IAPH) 2022 Sustainability Awards “Infrastructure” category.
The Living Ports Project in the port of Vigo in Spain has been recognized as a pioneer within the ports industry, with the multi-layered initiative being designed to meet environmental, social and business goals to exemplify more sustainable, next-generation ports infrastructure.
Environmental, Social and Business Oriented Goals
Throughout the planning of the project, environmental, social, and business goals have been at the forefront. This includes a focus on increasing biodiversity, port-city integration and the effective implementation, monitoring and validation of the project and its results, which will be performed in cooperation with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project is a part of the Port of Vigo’s Blue Growth strategy, and also involves Cardama Shipyard.
Voting took place via a public vote (30%) and jury evaluation (70%) and was announced this morning at the World Ports Conference of the IAPH, which took place in Vancouver.
1 Port – 2 Sites – Multiple Installations
Living Ports includes a 310m² ECOncrete sea wall and 100 ECOncrete Costalock single layer armouring units, installed in 2 sites. The bio-enhancing concrete units will provide protection and coastal stabilization as well as habitat creation and ecological uplift.
The project also incorporates a floating observation deck, developed by Cardama Shipyards, which will give access to researchers as well as to the community, to witness first-hand the development of biodiversity and port ecosystem.
Proud to lead the field
Ido Sella, CEO of ECOncrete, said, “We are pleased that Living Ports has been recognised by public and peer voting for the innovative project it truly is! ECOncrete is proud to lead this project, developing next-generation port infrastructure. We hope that this project will continue to act as a leading example for the future of the sustainable ports ecosystem in Spain, Europe and the wider global community.”
Carlos Botana, Head of the Sustainability Department of the Port of Vigo said, “It is amazing to have been recognized at the most prestigious port awards. The joint work of the consortium made a firm commitment to green infrastructure, and is a project for all the citizens of the Metropolitan area of Vigo in mind. Thanks to their ongoing support, we have once again been able to display our leading environmental position within the port community.”
Source: IAPH