Valencia and Santos sign MoU to decarbonise transatlantic trade

The port authorities of Valencia, Spain, and Santos, Panama, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a green maritime corridor to promote the decarbonisation of maritime transport between Europe and South America and strengthen the co-operation between the two ports.

The agreement was reached during the Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors and Hubs Regional Workshop – Latin America and Caribbean, attended by Valenciaport president Mar Chao and Port Authority of Santos acting president and director of operations Beto Mendes. The signing took place at the International Maritime University of Panama. 

“The Santos–Valencia corridor reinforces our decarbonisation strategy and will enable us to co-ordinate actions to promote the use of low- or zero-emissions fuels, the supply of electricity to ships in port, the electrification of terminals and logistical efficiency through advanced digital technologies. It is a key project for advancing the construction of Net Zero and resilient logistics chains,” said Ms Chao.

Mr Mendes explained that for the Port of Santos, “Decarbonisation is part of a structured strategy for energy planning and transformation of the port system. In this context, the green maritime corridor between the Port of Santos in Brazil and the Port of Valencia in Spain is a milestone in international co-operation aimed at the energy transition of maritime transport”.

Mr Mendes continued that this initiative is aligned with its Energy Master Plan and “strengthens technical and institutional co-operation between both ports and contributes to the development of sustainable, innovative and resilient solutions for global logistics chains.”

Santos is currently South America’s leading port in terms of import and export traffic for Valencia, which means the creation of the green corridor will strengthen the position of Santos and Valencia as gateways for trade between the two continents.

Ms Chao emphasised that the shared commitment of both ports to sustainability has been key to the launch of this corridor. “Both Valencia and Santos have ambitious decarbonisation plans: Valencia aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2035, while Santos is strengthening its role as a leading green hub in Brazil and throughout Latin America.”

Valenciaport closed 2025 with the presentation of its Net Zero Emissions plan, which includes both the implementation of infrastructure aimed at port energy self-sufficiency and a climate change adaptation plan.

The memorandum establishes a framework for collaboration that includes co-operation with shipping companies, shippers, energy suppliers and research centres, promoting the adoption of fuels such as LNG, biofuels, green methanol, green ammonia and hydrogen, as well as carbon capture and reuse technologies.

Both port authorities will facilitate the use of technologies aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and transitioning to low- or zero-carbon energy sources in both ports. They will also advance collaboration with participants, to support and promote emissions reduction along the designated routes between the two ports.

The initiative is part of the Global Gateway strategy, the European external investment programme aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and accelerating the transition towards more sustainable and competitive maritime transport, with a particular focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.