This year's ESPO conference took delegates on a regatta, crossing Europe from south to north. Starting in Valencia, on to Ghent the following day and arriving at its last port of call, Oslo on May 28.
The conference was mainly digital due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- We congratulate Port of Oslo, which is receiving PERS-certification for the first time. PERS certification, and membership in the EcoPorts Network, demonstrate Port of Oslo’s dedication and commitment to environmental management. The port’s vision to become the world's first emission-free port is one of the reasons it leads the sector in sustainability. We look forward to collaborating with Port of Oslo as a member of the EcoPorts Network for many years to come, says Isabelle Ryckbost Secretary-General of ESPO.
Port of Oslo received PERS, (Port Environmental Review System) certification in accordance with the European environmental standard for ports. Certification follows an independent review by Lloyd´s Register and is valid for two years.
PERS is ESPO's certification system for environmental management. It is based on ESPO's policy recommendations and is the only port-specific environmental management standard.
-I am both happy and proud that Port of Oslo is now certified by the world's only port-specific environmental standard, says Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen
- I am happy and proud that Port of Oslo is now certified by the world's only port-specific environmental standard and would like to thank everyone who contributed to this achievement. The Municipality of Oslo and Port of Oslo have set a global standard with ambitious targets to cut harmful climate and environmental emissions. PERS will help Port of Oslo to achieve sustainable growth and drastically reduce its environmental footprint by 2030 while increasing port calls, and cargo and passenger volumes,” says Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen.
Port of Oslo has been a member of ESPO's EcoPort Network since 2020.
- PERS certification is a natural outgrowth of Port of Oslo’s ambition to remain at the forefront of environmental management. We measure our progress against ports in Europe, and therefore it is important that we are part of the European community and ESPO, says Heidi Neilson, Environmental Manager at Port of Oslo.