October 27, 2026
The Port of Santander receives the Sustainability Actions 2026 award for its commitment to environmental sustainability
Santander, October 27, 2026. The Port Authority of Santander today received the Sustainability Actions 2026 award, granted by Custommedia. This communication group specializing in sustainability has highlighted the port administration's commitment to environmental protection and its incorporation into Green Marine Europe, making it the first European port to join this environmental certification program for the maritime sector.
The award was presented during Sustainability Day 2026, held in the auditoriums of the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. This event brings together pioneering initiatives from companies, public administrations, foundations, and other organizations that contribute to sustainable development and recognizes actions with environmental and social impact.
During the award ceremony, the president of the Port Authority of Santander (APS), César Díaz, emphasized “the importance” of reconciling economic and logistical activity with the conservation of the bay's natural environment.
“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the Port of Santander and, above all, a great satisfaction to see that the effort we make every day to be more sustainable is recognized,” said Díaz.
The Cantabrian port operates in an environment of great environmental value, where cargo traffic, cruises, and recreational boats coexist with the marshes and aquatic biodiversity of the bay. This reality reinforces the institution's commitment to a competitive port model that integrates marine environmental protection into its decisions and operations.
“Our duty is to remain a competitive port, but without ceasing to protect what makes us unique. Every decision we make is firmly linked to the protection and care of our bay, which is our source of progress and a fundamental part of our identity,” he stressed.
The president of the APS added that “actions such as our accession to Green Marine Europe, making us the first port to take this step, reflect our willingness to go beyond regulatory compliance, acting proactively and responsibly and committing to transparency and continuous improvement in environmental matters.”
“This recognition constitutes a new impetus to continue working, together with the port community and society as a whole, in the protection of the Bay of Santander and in the construction of a more sustainable future for the port and its surroundings,” he assured.
APS environmental strategy
Adherence to Green Marine Europe is added in the Port of Santander to the EMAS Regulation (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), a voluntary European Union tool that recognizes organizations committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and environmental compliance, as well as the implementation of the PERS (Port Environmental Review System), a unique certification specific to the port system, which accredits the port's proactivity in environmental protection.
These commitments are complemented by various actions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of port activity and advancing in the energy transition. These include:
These actions respond to a vision of sustainability as a transversal process that requires planning, investment, collaboration, and permanent evaluation of results.
“Sustainability is not the result of a single action but of a path that demands commitment, collaboration, and a willingness for continuous improvement,” concluded Díaz.
