Sustainability in Canary Islands Ports Challenges and Progress Toward Decarbonization

Abstract

This paper analyzes the state of sustainability and decarbonization in the ports of the Canary Islands, focusing on initiatives carried out by the Port Authorities of Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Puertos Canarios. Using a documentary and comparative approach, it examines key projects such as RENMARINAS and SILEX in Las Palmas, ENEPORTS and Tenerife Port ZERO in Tenerife, and the EcoPorts strategy by Puertos Canarios.

In light of the results examined, there has been significant progress in improving energy efficiency, in the progressive electrification of berthing alignments, and in the incorporation of renewable sources into port operations. However, such progress coexists with limitations that continue to condition the pace of the transition, mainly the high costs of implementing infrastructure with a lower environmental impact, the dispersion of competences that hinders decision-making with an overall vision, and the still insufficient specific technical qualifications available to meet the new operational requirements.

Thus, although the overall balance sheet shows that significant progress has been made, the current scenario requires the intensification of inter-institutional coordination mechanisms and the securing of sustained and stable financing channels over time, so that the ecological transformation of the Canary Islands port system can be accelerated and aligned with the objectives set out in the European regulatory framework and with the sustainable development commitments formulated in the 2030 Agenda.