The port of Klaipėda is the first among the Baltic states and one of the 35 ports in Europe to have a port environmental management system (PERS) certificate. Today, at the annual event of the European Ports Organization in Paris, a certificate was officially presented, confirming that the port of Klaipėda can be called an environmentally friendly port.
“A port that is friendly to the environment and people: from vision to concrete works. This is how I would describe our sustainability journey in recent years. In the 2020s, we ignited a spark and started talking about a green port, we encouraged companies operating in the port to be infected with this idea, and today not only we ourselves take on interesting and unique projects related to digitization, environmental protection, energy transformation, but also port cargo companies invest and implement projects , which will reduce pollution emissions. The granting of this certificate to the port of Klaipėda is at the same time another proof that we are taking solid steps in the journey of sustainability, and international support. Now we have to work to maintain it, because this document is not just a beautiful piece of paper,” says Algis Latakas, director general of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
The implementation of this port environmental management system in the port of Klaipėda was started as early as 2023, setting the goals, objectives and environmental performance indicators, assessing compliance with legal requirements, and preparing an activity improvement plan. From now on, the established indicators become the unit of measurement, as they will be used to measure the port’s progress in reducing the environmental impact of its activities in order to achieve climate neutrality in two years.
“With the PERS certificate, we are committed to long-term sustainable development and active participation in reducing the impact on the environment. Among the main environmental performance indicators we set are the reduction of the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, pollutants emitted into the air during ship movement and cargo transportation, energy consumption, and the number of environmental incidents in the port area. The percentage of usefully used excavated soil in the port, the number of justified complaints submitted by Klaipėda city residents will also be evaluated. There are as many as 34 such indicators in total”, says Aistė Kubiliūtė, environmental protection coordinator of the Port Directorate.
The certification company Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) evaluated the documents for awarding the certificate. In their conclusion, it is noted that the environmental protection strategy of the port of Klaipėda meets the requirements of the PERS and foresees the reduction of the negative impact of the port’s activities, implementing and applying the best management practices and the latest technologies, prioritizing renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies. According to the certification company, the port of Klaipėda undertakes to adhere to the principles of circular economy.
PERS (Port Environmental Review System) is the only environmental management standard for seaports. It is based on ESPO (European Sea Ports Organization) policy recommendations and a purpose-built scheme to help ports comply with legislation, develop sustainable port operations, protect the environment, improve public health and address climate issues. ESPO has prepared guidelines for the implementation of the port environmental management system.
The certificate is issued for 2 years.
