American, European & Asian ports are all among the winners, with Ulsan Port picking up two awards
IAPH is delighted to have announced the winners of the #IAPH2023 Sustainability Awards during this evening’s gala dinner of the IAPH World Ports Conference in Hamburg
IAPH Managing Director Patrick Verhoeven commented : “With 71 projects submitted from over 50 ports this year, we warmly congratulate all five ports who have been selected by both our expert jury and over 4500 members of the voting public as winners in their categories. We see some countries winning for the first time with small as well as large ports from all regions getting being hcose our expert jury and the voting public.”
Climate and Energy winner: Ulsan Port – Green Methanol and Bio-diesel bunkering
In July 2023, Ulsan Port became the first port to successfully bunker green methanol and biodiesel for a Maersk Solstice container vessel, significantly reducing carbon emissions by up to 95%. Despite regulatory challenges, Ulsan Port collaborated with various stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient operations, promoting global green methanol bunkering and contributing to carbon neutrality.
Community Building winner: Chennai Port – Championing Community Empowerment and Sustainable Growth
In addition to the Port school, which has provided quality education to more than 50,000 students during its five-decade legacy, Chennai Port Authority established a special local school for autistic children. The Port has also provided a full-sized stadium, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts and a community hall for cultural events and gatherings. It also completely modernised and upgraded the Chennai Fishing Harbour which is used by thousands of fishermen and shelters over 2000 boats.
Digitalization winner: Freeport of Riga Authority – Seamless 5G Connectivity in the Baltic Sea
The “Seamless 5G Connectivity in the Baltic Sea” project aims to enhance maritime communications with 5G connectivity over open waters. By developing the multi-hop concept, it enables ships to act as floating base stations for shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship communication. This supports autonomous ships, USV drones, and innovations like real-time pollution monitoring.
Environmental Care winner: Port of Antwerp-Bruges – Species Protection Program
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, home to 90 protected species, has partnered with Natuurpunt to develop a species protection program balancing conservation and industrial growth, targetting ten species every five years, ensuring focused conservation efforts.
Infrastructure winner: Port of Açu – Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Derivatives Hub
Porto do Açu leads Brazil's low-carbon development by integrating climate strategies into its Port Masterplan, emphasising low-carbon hydrogen and industrial symbiosis. Engaging stakeholders, the project achieved Brazil's first environmental permit for a low-carbon industrial cluster.
Health Safety and Security winner : Ulsan Port – Port Cargo Working Safety Index
Ulsan Port developed the world’s first “Port Cargo Working Safety Index” to measure and improve safety levels, reducing occupational accidents. The index, based on seven performance indicators, allows companies to assess stevedore safety. Introduced in 2023, it led to a 7% reduction in industrial accidents and a 40% decrease in onboard incidents. With zero major accidents for five consecutive years, Ulsan Port aims to become a global leader in port safety.
At the gala dinner, IAPH also presented the Akiyama Award which is in memory of one of IAPH founding fathers Toru Akiyama, who was Secretary-General of IAPH from 1967 to 1973. The Award goes to the highest placed IAPH Sustainability Awards finalist runner-up from a Least Developed Country, a Landlocked Developing Country or a Small Island Developing State.
Akiyama Award winner: The Autonomous Port of Cotonou - Sustainable Transformation of Vendor Livelihoods
To address safety and hygiene issues for food vendors at the Port of Cotonou, the Port Authority launched a community engagement program, leading to their relocation to a new site in February 2024. This site offers improved facilities, including hygienic kitchens and retail spaces. The Sustainable Transformation of Vendor Livelihoods project has enhanced working conditions, increased sales by 20%, and fostered community inclusivity.
News story contact : Victor Shieh. IAPH Communications Director
Email : victor.shieh@iaphworldports.org
About IAPH
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has developed into a global alliance of 189 port authorities as well as 162port-related businesses. Comprised of over 80 different nationalities across the world’s continents, member ports handle over one third of the world’s sea-borne trade and well over 60% of the world container traffic. IAPH leads global port industry initiatives on decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation in the maritime transport chain. The IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program has grown into the reference database of best practices of ports applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrating them into their businesses - iaphworldports.org.