On 29 October 2025, the Pillar I National Event: Ports and Climate Change Adaptation took place at the Port Authority of Vigo.
This in-person event gathered 30 participants, including representatives from national authorities, port operators, and international initiatives, to discuss how ports can lead the way in decarbonisation, green infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Key highlights of the event include:
- Strategic Alignment: The session showcased the progress of Pillar I of the Atlantic Action Plan, emphasizing ports as gateways for the blue economy and their role in adapting to climate change.
- Policy Updates: Spanish authorities presented the recently approved Maritime Strategy 2025–2050, setting a long-term vision for sustainable maritime transport.
- Synergies Across Sea Basins: The event featured contributions from the WestMED Sustainable Transport Technical Group, represented by Mr. Leonardo Manzari, highlighting opportunities for collaboration on green shipping and energy transition.
- Interactive Dialogue: Led by ICSEM, participants engaged in a hands-on session to identify and prioritize challenges for ports in their energy transition, exploring potential energy sources and prototypes to guide future innovation.
Next Steps:
- Finalize a document compiling port climate adaptation challenges and priorities.
- Strengthen exchanges with the WestMED Sustainable Maritime Transport Technical Group.
- Explore partnerships for new consortia and project development.
As Mrs. Marta Villaverde, Conselleira do Mar, noted:“Ports are important commerce, economy, and blue economy hubs.”
This event reaffirmed the Atlantic Strategy’s commitment to sustainable transport and resilient ports, paving the way for collaborative solutions that support the EU’s climate and ocean goals.
