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The Green InfraPort project has been approved by the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) Seed Money Facility to receive an EU grant for the implementation of a number of sustainable solutions in the Baltic Sea region.

The total value of the received grant is EUR 46,140.

The backbone of the project involves the planning and development of port reception facilities for sewage from passenger ships and waste from scrubbers, energy management in ports and terminals, and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering infrastructure.

Non-profit association the Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) will assume the role of the lead partner, while the Motus Foundation and SSPA Sweden AB will act as project partners.

Bogdan Oldakowski, BPO Secretary General, said: "Baltic ports have always been front runners when it comes to environmental initiatives. This project is another example of pro-active approach in the area of environmental management and investments in ports."

BPO added: "The seed money project Green InfraPort should be considered a preparation for coordinated action, enabling ports interested in cooperation to join forces and apply for EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility or other available sources.

"Stimulating the use of LNG as fuel for ships is a topic that has already spent some time in the spotlight. Several EU co-financed projects addressed the planning and deployment of LNG bunkering facilities in Baltic ports. Green InfraPort presents more options for ports interested in joining forces and further development of LNG bunkering infrastructure."

The Green InfraPort project is due to officially start in April 2016 with completion scheduled for March 2017.

The last EUSBSR Seed Money Facility project approval was closed on February 18, 2016, resulting in 28 new seed money projects. In total, the Seed Money Facility has funded 97 projects.