This project aims to investigate the concept of green ports both at the international and local level. To do this, the global situation of sustainability in ports was first analysed, then the project focused on the chosen case study, the Port of Gibraltar. In addition to researching the benefits deriving from green ports, the project investigated the different nature barriers that prevent the spread of practices that would alleviate the impact of ports on nature and people. The theme of green ports, which is based on balancing the development of the economy and the conservation of the environment, is very important given the enormous and growing volume of the shipping sector and the need to meet the environmental objectives defined by the Paris agreement.

Finally, the project wanted to answer the question “Is the achievement of greater sustainability of the Port of Gibraltar realistically possible?” and if it turned out that this was not possible, the project wanted to investigate the major barriers preventing this objective.

Carrying out the project taught me, first of all, to be precise and clear in presenting the various features and data, both through the use of qualitative data such as words and quantitative data such as graphical representations, graphs, and tables. Creating the common perception survey taught me how to explain such a complicated topic to the general public in few words in order to get the answers that the project needed. Finally, speaking with stakeholders with years of experience and coming from different fields taught me to see problems from different points of view and how solutions can only be developed by listening to different opinions which identify different needs and sub-topics inside of the main one.

The problems related to the emissions coming from the ports are well known by the people working in the sector but remain issues little known to the general public. Greater public knowledge would inevitably lead to greater discussion and pressure on policy-making and the main bodies related to the shipping sector capable of accelerating the green transition of the industry.

I think my project can provide food for thought on the broad theme of green ports. In addition to informing a public, albeit limited, on a subject that is often not addressed, it can be read by the Government of Gibraltar and help them in collaborating with the local Port to try to reduce its impact both on the citizen and on the environment. I also hope that the thesis can be read by other people who will gain interest in this topic, as happened to me when I read the first papers about green ports. I firmly believe that little is enough to ensure that people are more interested in issues related to the environment and its conservation and that everyone’s contribution is necessary. I, therefore, hope that having talked to many people about this topic can in some way help discuss more a topic that will become more and more important and necessary over the years.

Finally, the project can be a very little step through the possible achievement of greater sustainability of the Port of Gibraltar, from which local citizens would gain for example in terms of air quality and health, but also in terms of mitigation of that adverse effects deriving from port’s activities that affect their quality life, while globally it would coincide with a greater commitment by the Port of Gibraltar, but also by the city itself, to reduce its emissions and combat climate change.