The Port of Sevilla was honored with the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) 2024 Award on November 6 in Brussels for its project "Circular Economy for Valorising Maintenance Dredging Sediments."
This initiative aims to repurpose sediments extracted from the Eurovía del Guadalquivir, a maritime access route, to align with circular economy principles. The port now uses uncontaminated sediments to boost biodiversity, restore coastlines, and support agriculture and industry, such as creating Guadalquivir bricks.
Rafael Carmona, President of APS, noted: “For years, we have been working to valorize dredging sediments as a resource, not as waste; and we use them to create new habitats and improve ecosystems, as well as to enhance agriculture and the ceramic industry, advancing the production of Guadalquivir bricks.”
This achievement comes as European ports face rising challenges in decarbonization. ESPO’s 2024 Environmental Report highlights climate adaptation as crucial, with 73% of ports improving infrastructure resilience and 86% integrating climate considerations into new projects. Port investments of up to €80 billion are projected to meet climate neutrality goals by 2034.
Sevilla’s efforts underscore the role of ports in driving sustainability while addressing operational and environmental challenges.