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Environmental quality improvement initiatives

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Contributing to air quality

We reduce diffuse emissions generated during the handling of solid and liquid bulk cargo and the stay of ships in the port. By 2030, the goal is zero regulatory breaches and zero complaints regarding poor air quality.

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Contributing to water and sediment quality

We reduce water and sediment pollution in docks, caused by diffuse discharges from port operations or runoff in operational areas. Our goal is to achieve good ecological potential without generating dredged materials that require confinement.

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Limiting the acoustic impact of port activities

We reduce the acoustic impact of port activities on the urban environment. In this way, we aim to achieve zero non-compliances related to noise and complete Noise Maps and Acoustic Action Plans before 2030.

ISO Environmental Management

To achieve proper integration of environmental sustainability in management, the Port Authorities are implementing and certifying ISO 14001 and EMAS Environmental Management Systems, which enable continuous review and improvement processes.

 

Level of implementation of environmental management
systems (ISO 14001 and EMAS) in Port Authorities, 2021

 

grafica de implantación
Port AuthorityLevel of implementation
A CoruñaEMAS
Alicante14001 In planning
Almería14001 Global
Avilés14001 In planning
B. Algeciras14001 Partial
B. Cádiz14001 Partial
Baleares14001 Global
BarcelonaEMAS
BilbaoEMAS
CartagenaEMAS
Castellón14001 Under implementation
Ceuta14001 Global
Ferrol14001 Global
Gijón14001 Global
Huelva14001 Global
Las Palmas14001 Global
Aragón14001 Global
Málaga14001 Global
Marín14001 Global
Melilla14001 Global
Motril14001 Global
Pasaia14001 In planning
SC. Tenerife14001 Global
Santander14001 Global
Sevilla14001 Under implementation
Tarragona14001 Global
ValenciaEMAS
VigoEMAS
Vilagarcía14001 Global

Air quality

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Bulk cargo

We reduce emissions from the handling of solid and liquid bulk cargo and from the stay of ships in the port.

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Administrative regulation

We promote facilities and equipment that minimize emissions.

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Operational procedures

  • Instructions for the proper handling of solid bulk cargo loading and unloading equipment and cleaning of work surfaces.
  • Supervision of operations by port police.
  • Monitoring of air quality parameters.
  • Regulation of operations based on wind speed and direction.
  • Windbreak screens in common-use areas.
  • Wheel washing equipment at exits of operational areas.
  • Mist turbines in common-use areas.
  • Shore power connection for ships.
Foto de instalación portuaria

Water quality

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Reduction of pollution and sediment

The goal is to achieve good ecological potential of the port’s water and sediments, without generating dredged materials that require confinement.

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Administrative regulation

The conditions for granting concessions and licenses favor facilities, handling equipment, and operations that ensure proper treatment of wastewater and rainwater, as well as the prevention of diffuse discharges.

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Operational regulation

Operational conditions in Environmental Standards and Management Instructions are aimed at reducing diffuse discharges during cargo handling and maintenance tasks for machinery or stranded vessels.

Foto de instalación portuaria

Acoustic impact

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Control and monitoring

  • Development of noise maps.
  • Measurement campaigns.
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Operations

  • Reorganization of activities and traffic flow.
  • Limitation of nighttime activities.
  • Speed restrictions.
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Infrastructure

  • Improvement of sound-absorbing pavements and asphalts.
  • Installation of acoustic barriers.
  • Installation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems for providing electrical power to docked ships.