EIC-funded Living Ports project awarded the 2022 World Sustainability Awards – International Association of Ports (IAPH)

Living Ports project has been selected as one of the winners for the 2022 World Sustainability Awards organised by the International Association of Ports (IAPH), in the category of  “Infrastructures”.

The outcome of the public vote (30%), together with the evaluation of the jury of nine independent experts (70%) jointly determined the six final winners, which were announced exclusively in person at the award ceremony planned at Gala Dinner for IAPH 2022 World Ports Conference that took place on 17 May 2022, in Vancouver (Canada).

Background information

70 % of coastal and marine infrastructures are made of concrete which is a known damage-inducer to underwater ecosystems. Concrete is also susceptible to climate change degradation and comes with high carbon footprint. A solution for carbon-storing, ecologically-friendly, structurally superior concrete is needed and at scale to meet the standards of marine construction. The EU-funded Living Ports project will showcase the adoption of such a technology in maritime construction best practices. This infrastructure uses biomimicry to bring concrete to life, delivering unique benefits and cost savings. Living Ports is installed at the Port of Vigo Galicia, Spain, and includes seawalls and riprap armour, developed by ECOncrete Tech Ltd, the project coordinator. Monitoring will be conducted by Technical University of Denmark (DTU). An underwater observatory built by Cardama Shipyard will engage the public and stakeholders. The Port of Vigo is an institution that puts the environment first and wants to be a pioneer for the Ports ecosystem in Spain and Europe.