THE PORT OF VIGO RENEWS ITS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION 'PERS' AND CONSOLIDATES ITS LEADERSHIP IN MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY
Sep 16, 2026, 9:47:00 AM
The Port Authority of Vigo has taken a further
step in its commitment to environmental excellence after obtaining the renewal
of the PERS (Port Environmental Review System) certification. This
international standard, promoted by the European EcoPorts network, is the only
environmental label developed specifically for the port sector, and it
thoroughly evaluates the environmental performance and management of port
institutions.
The renewal of the PERS label reinforces the
integrated management model of the Port of Vigo. This framework combines
internationally recognised standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental
management — held continuously since 2007 — and the recent adoption of ISO
50001 for energy management, aimed at reducing and optimising energy
consumption at its facilities. The entity also maintains the European EMAS III
registration and produces its Environmental Statement and Sustainability Report
on an annual basis.
Continuous
monitoring and active prevention
The achievement of the PERS certification
reflects an ongoing strategy of controlling environmental parameters in the
estuary. In terms of water quality, the Port carries out regular analyses of
physico-chemical and microbiological parameters in the water and sediments of
its docks, complemented by direct seabed cleaning and regeneration work. On air
quality and noise, the port network has continuous monitoring sensors measuring
pollutants (NO₂, O₃, SO₂, NO, CO and particulates), together with up-to-date noise
maps and acoustic propagation studies. To respond to contingencies on the water
surface, it relies on a specialised service using a Pelican-type vessel —
capable of removing floating solids and hydrocarbons — integrated into
contingency plans coordinated with other administrations.
Circular
economy and biodiversity restoration
The PERS standard also promotes the circular
economy and the conservation of the natural environment. Through collaboration
with the local fishing fleet, the Port Authority removed more than 58 tonnes of
litter and unintentionally captured gear between 2023 and 2025, preventing it
from returning to the sea.
In addition, the protection of marine
ecosystems has become established as a key pillar through research projects
such as HIPPO-REF, in partnership with IIM-CSIC, which has enabled the
installation of artificial shelters that have already recorded the successful
settlement of pairs of seahorses; the NaturPorts initiative (together with CSIC
and the universities of Vigo and Oviedo), which has catalogued around 170
species colonising adapted port structures such as the innovative
"Nautilus" and "Atlántida"; and, in terms of public
outreach, a Bird Guide to the Port of Vigo will soon be joined by a new guide
dedicated to the area's marine species.
With the
renewal of the PERS label, the Port Authority of Vigo reaffirms its
determination to keep moving towards an efficient, resilient port model that is
fully compatible with the preservation of the marine environment, making it one
of the few ports worldwide to hold so many environmental recognitions, as well
as a global benchmark "Green Port".
