Experts in maritime affairs and fisheries of the European Commission are interested in the Blue Growth Strategy of the Port of Vigo

After the visit last Tuesday of the Director General for Maritime Affairs of the European Commission, Charlina Vitcheva, the Port of Vigo hosted today a new meeting with experts from DG Mare, the Directorate General in charge of EU policies on maritime affairs and fisheries.

The delegation, headed by the deputy director general, Kestutis Sadauskas, who was accompanied by different experts in blue economy, environmental impact and the head of unit of economic analysis, markets and impact assessment, in addition to other members of the economic and research units, was received by the president of the Port Authority of Vigo, Jesús Vázquez Almuiña, and his management team, who showed him the characteristics of the terminal.

After this meeting, different representatives of the Blue Growth community of Vigo, such as Arvi, Anfaco, Aclunaga, MarInnLeg, Abanca and Univergy Solar, joined the working meetings. The talks focused on the social and economic dimension of the Port of Vigo, the fishing markets and the sustainable blue economy.

The president of the Port Authority of Vigo indicated the need to count on the support of Europe for fundraising, in order to achieve a fair transition for all the groups that make up the fishing sector. 

He also stressed the importance of the Port of Vigo as a tractor in the decarbonization and compliance with the European Green Pact.  An environmental commitment that he considers a great opportunity for the Vigo and Galician shipyards.

An example to follow

For his part, the deputy general manager expressed the importance of the Port of Vigo in the implementation of Blue Growth and sustainable economy, and highlighted the value of all the awards, international prizes and certificates obtained, emphasizing the importance of having the prestigious EMAS certification, the most recognized environmental certification.

Sadauskas added that Vigo is a reference in the maritime sectors and its entire team has been following, since its inception, the Blue Growth strategy, of which they are very knowledgeable. In this sense, he expressed the intention of the European Commission to provide funds and financing for the development of the Blue Economy and all the companies and knowledge centers that are part of it.

The director general himself indicated that a "Galification of Europe" is necessary due to its high knowledge and specialization in maritime sectors and activities. 

The innovation of the Blue Growth Vigo Community

Among the representatives of the Blue Growth Vigo Community, the head of the Shipowners' Cooperative, Javier Touza, presented to the Commission the work they are doing in adapting the fleet for environmental protection.

Annina Bürgin, manager of the innovation center for maritime and fisheries legal studies and support for the economy and the blue society (MarInnleg), presented this initiative born under the Blue Growth umbrella and focused her speech on the legal changes that must be carried out to comply with the European Green Pact.

Óscar Gómez, from Aclunaga, showed the Green Bay Vigo proposal on the importance and multiple environmental benefits of the electrification of ships in the Ría, while Julio Hidalgo, representing Univergy Solar, presented the Julio Verne project on the implementation of hydrogen, with local companies and sectors, involving associations, companies and technology centers. 

Likewise, Roberto C. Alonso, general secretary of the Anfaco-Cecopesca canning industry, emphasized the strength of the Galician processing sector in R+D+i and biotechnology, and Javier Praga, from Abanca Mar, explained to the delegation the importance of the financial part for the development of blue economy projects. 

Vázquez Almuiña thanked the large group of experts from the European Commission who have come to Vigo. These days they are holding working meetings with different stakeholders of the Port Community and tomorrow, Tuesday, they will visit the fishing port to check "in situ" the work being carried out in the fish market and the market. They have also visited by boat the other elements of Blue Growth articulated around the Port of Vigo and its estuary (rafts, industry and shipyards, marine research centers and vessels, marine renewable energy and decarbonization projects, sustainability projects, etc.).