Madeira was named the World’s Most Sustainable Cruise Terminal by the World Cruise Awards, the port announced in a press release.

This award recognizes the efforts of the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM, S.A.) in advancing environmental sustainability.

“We are extremely proud of this award. It represents international recognition of the commitment and dedication Madeira’s ports have shown towards addressing environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonization,” said Paula Cabaço, chairwoman of APRAM, after receiving the award on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

Cabaço highlighted key projects in which Madeira’s ports are actively involved, such as DUAL, Green Ports Madeira, and SHIFT2DC.

The cruise industry is increasingly focused on energy transition and digitalization as pathways to decarbonization, and APRAM has been a proactive leader in this evolution, according to Cabaço.

SHIFT2DC is an international project involving over 30 entities from 12 countries, with a budget of €11 million. Madeira’s ports are the only European port infrastructure participating in this consortium.

Green Ports Madeira involves a €700,000 investment to explore the feasibility and impact of developing Onshore Power Supply.

“We aim to provide clean, green energy to ships docked at our ports, actively contributing to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions,” explained Cabaço.

The DUAL project also contributes to these objectives by monitoring environmental indicators such as water and air quality and energy consumption, enabling better planning and optimization without compromising the economic activity of Madeira’s ports.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends to how we interact with the city and the region,” added Cabaço, referencing an agreement signed in September with Funchal City Council and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

The agreement ensures annual environmental awareness initiatives, such as tree-planting activities in the Funchal Ecological Park.

The World Cruise Awards Annual Gala was held this year in Funchal for the first time. It marked the third major recognition for Madeira’s ports, which were named Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination in 2022 and 2023.