Working Together Towards a Greener Europe Project
Belgium

The Flemish Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK) is implementing an ambitious set of sustainability projects across the entire range of its actions and activities.

The projects are based on the greening of the physical environment, greening of vessels under its management, the greening of its vehicle fleet, and striving for a green and resilient environment.

The sustainability ambition is inclusive; all MDK employees have been heavily involved in designing the policies and projects, working to shape and support the plans.

MDK is aiming for a primary energy reduction target of buildings and techniques of 35% by 2030 and complete CO2 neutrality by 2045, while at the same time reducing the CO2 emissions of business journeys by 55% before 2030. 

In addition, MDK now has three solar-powered electric passenger ferries in service for daily commuters and visitors in Antwerp, Ostend, and Nieuwpoort, reducing emissions by up to 95% in some cases. The bulbs in all the lighthouses and signal stations managed by MDK are now energy-saving LED ones, and MDK has led a dune-grass planting project which helps to form a natural barrier between the coast and the sea, thus combatting erosion.

Find out more about the project (external link)

Photo slideshow: Working Together Towards a Greener Europe Project

The photos below show different aspects of the Working Together Towards a Greener Europe project, including the electric ferries, the LED lighthouse project, and the dune grass planting project