Marina Port Vell Barcelona firmly committed to sustainability
The lockdown highlighted the need to take urgent measures to curb climate change. Barcelona, a city at the forefront of sustainability policies, echoes this need by promoting measures regarding mobility, tourism and infrastructures.
Marina Port Vell Barcelona, as the city’s leading nautical infrastructure, has also promoted over the years several measures aimed at minimising the impact of its activity on the environment. The company’s environmental management systems are backed by certificates EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) and ISO14001, which are systematically, periodically and objectively evaluated.
An innovative wastewater extraction system
As part of its sustainability policy, Marina Port Vell Barcelona is equipped with an innovative vacuum-operated wastewater extraction system. The grey and black water collection circuit is installed directly on the berth, which prevents it from being discharged into the sea. This mechanism has been implemented throughout the marina, and it is activated when the water reaches a pre-set volume: the pressure caused by the vacuum conveys the wastewater to the station. In addition, the marina also has wastewater collection tanks in each of the marina’s buildings.
In addition to this wastewater management plan, Marina Port Vell Barcelona has also promoted the installation of floating and submersible containers to keep the water clean. The bins, which can hold up to 20 kilos of waste, are able to attract and collect waste through a 500W submersible pump that runs on renewable energy and propels the movement of the water. Once filtered from particles and debris, it is returned to the sea. The waste accumulated in the bin, mostly plastic particles, glass and paper or cardboard, is emptied on a daily basis. Thanks to the use of these containers, Marina Port Vell’s waters remain clean, as well as its facilities and the surroundings of the infrastructure.
Measures such as the wastewater extraction system and the installation of floating and submersible containers demonstrate Marina Port Vell Barcelona’s firm commitment to the environment, and also its determination to become one of the most sustainable marinas in the Mediterranean.
