The Ocean Race Europe host cities are united in their journey to protect ocean health
by The Ocean Race 29 Apr 20:25 BST
José María Gómez Fuster, DG of the PAC; Eva Franco, Sustainability Director of Hidrogea; Pedro Pablo Hernández, President of the PAC; Jennifer Isaac, Director of Commercial Operations at The Ocean Race and Theresa Zabell, President of Ecomar Foundation © Austin Wong / The Ocean Race
From the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 host cities today shared the key role they can play as catalysts for sustainable development in coastal regions as well as their contribution to environmental, social and economic growth.
The event, titled: "Ports as catalysts for sustainable development" was held in the historic Spanish city of Cartagena and moderated by sailor Theresa Zabell, two-time Olympic gold medallist and president of Fundación Ecomar. It touched upon The Ocean Race Europe - scheduled to start in Kiel, Germany, on 10 August - as an ideal platform to engage cities and ports in ocean action.
"The ocean is our race course and our sailors are direct witnesses to the threats it is facing, and as such, are engaged in initiatives to help restore its health. During The Ocean Race Europe, we will work together with all of our host cities to raise awareness of how vital ocean health is to our planet through our award-winning sustainability programme. All of our cities are absolutely critical to its success," said The Ocean Race Commercial Director, Jennifer Isaac. "We will collaborate with schools in each region to bring the intensity and excitement of the sport of sailing closer to youth and race fans and will use the power of sport to help create new ocean ambassadors for marine protection."
"In August, the most innovative and prestigious offshore racing fleet in the world will sail into one of the most sustainable Mediterranean ports, with waters of excellent quality and well known for the unique marine and terrestrial species that inhabit it," said Pedro Pablo Hernández, president of the Cartagena Port Authority. "Our port has become a high value space for terrestrial and marine biodiversity surrounded by ten natural areas within Natura 2000 - a network of protected areas for Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. This is a port area that coexists with the flora and fauna, that protects and recovers its natural spaces, while continuing its activity as Spain's first industrial port," he added.
Julia Reichel, Head of communications of the Port of Kiel, said in a video message: "As a port, we need the sea and we are very aware of our responsibility in environmental protection for our company, our home town and our planet."
"Aside from many other environmental projects, we focus strongly on shore power supply of ships during lay time. Not only do the ship emissions account for the biggest proportion of C02 emissions, but ship engines that are switched off during lay time avoid noise emissions both above and underwater, and that helps protect the marine ecosystem," she said.
"Porto Montenegro is proud to welcome The Ocean Race Europe to our shores in September 2025. The spirit of this yacht race, combining adventure, performance, and a deep respect for the sea, reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability," said Tony Browne, Marina Director at Porto Montenegro, the official hosting marina for The Ocean Race Europe 2025 Finale. "Since our founding in 2007, we have prioritised environmental stewardship, beginning with a ban on fishing in the marina, a simple step that has led to a remarkable return of marine life both within our waters and beyond," he added. "We are honoured to work alongside the Government of Montenegro and the Municipality of Tivat to host this world-class event, and we look forward to welcoming you all in September," he concluded.
Lee Howes, Lead Environmental Officer at Portsmouth International Port, stressed: "Participating in The Ocean Race event in Cartagena was a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Europe and to highlight how Portsmouth Port is building on our proud maritime tradition. We're leading the way in demonstrating how ports can be true catalysts for sustainable development through our industry-leading terminal infrastructure and the pioneering Sea Change project, which will soon deliver shore power to three of our main berths simultaneously."
"What resonated most was the powerful sense of community that The Ocean Race fosters. It unites us across borders and showcases the best of our shared maritime heritage, along with our collective ambitions for a cleaner, more sustainable ocean," he added.
The Ocean Race Europe 2025 will be an intense, immersive and engaging event with a strong focus on competitive racing and ocean health and sustainability, all built around the theme of Connecting Europe. The race route also includes Matosinhos-Porto, Portugal and Nice, France.
A presentation from DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission highlighted that port and waterfront city authorities are actively engaged in the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters", which can be seen through the actions they have pledged to the Mission Charter. The European Commission, through its Horizon Europe research and innovation funding programme, is supporting such authorities to deploy effective solutions to achieve the Mission's objectives. For example, the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme, to be adopted in May, includes a funding call with a budget of EUR 15 million for projects under the heading "Restoring Ocean and Waters in waterfront Cities and their Ports.
Daniel del Castillo, head of Sustainability at Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia and a partner at today's event, shared the group's sustainability strategy pillars: "Navantia is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, reducing its emissions by 55% by 2030, aligned with the EU's Fit for 55 plan. It also focuses on the decarbonization of its processes, adaptation to climate change with a specific plan, and the sustainable management of waste, water and energy. We also promote equality, diversity, and the reduction of the wage gap while generating a positive impact on the communities near our shipyards," he said. "Navantia promotes human rights, transparency, and best practices in anti-corruption. We promote sustainable public procurement and the implementation of artificial intelligence, ensuring responsible and ethical governance"
Genova and The Ocean Race: a partnership for sustainability
Genova's partnership with The Ocean Race began in 2021, hosting the first edition of The Ocean Race Europe, and it will continue this summer, following the Grand Finale of the round-the-world race in 2023. "The Ocean Race's commitment to "Racing with Purpose" aligns perfectly with Genova's own Sustainability Strategy," said the city's Sustainability Manager, Stefania Manca. "This collaboration shows how sports can drive positive change, contributing to healthier cities and a sustainable urban environment."
In recent years, she said, Genova has made significant strides in sustainability, including the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters initiatives, earning the title of EU Blue Champion. The city has also set new standards for sustainable event management, as demonstrated during The Ocean Race 2023 Grand Finale.
Genova's collaboration with The Ocean Race, she added, "Is not just about sailing - it's about driving real-world change for a sustainable future."