ESPO congratulates the Port of Igoumenitsa (Greece) and the Port of Vigo (Spain) for being certified through the EcoPorts’ environmental management standard (PERS). As committed members of the EcoPorts Network, Igoumenitsa has been part of the Network for a decade, having joined 2011. The Port of Vigo joined the Network in 2013, and has been continuously PERS-certified since joining.

The Port of Igoumenitsa renews its PERS certification

Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General, commented: “I am very pleased to see that the Port of Vigo and the Port of Igoumenitsa are once again renewing their EcoPorts PERS certificates. The Port of Igoumenitsa plays a major role in strengthening the cohesion with the Greek islands and ensuring the short sea connectivity with Italy. Its green efforts make its overall profile even more sustainable. The Port of Vigo is the biggest fishing port in the world and combines economic growth with a fundamental orientation towards sustainable blue growth. We look forward to having these two ports part of the EcoPorts Network for a long time to come.”

Valter Selén, ESPO Senior Policy Advisor and EcoPorts Coordinator, said: “It is very gratifying to see two long-standing ports continuing to build on their long history in the EcoPorts Network. Both ports have been PERS-certified five times, with re-certification requiring significant and continuous self-improvement of environmental management. It is therefore an impressive feat by the Port of Vigo and the Port of Igoumenitsa to be recertified once again, and they are great examples of what the EcoPorts Network is all about.

PERS is the only port-specific environmental standard. The last five years have seen important increases in its recognition and membership, with 119 ports from 26 countries currently counting themselves as part of the EcoPorts network, and 29 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.