Port of Figueira da Foz
& Port of Aveiro
Partner Profile
The Port of Figueira da Foz (APFF) is a commercial and multipurpose port whose mission is to provide competitive and efficient maritime access for goods and economic activity, while supporting the sustainable development of its surrounding region. Its main activities include the management of port operations and infrastructure, cargo handling through specialised terminals for general cargo, solid bulk and liquid bulk, and the support of complementary functions such as fishing, recreational boating and industrial activity.
In parallel, the port also plays an important role in environmental management, safety, connectivity and the improvement of maritime access conditions, with a strong focus on sustainability, operational efficiency and regional economic development.
The Port of Aveiro is included in the project mainly as institutional support to the Port of Figueira da Foz, reflecting the organisational link between the two port authorities and the sharing of internal resources. In practice, the project remains focused on the Port of Figueira da Foz, with Aveiro ensuring the necessary organisational backing within the partnership.
Main areas of expertise
The Port of Figueira da Foz (APFF) has broad expertise in the management of a multipurpose commercial port, covering port operations, infrastructure management, cargo handling, maritime safety, environmental management, and the coordination of activities linked to general cargo, solid bulk, liquid bulk, fishing, recreational boating and industrial use. Its experience also includes the day-to-day balance between operational efficiency, territorial integration, regulatory compliance and sustainable port development.
For Atlantic Bridges, the most relevant areas are those linked to the project’s environmental focus. APFF is especially well placed to contribute in themes such to ecological transition, climate adaptation, protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, pollution reduction, sustainable port-city relations, and the integration of environmental concerns into territorial planning.
Role within the Atlantic Bridges projects
APFF will play a central role in the ecological transition strand of the project, with a strong focus on coastal and marine ecosystem protection, sustainable port operations, urban decarbonisation, and climate change adaptation. It will also help prepare and support local activities such as stakeholder workshops, Living Labs, feasibility studies and the development of sustainability strategies for the Port of Figueira da Foz.
At the same time, APFF will contribute to the economic and social dimensions of the project by supporting cooperation with local actors and helping to strengthen sustainable port-city integration in Figueira da Foz.
Key Projects and inspirations
Some of the relevant projects linked to the Port of Figueira da Foz (APFF) are C2IMPRESS and A-AAGORA.
In C2IMPRESS, the port was involved in a case study on the Centro Region focused on coastal and river flooding risks, the impact of these hazards on ship manoeuvring and mooring in Figueira da Foz harbour, and the improvement of early warning and risk management tools, with APFF identified as one of the key local user groups. Furthermore, a new methodology for stakeholders engagement (Private-Public-Civic Partnership – PPCP approach) was been tested for urban climate change resilience to natural disasters.
In A-AAGGORA, APFF brought to the project its experience in sustainability, marine and coastal ecosystem protection, biodiversity in ports, climate adaptation, decarbonisation and port-city integration.
Together, these two projects show the Port of Figueira da Foz’s growing capacity to contribute to climate resilience, environmental transition and innovative governance approaches in coastal and port areas.
APFF & APA Atlantic Bridges Project Managers
Sofia VENTURA
sofia.ventura@portodeaveiro.pt
Maria MANUEL
mariamanuel.cruz@portodeaveiro.pt