APS becomes a member of IAPH to expand sustainable initiatives

Since March 26th, the Santos Port Authority (APS) has been a regular member of the International Association of Ports and Marinas (IAPH —International Association of Ports and Harbors), based in Tokyo, Japan. The announcement of membership was made in a publication on the association’s website.

According to APS, the initiative connects the port to a global network focused on integration and the exchange of administrative and operational experiences between the main port complexes in the world, in an entity focused on sustainability, the environment and climate resilience in the maritime sector.

With membership, the São Paulo port authority will have access to the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform, created to certify the environmental performance of vessels and which identifies ships that exceed the emission reduction requirements established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and calculates the amount of greenhouse gases released by fleets.

The ESI, explained APS, is the standard tool used worldwide by port authorities to reward shipowners who meet or exceed environmental targets, with today more than six thousand ships with valid scores registered on the platform. According to the entity, access to this database will allow the Port of Santos to more efficiently organize and apply its tariff discount policy for green ships, encouraging the berthing of vessels that adopt the best global energy transition practices.

Beto Mendes, Director of Operations at APS, stated that being part of IAPH brings international sustainability standards to Santos, such as the ESI, and connects the São Paulo port complex to global debates on logistics efficiency and decarbonization. Furthermore, it will allow the port authority to participate directly in the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP).

Managed by IAPH, the program is guided by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and acts as a global reference bank for best port practices. It coordinates international efforts in six areas: digitalization, infrastructure, health and safety, environmental care, communities and climate and energy.

APS also informed that the WPSP will become one of its platforms and that it will use the tool to integrate the Port of Santos with global goals, in addition to sharing the socio-environmental projects developed in the Santos complex with other ports. He further explained that IAPH conferences are the main global forums for discussing new trends in the port sector.

In 2025, APS participated in the event in Kobe, Japan. In 2026, the conference will be in London, focusing on climate resilience. The organization’s global calendar predicts that the 2027 meeting will be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro.