A new internationally recognised certification scheme aimed at equipping port workers with the skills needed to drive the maritime industry's green transition has been launched under the BLUE PORTS initiative. Conforming to the ISO/IEC 17024 International Standard and underpinned by the European Accreditation Mutual Agreement (EA MLA), the programme is designed to be mutually recognised by governmental and accreditation authorities across Europe and beyond.
The scheme, formally titled the BLUE PORTS Ports Sustainability Personnel Certification, is built around a competence-oriented framework covering the knowledge, skills and practical capabilities required for both day-to-day operational tasks and the longer-term strategic planning involved in greening port activities.
Two Certification Tracks
The programme is offered across two distinct professional profiles, catering to different roles within port organisations:
- Port Sustainability Officer — targeted at management and administrative staff, including executives, managers and administrators.
- Port Sustainability Operator — designed for technical and operational personnel such as technicians, operators and labourers.
Programme Structure & Duration
Delivered entirely online through the BLUE PORTS e-learning platform, the programme adopts a blended learning format combining live training sessions with expert instructors and self-paced study activities. All course materials are fully digital, and the final certification examination is conducted via secure remote proctoring.
Port Sustainability Officer: 85 hrs; 45 hrs synchronous training & 40 hrs self-study - approx. 10 weeks
Port Sustainability Operator: 94 hrs; 52 hrs synchronous training & 42 hrs self-study - approx. 10 weeks
Both tracks run for approximately ten weeks, with around two live sessions per week, making the programme accessible to working professionals without requiring a career break.
What the Curriculum Covers
The training modules span the full spectrum of modern port sustainability challenges:
- Introduction to port sustainability
- Energy transition towards net zero-emission ports
- Circular economy for a zero-waste port
- Environmental protection for a zero-impact port
- Digitalisation and automation for port sustainability
- Port sustainability cross-cutting issues
- Best practices and case studies
Who Is It For?
The scheme is open to existing port staff at a range of levels and roles across port authorities and port operations service providers. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements relating to educational background and relevant professional experience. Organisers emphasise the programme's inclusive, horizontal design — meaning it is not restricted to senior management, but accessible to professionals throughout port organisations.
Why Certify?
Beyond the environmental imperative, the certification offers tangible career benefits. Holders can expect to gain a competitive edge in the labour market, demonstrate specialised expertise to employers, and increase their mobility within and across countries — a significant advantage given the scheme's cross-border European recognition.
Applications are submitted by downloading and completing the official Application Form and returning it, along with supporting documents, by email or post as specified in the Call for Applications.
Details
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries