From 2011 onwards EcoPorts is fully integrated within the structure of ESPO. The well-established EcoPorts tools SDM and PERS are part of the ESPO services to its member ports in Europe and neighbouring countries.

The steps that a port needs to follow in order to join the EcoPorts network are outlined below:

• 1. Registering to the system

  The port creates an account and receives a password to access the EcoPorts portal pages.

• 2. Completing the port profile section

  The port provides some generic factual information and gains access to the SDM checklist.

• 3. Completing the SDM checklist

  The port provides information on the organisation and performance of its environmental management, contributing in such way to the up-to-date maintenance of the European benchmark of performance. By completing SDM the port achieves an “EcoPorts port” status and is provided visibility and credit by ESPO through this portal. In addition, the port obtains access to PERS, the only port-specific environmental management standard that it is fully recognized by ESPO and may be independently certified by Lloyd’s Register. A completed SDM has a validity period of 2 years. After this period the port needs to repeat this step in order to maintain its “EcoPorts port“ status.

In order for a port to get the full benefits of the provided services, ESPO highly recommends that the following additional steps are taken:

• 4. Submitting the SDM for analytical review.

  The completed SDM is reviewed independently and in strict confidence by the ESPO / EcoPorts collaborating experts. The port is invoiced the amount of 495 euros for this review. The review includes: (a) a projection of the port’s answers against the European benchmark of performance, (b) a GAP analysis between the port’s current organization and performance and the requirements of established environmental management standards (ISO 14001 and PERS), (c) a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) identification of the port’s environmental management performance, and (d) an analytical report containing expert’s advice and recommendations on the current status and the further development of the port’s environmental management program.

• 5. Downloading the PERS documentation and implementing the PERS methodology

  PERS is the only port-specific environmental management standards and it is fully recognized and promoted by ESPO.

• 6. Applying for PERS certification

  Once PERS is implemented, the port can apply for PERS certification by ESPO / EcoPorts independent collaborating partner, Lloyd’s Register. The port is invoiced the amount of 995 euros for the review of its application and, subject to successful assessment, the port receives a PERS certificate with a validity period of 2 years.