European Policy on Port Environmental Protection

Ports are part of the logistics chain and the transport networks, with a decisive role in the protection of
the sea environment. In the present work, the environmental protection of ports is defined as a problem
in the transport sector and within the marine environment. Port pollution and its causes are briefly
presented. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable mobility are discussed and it is argued that
the environmental protection issues should be introduced into the production function of ports. Next,
policy issues are considered and the conflicts of objectives between the two E.U. main directorates
(Transport and Environment) are pointed out. Finally, policy recommendations are given.