Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has convened the inaugural meeting of the Local Green Ports Working Group (LGPH) in Aqaba. This initiative serves as a core component of the "Green Ports Alliance for Sustainable Maritime Transport" (GREENMEDPORTS) project, an EU-funded venture under the Interreg NEXT MED program.
According to Jordan News Agency, the session brought together a range of partners, stakeholders, and technical experts specializing in the maritime and logistics sectors. Nidal Al-Ouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety, emphasized the project's strategic mandate to bridge the gap between high-level sustainability goals and operational execution within the Port of Aqaba. The initiative is designed to align with Jordan's national climate change objectives and its commitment to the Blue Economy, focusing on harmonizing industrial port activity with environmental preservation.
The primary objective of GREENMEDPORTS is to support the transition toward low-carbon port operations across the Mediterranean basin by fostering technical collaboration, exchanging best practices, and building robust networks among regional experts. Project Manager Iman Al-Kouz detailed ASEZA's specific role within the seven-nation consortium, highlighting the project's implementation timeline from 2026 to 2028.
Central to the technical roadmap for the Port of Aqaba is the deployment of pilot procedures, including a dedicated carbon footprint monitoring platform, advanced simulation tools, and a specialized innovation center. These assets are intended to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of maritime operations while providing data-driven support for long-term decision-making.
The meeting concluded with the formal announcement of the LGPH's establishment and the formation of cross-border cooperation groups with participating Mediterranean nations. This institutional framework is expected to act as a catalyst for knowledge transfer in maritime sustainability, ensuring that the Port of Aqaba remains a competitive and environmentally responsible hub in the regional logistics chain.