The programme Conexión Europa on Onda Regional de Murcia devoted a significant amount of airtime to the Life Port Sounds project, featuring an in-depth interview between Teresa Allepuz, a regular contributor specialising in European projects, and Fermín Rol, Head of Strategic Projects and Innovation at the Port Authority of Cartagena.
The conversation focused on this innovative initiative, funded by the European Commission’s LIFE programme, which seeks to combat underwater noise pollution caused mainly by maritime traffic in the port environment, a growing threat to marine biodiversity and especially to cetaceans.
The project combines advanced technology and interdisciplinary work: the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) is responsible for measuring and classifying underwater noise; the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) is studying the behaviour of cetaceans in the area; and the Naval and Marine Technology Centre (CTN) is developing a tool that cross-references acoustic data with the presence of marine fauna to generate real-time alerts to ships.
These alerts allow ships to reduce their speed or change their route, thus minimising the impact on marine fauna.
A major obstacle has been the installation of hydrophones in areas with a military presence, including submarines. After lengthy negotiations, a protocol was established with the Spanish Navy that has allowed environmental data to be collected without compromising national security.
Since June of this year, the project has begun working with shipowners to raise awareness of the importance of implementing mitigation measures.
The Port Authority of Cartagena has developed a set of incentives to facilitate collaboration with shipping companies, including environmental bonuses, sustainability certificates and preferences in port calls for those ships that reduce their speed and adopt good environmental practices.
These measures are innovative at an international level and position the port of Cartagena as a benchmark in real sustainability, on a par with ports such as Vancouver, Boston and Brisbane.
Life Port Sounds seeks to replicate its model in other Spanish ports and subsequently expand at a European and international level. In addition, the Port Authority is already working on a new LIFE proposal to create a real-time tool to protect critical areas such as Cabo de Palos and the coral reefs.
During the interview, Fermín Rol emphasised that the sustainability of the port must take into account not only environmental aspects, but also social, economic and heritage aspects, integrating Cartagena’s rich maritime history and culture as a fundamental pillar.
