Valencia Port Authority develops plan to adapt its ports to climate change
The Port Authority of Valencia (APV) has begun work on a plan to adapt the facilities in Valencia, Sagunto and Gandia to climate change, with the aim of increasing their resilience.
As explained, this development is part of Valenciaport’s Net Zero Emissions Plan, through which the port authority is leading sustainability initiatives across its facilities. The objective is to develop eco-proactive ports while assessing and mitigating risks from rough seas, heavy rain, heatwaves and rising sea levels.
Valenciaport has already begun implementing measures in line with Puertos del Estado’s Strategic Framework for the Port System of General Interest, which requires all state-owned ports to complete such climate adaptation measures by 2030. The plan, awarded to the company Ineco for €181,229.35 (excluding VAT), is expected to be completed over 14 months.
Furthermore, the work focuses on identifying critical risks at each port and establishing specific adaptation measures, prioritizing key areas such as quays, breakwaters, terminals, access points, and terminal operations. Continuous monitoring and improvement will ensure the measures remain effective over time.
The plan is based on a thorough analysis of the vulnerability of the three ports, assessing the risks posed by extreme weather events, and proposing targeted measures to enhance resilience. These measures will prioritize the most vulnerable infrastructure and services and will, at minimum, follow the general adaptation strategies already established by the APV.
All proposed solutions will include a cost-benefit analysis to ensure their economic viability while addressing the full scope of potential climate impacts.
The Net Zero Emissions Plan
The development of these climate change adaptation plans forms part of APV’s Net Zero Emissions Plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality at Valenciaport’s facilities by 2035. By this date, it is also expected to have achieved energy self-sufficiency, being able to produce all the energy required to meet the energy needs associated with the economic and commercial activities of the various ports.
In this regard, the plan includes measures such as the construction of two new substations at the Port of Valencia, which are due to become operational between 2026 and 2028, and the provision of shore power supply points (OPS) for ships at the various terminals. Furthermore, a smart energy management system based on the use of digital twins will be rolled out throughout 2027.