Building Synergies for Greener Ports in the South Baltic
On 24 and 25 March 2026, Elbląg became a meeting point for innovation, cooperation, and sustainable ambition as partners from PortSHAZ, DigiTechPort2030, INCONE60 Green, and BaltWreck for a joint Synergy Meeting as part of the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021–2027. The event gave everyone a chance to share project results, discuss the future of the Port of Elbląg, and find ways to support the green and digital transition of small and medium-sized ports in the South Baltic region.
The first day featured presentations and discussions. Participants learned about plans for the Port of Elbląg as a “Gateway to the Baltic,” its role in logistics, and the need for more regional cooperation, short-sea shipping, and better connections between Baltic ports. The programme also introduced new tools and solutions from partner projects, such as digital port management systems, transport cost tools, maritime databases, and examples of greener terminal operations and energy-saving equipment.
For PortSHAZ, the meeting was a chance to show that environmental responsibility can support better operations. During their presentation, partners explained PortSHAZ’s goals, the practical guide they created, and technical solutions to reduce dry bulk cargo leakage, such as prevention covers. They also highlighted how cargo losses during port handling add to eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and why changes in port operations are important for cutting nutrient pollution, runoff, and dust.
A study visit to the Port of Elbląg gave the meeting a practical side. It helped participants link their plans, ideas, and technical talks to the real port environment and local infrastructure, making the connection between policy, planning, and daily port operations stronger.
On the second day, partners held meetings to review project progress and work packages. For PortSHAZ, this was another step in building cooperation and keeping up the drive for practical solutions that help make port operations in the South Baltic cleaner, safer, and more resilient.
