PLOCAN joins Net-Zero Mar Alliance to boost maritime decarbonization

February 7, 2025, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) has joined the Net-Zero Mar Alliance, an initiative aimed at accelerating the decarbonization of the maritime and port sectors.

The Net-Zero Mar Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the maritime and port sectors through the adoption of clean technologies and the promotion of sustainable practices to reduce polluting emissions generated by port infrastructure and maritime transport.

Its work has been described as ‘crucial’ for meeting the European Union’s Fit for 55 package, which sets the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

PLOCAN’s CEO, José Joaquín Hernández Brito, said that the membership “represents an opportunity to promote and accelerate the decarbonization of the marine-maritime sector.”

“PLOCAN is actively contributing in several areas: supporting renewable energy generation, developing and testing technologies for decarbonization, and promoting energy efficiency and intelligent energy management, especially in the port environment and in areas also related to the Blue Economy,” he added.

The Net-Zero Mar Alliance, formed by key players in the maritime industry, including port authorities, energy companies, and R&D&I organizations, aims to consolidate Spain as a leader in the energy transition of the sector. Founded in May 2023, the alliance has more than 65 members.

By joining, PLOCAN will contribute its expertise and help develop innovative solutions for reducing emissions in maritime and port transport. In addition, it will participate in working groups, forums, and conferences on decarbonization and renewable energies, accessing an intersectoral collaboration environment that fosters knowledge exchange.

“We believe that the synergies created between the different members of the Alliance are key to achieving the emission reduction objectives established by the European Union. Our participation in this association favors a framework in which we can not only contribute the know-how acquired over the years but also gain other perspectives and thus, by combining contributions from all agents, promote novel and sustainable solutions,” África Marrero, PLOCAN’s Innovation Manager, commented.