The APB commits to digitalisation to improve the sustainability of the Balearic ports

PORTNET, the Cuadro de Mando Ambiental and the Port Community System take the spotlight of a session that answers environmental needs of the portuary community.

Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares (APB) has presented new technological solutions aimed at improving sustainability and environmental management across the general-interest ports of the Balearic Islands during the event “Technology and innovation at the service of the environment.” Held on Friday, June 12th at the Port Center in Palma, the event brought together representatives from the port community, public administrations, partner companies, and other stakeholders.

The meeting showcased three initiatives promoted by the APB that incorporate digitalisation and innovation as tools to move towards more efficient, transparent and environmentally responsible port management: the PORTNET CircularPort project, the new Environmental Dashboard, and updates on the Port Community System.

The event is part of the APB’s commitment to continuous improvement of its environmental performance and forms part of the actions developed following a materiality analysis carried out within its ESG Strategy (Environmental, Social and Governance). This analysis highlighted that waste management in ports, marine pollution prevention, and compliance with environmental regulations are among the most relevant concerns for stakeholders.

It also showed a strong appreciation of environmental performance and innovation as defining attributes of the APB’s activity, as well as a growing demand for information on environmental procedures and sustainability policies. 

One of the highlighted projects was PORTNET CircularPort, a pioneering initiative in Spain that uses blockchain technology to ensure traceability of MARPOL waste generated by ships, from collection to final delivery to authorised waste managers. The system allows each stage of the process to be digitally recorded and verified, improving transparency, security, and control in port waste management.

This project, developed in the ports managed by the APB in collaboration with Blueroom Innovation and funded by Puertos del Estado through the PUERTOS 4.0 programme, represents a step forward towards circular economy models applied to the maritime-port sector.

The APB also presented its new Environmental Dashboard, a tool that integrates wind and wave forecasts and simulates the trajectory of potential spills in port waters. Its implementation responds to one of the main concerns expressed by citizens and users during the consultation process: water pollution, spills, and port cleanliness.

Thanks to this platform, port authorities will have more precise information to anticipate risks and improve response capacity in the event of environmental incidents, strengthening the protection of the marine environment.

The event also featured updates on the APB Port Community System, a digital platform designed to optimize port processes, facilitate information exchange between operators, and progressively eliminate paper-based documentation.

With initiatives like those presented, the Autoridad Portuaria de Baleares continues to promote a more sustainable, innovative, and collaborative port community, aligned with the ecological and digital transition goals shaping the future of the port system.