The Port of Seville has been awarded the prestigious ESPO Award 2024 by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) for its groundbreaking circular economy initiative. The accolade was presented during a ceremony at the Albert Hall Complex in Brussels, where representatives from the Port Authority of Seville (APS), including Elisa Oyonarte Gómez, Head of the European Projects Division, and Antonio Bejarano Moreno, Head of the Environment Division, collected the award.
Transforming Dredging Sediments through Circular Economy Practices
The award-winning project, titled “Circular Economy for Valorizing Maintenance Dredging Sediments”, was initiated as part of the Navigation Optimization Project on the Eurovía del Guadalquivir (E.60.02). This project addresses the need for sustainable sediment management during maintenance dredging activities while enhancing the navigability of the river, increasing ship cargo capacity without altering the channel’s gradient. Embracing the ‘Working with Nature’ model, the initiative repurposes the uncontaminated fine sediments, traditionally discarded, to support biodiversity, improve agricultural soils, stabilize riverbanks, and benefit the ceramics industry.
This effort showcases how the Port of Seville is leading the way in sustainable development by implementing a comprehensive circular economy strategy that involves various stakeholders, including local communities, environmentalists, agricultural sectors, and scientific experts.
Significant Environmental and Economic Benefits
The Port of Seville’s project stands out for its innovative use of dredging sediments, resulting in several positive outcomes:
- Wetland Creation for Biodiversity Enhancement: The project has facilitated the creation of wetlands near Doñana National Park, providing alternative habitats for over 70 bird species, including the endangered squacco heron and ferruginous duck. These new habitats help bolster biodiversity in a region frequently impacted by drought, while also serving as an educational site open to visitors, including school groups and citizen scientists.
- Coastal and Riverbank Restoration: The dredged sediments are utilized to regenerate the coastline, particularly in the Sanlúcar de Barrameda area, increasing public beach space and protecting sensitive ecosystems along the edges of Doñana National Park. Additionally, ongoing projects focus on stabilizing riverbanks in upstream rice cultivation areas using compact earth blocks with embedded seeds, promoting natural reinforcement.
- Soil Improvement for Agriculture: By creating artificial substrates from the dredged sediments, the project supports local farmers by enhancing soil quality, increasing crop yields, and acting as carbon sinks, contributing to climate resilience.
- Ceramic Industry Applications: The sediments are repurposed to manufacture high-porosity ceramic tiles, ideal for bioclimatic construction projects. These innovative materials help retain moisture and reduce the heat island effect, offering economic and social benefits, especially in the port-city transition zones like the Seville Urban Port District.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration
The success of the project is attributed to its inclusive approach, involving a wide array of stakeholders in the decision-making process. Sectoral roundtables brought together residents, farmers, environmentalists, public authorities, and business representatives from the Guadalquivir estuary. A technical-scientific committee, comprising university researchers and industry experts, provided oversight and feasibility assessments, ensuring that the project met environmental and community needs.
This collaborative effort has transformed dredged sands from a waste product into a valuable resource, demonstrating the port’s commitment to the European Green Deal and advancing sustainable development goals.
Recognition and Future Implications
Rafael Carmona, President of the Port Authority of Seville, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Dredged sands are a valuable resource, and we give them a second life by creating wetlands, regenerating beaches, or using them in the ceramic industry.” The ESPO Award highlights the Port of Seville’s role as a leader in circular economy practices and its commitment to fostering environmental, social, and economic benefits for the region.
This achievement follows the port’s shortlisting for the ESPO Award earlier this year, where it competed against other innovative projects from major European ports, including Antwerp-Bruges, Gothenburg, and Huelva. The recognition serves as a strong incentive for the Port of Seville to continue its efforts in promoting sustainability and supporting the economic development of the Guadalquivir estuary.
About the Port Authority of Seville
The Port Authority of Seville (APS) is the only inland seaport in Spain and a key logistics hub for the region. APS is committed to sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Through innovative projects and stakeholder collaboration, the Port of Seville continues to enhance its role as a gateway to international trade while supporting the local economy and community.
Source Port of Sevilla