Energy transition and decarbonisation: rethinking port interfaces

As industrial powerhouses, ports play a pivotal role in the shift to a greener economy. Strategic hubs for trade and logistics, they must balance the integration of cutting-edge solutions with the needs of their industrial partners. That is why we at Aquitania Ports Link are actively embracing this transformation by embedding regional industrial ecology into our infrastructure.

Ports as key drivers of regional decarbonisation

Decarbonisation has become crucial in minimising the environmental impact of port and maritime operations. To meet the targets set by the European Union and international agreements, ports must drastically cut CO₂ emissions while maintaining a smooth flow of commercial activities.

Working groups

Joint working groups across our four ports are addressing real-world challenges with tailored solutions for the local area and the broader region. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region oversees this collaborative effort, supporting ports in the following areas:

  • the energy transition;
  • regional industrial ecology.

Decarbonising ports: a strategic priority

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ports and their surrounding ecosystems calls for a wide range of initiatives.

Reusing resources

The Port of Bayonne reuses dredged sand to help combat beach erosion in Anglet.

Repurposing resources

Waste heat from industrial sites is repurposed to provide heat for the community via district heating networks.

Pooling resources

Discussions are underway on pooling transportation resources for companies operating within the port area.

Sustainable industrialisation of port zones

Port areas are evolving beyond commercial hubs into spaces of innovation and global collaboration. Sustainable industrialisation is a key challenge.

Short supply chains

With industrial companies located in close proximity, port zones offer a unique opportunity to streamline the flow of raw materials, energy, and finished goods. Each port encourages direct partnerships among companies operating on their sites.

Recovery of by-products

Thanks to the wide variety of activities, port zones are ideal for developing circular economy models. One industry’s waste can become another’s resource. Thanks to initiatives driven by our Aquitania Ports Link working groups, ports are becoming both high-performance logistics platforms and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

Toward sustainable economic growth in maritime activity

Economic growth and ecological transition must go hand in hand. Ports are fine-tuning their strategies to boost competitiveness while keeping environmental stewardship a top priority.

Decarbonising logistics operations

Transforming logistics is central to reducing the environmental impact of port operations. This has been achieved through infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of shore power systems and the replacement of dredging vessels. We are also exploring cleaner propulsion systems to reduce the environmental impact of essential operations that maintain safe access through harbour channels. Our responsible procurement policy focuses on selecting equipment and services with a lower environmental impact.

Planning and certification

Our commitment to the ecological transition is further demonstrated by our attainment of recognised environmental certifications. These certifications attest to our concrete actions in favour of sustainable port area management and operations. The Port of Bordeaux exemplifies this effort, having earned the ZIBaC (Low-Carbon Industrial Zone) label for the Bassens-Ambès industrial-port area.

Our other missions