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Ports Energy and Carbon Savings (PECS) is an Interreg 2 Seas project under the programme priority ‘Low carbon technologies’.

PECS aims to develop, test and implement different tools and technologies in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the Small and Medium sized Entrepreneurial (SME) ports and marinas, and to make their functioning more energy-efficient in a cost-effective way. The cooperation between port authorities, the industry and local stakeholders might be one of the ways to reach these targets.

Moreover, innovation will be stimulated in close cooperation between the knowledge institutions, the industry and the concerned ports, in order to select and implement low carbon technologies, which are more adapted to the needs of SME ports and marinas.

Led by the Port of Oostende, knowledge institutions, port authorities, industry and public authorities are working together within the framework of the cross- border Interreg 2 Seas program in order to test and implement different technologies and methods in the field of renewable energy production, energy recuperation and energy storage on land and in the water.

PECS is run by a consortium of 10 partners from 4 European countries: Port of Oostende (BE), City of Hellevoetsluis (NL), Portsmouth International Port (UK), Omgevingsdienst Ijmond (NL), IndaChlor (FR), Blue Power Synergy (BE), CEREMA (FR), Solent University Southampton (UK), Hogeschool Zeeland (NL), University of Ghent (BE).

The project is cofinanced by the European Fund for Regional Development (ERFD) under grant agreement No 2S03-009. Also the Dutch Province of North-Holland and the Belgian Province of West Flanders are offering financial support.  It runs from 12/07/2017 till 31/08/2020.

The Role of Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port is Britain’s best connected port.  Situated on the South Coast, ferries and ships benefit from easy access to the English Channel. Passengers also get an easy ride – the port is built right next to the UK motorway network with fast, direct road and rail links to and from London, the South East of England and beyond.

The thriving ferry, shipping and cruise business makes Portsmouth International Port the UK’s premier port for the western channel. It is home to one of the nation’s newest passenger terminals, which is also among the most eco-friendly buildings in Britain. This, and other investment in new facilities, highlights a forward thinking attitude that keeps the Port flexible and competitive in an ever-changing market place.

Portsmouth International Port is committed towards its environmental credentials and where possible looks for low-carbon alternatives. Following a need to commission a new linkspan, which acts as a floating bridge between the quay and a ferry, it was decided to look at ways to make sure this met the port’s green objectives. Interreg 2 Seas funding from PECS project has allowed the team at the port to explore ways in which this could be achieved, with the new linkspan being installed at the end of March.

Find out more: www.pecs2seas.eu