Port of Cartagena achieves Green Marine certification and cargo growth

The Port of Cartagena has become the first European port to receive the Green Marine Europe certification. The recognition, presented during Green Shipping Day 2026 in Nice, follows an external verification process evaluating emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, waste management, and underwater noise. Port Authority President Pedro Pablo Hernández stated the certification validates efforts to balance industrial growth and employment with environmental protection, including projects like Posidonia oceanica recovery and membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

In terms of commercial activity, the Port of Cartagena reported a 5.4% increase in total traffic between January and August 2026, moving 23.35 million tons. This growth is primarily driven by solid bulk cargo, which saw a 31.5% increase, reaching 5.61 million tons. This surge in solid bulks, particularly in exports which rose 41%, has compensated for declines in liquid bulk and general merchandise.

Separately, in Almería, the Mares Circulares project has utilized the OPP-71 trawler fleet to combat marine pollution. Over eight years, the initiative has helped remove significant amounts of waste, 70-75% of which is plastic, and has reportedly cleaned 50% of the seabed in participating areas.