Ege Port Kuşadası has become the first cruise port in the world to obtain the Ecoports Port Environmental Review Systems (PERS) certificate
Ecoports PERS is the only environmental management standard specifically for the port sector. The standard requires, among other things, that the port present an overview of the main environmental issues, demonstrating the environmental impact of port operations, and, in relation to this, present the legal requirements aimed at reducing this impact. It also requires that the port have trained personnel and budgets to implement these improvements, use performance indicators to measure results, and demonstrate the results achieved. Certification is awarded after a successful audit conducted by the independent auditor Lloyd's Register, Netherlands.
Operated by the world's largest cruise port operator Global Ports Holding (GPH), Ege Port Kuşadası received Ecoports PERS accreditation in May 2019, which will be valid for two years.
Emre Sayin, Global Ports Holding CEO, said: “GPH recognizes the improvements that cruise ports can make to become more sustainable. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, we are committed to playing our part. We are delighted that Ege Port Kuşadası has been recognized in this way and look forward to implementing these good environmental practices in other cruise ports we operate around the world.”
Aziz Güngör, East Med Ports Regional Director at Global Ports Holding, said: “Ege Port Kuşadası is proud to be the first cruise port to meet the PERS certification criteria, a result of the hard work and dedication of our staff. We are located in a picturesque region of Turkey, and our efforts in environmental stewardship and sustainability will allow many more cruise passengers to experience its wonderful natural beauty.”
Herman Journée, Chairman of the ECO Sustainable Logistics Chain Foundation, ECOSLC, underlines the importance of Ege Port Kuşadası becoming part of the network of internationally certified Ecoports ports to share its daily experience of environmental practices, and thus contribute to the sustainability of the port sector.
Dr. Christopher Wooldridge, Science Coordinator, EcoPorts & Senior Trainer, EcoSLC, said: “We are delighted that Ege Port Kuşadası has become the first cruise port to meet PERS environmental criteria. Sustainability and environmental issues are growing concerns for the industry, and we look forward to working with other cruise ports around the world to meet this standard.”
