04 November 2025– End of October, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) unveiled its annual ESPO Environmental Report 2025 – EcoPortsinSights 2025 during the GreenPort Congress hosted by Transport Malta in Valletta. ESPO’s Environmental Report is a cornerstone of the EcoPorts initiative, designed to champion environmental sustainability in European ports. This year’s edition draws upon data collected from 77 European ports across 18 countries. Through the EcoPorts Self-Diagnosis Method (SDM), ports submit a wide range of environmental data, providing the basis for the report.
One of the main features of this report remains the Top 10 Environmental Priorities, a list which sheds light on the environmental challenges faced by European ports. This ranking, which started back in 1993?, provides both ESPO and European policymakers with the critical insights needed to make well-informed decisions. For the fourth consecutive year, climate change maintains its position as the foremost environmental concern for European ports.
Aside from climate change, other key priorities in the sector include air quality and energy efficiency. Since 2019, these three have consistently ranked as the top environmental concerns for ports in the region.
On the one hand, port authorities are taking mitigation measures to tackle climate emissions, assessed using a new set of indicators introduced in 2025. 80% of ports have established their own greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, with 53% extending these targets to emissions from port-related activities and operations within their port area.
The Fit for 55 regulations, particularly AFIR and FuelEU, are having a significant impact on ports and present considerable challenges. The growing availability of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) connection points across ports reflects long-standing efforts by the sector, independent of regulatory obligations. While this indicator does not measure member states’ compliance with the 2030 targets, it clearly shows that ports have been proactively working on OPS since well before the introduction of current regulations. New indicators in 2025 on the availability of alternative fuels in ports shows that port managers are actively supporting the energy transition in line with their landlord and community building functions. This figure is expected to rise further, provided there is sufficient demand for these fuels.
The report further shows that climate change adaptation is gaining importance, with 69% of ports reporting operational challenges linked to climate impacts. Furthermore, 77% are working to strengthen the resilience of existing infrastructure, while 86% are incorporating climate adaptation measures into new development projects.
Land-related port development has notably risen in importance in this year’s top ten, reflecting the growing need to balance expansion with sustainability. As trade volumes continue to increase, ports are investing more in land-use planning and green infrastructure to support efficient and environmentally responsible growth. At the same time, the energy transition is placing new demands on space, including areas required for renewable energy generation, storage, and associated industrial activities. The limited availability of land is therefore emerging as a critical challenge, particularly as ports evolve into key energy hubs of the future.
The ESPO Environmental Report 2025 highlights several encouraging trends among its key indicators, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental governance.
Ports today are facing increasingly demanding reporting requirements. Nevertheless, many continue to achieve certification under the Port Environmental Review System (PERS), highlighting the vital role played by the only environmental management standard specifically developed by ports, for ports.
The Environmental Management Index (EMI), which aggregates the environmental management indicators, is still increasing and has achieved its highest value to date, reaching 8,67 in 2025. Environmental monitoring remains robust, with most of the surveyed ports implementing programs focused primarily on energy efficiency, port and ships waste, and water quality.
The percentage of ports with an Environmental Policy, an inventory of relevant environmental legislation, and defined objectives for environmental improvement has reached an unprecedented 99% and near perfect score. Additionally, almost all ports now maintain inventories of Significant Environmental Aspects (SEA) and have established active environmental monitoring programs, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental management.
The ESPO Environmental Report is a testament to the ongoing commitment of European ports in their pursuit of environmental excellence. It also serves as a platform for these ports to communicate their dedication to essential stakeholders.
“The 2025 Environmental Report once again highlights the positive progress ports are making in environmental management. It introduces new and relevant indicators and outlines the top priorities for EcoPorts. Alongside the ESPO’s good green practices available on our website (LINK), this report also serves as a valuable resource for all incoming EU decision-makers,” commented Ansis Zeltins, Chair of ESPO and Secretary General.
“This report once again highlights the proactive role ports continue to play in environmental stewardship. At a time of increasingly stringent environmental requirements—both in terms of reporting and compliance—it is essential to demonstrate how ports voluntarily strive to improve their surroundings and reduce the environmental impact of port activities.” added Tim Verhoeven, ESPO Senior Policy Advisor and EcoPorts Coordinator.
