29 October 2024
Our port pro of the month is Paula Cristina de Araújo Dias Cabaço da Silva, President of the Madeira Ports Administration (Administração dos Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira - APRAM). In the following sections, you will read more about sustainability and investments in this Portuguese Port, as well as the specific role and challenges that come with being an island port. Discover more fascinating topics addressed by our port professional of the month below!
Paula Cristina de Araújo Dias Cabaço da Silva, President of the Madeira Ports Administration.
Can you briefly tell us about the Port Authority of Madeira, highlighting its key features and current challenges?
The Port Authority of Madeira (APRAM, S.A.) oversees the management and operation of the key maritime infrastructures of Madeira and Porto Santo islands, including commercial ports, marinas, and cruise terminals. Key features include modern infrastructure, strategic location in the Atlantic, and a focus on both commercial and cruise activities.
The ports are equipped to handle a variety of cargo and offer excellent passenger services, contributing significantly to Madeira’s economy. To get an idea of the importance of our ports, we can say that more than 95% of the goods that enter Madeira arrive by sea, through our infrastructure.
Current challenges involve adapting to environmental regulations, enhancing sustainability, and managing the increasing cruise traffic while maintaining high service standards. The authority is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to meet these challenges effectively.
What is your long-term vision for the Port Authority of Madeira? What are the main investment projects for the next few years? Can you briefly describe the importance of these projects for both the port and the city?
Our long-term vision is to position Madeira’s ports as a sustainable and innovative hub in the Atlantic. Key investment projects include upgrading digital infrastructure for smarter port management and expanding green energy initiatives, such as shore power for cruise ships and energy-efficient port facilities. We want to become greener and smarter ports.
These projects aim to reduce the environmental impact while increasing operational efficiency. For the city, they enhance the appeal of Funchal as a leading cruise destination and bolster economic growth by supporting tourism and trade, creating jobs, and fostering a stronger connection between the port, industry and urban development.
Madeira, as an island, has a special status that is different from other ports. In this regard, how does this status impact connectivity to mainland infrastructure? What are the exceptions for islands under several legislations on aspects such as environmental protection, cruise ship regulations, or economic autonomy?
Madeira being an insular region and an Outermost Region (OR) within the European Union, provides certain advantages and challenges in connectivity.
As an Outermost Region, we naturally face additional challenges and constraints. Ninety percent of all goods entering the Region arrive by sea through the Port of Caniçal. On the other hand, the Port of Funchal, dedicated exclusively to passenger traffic, welcomed last year around 600,000 cruise passengers , contributing an estimated 50 million euros to Madeira's economy.
It is therefore crucial to maintain and improve these infrastructures, particularly to address the challenges of decarbonisation and climate change. For this reason, it is essential that the European Union provide financial resources to enable Outermost Regions to make these necessary investments.
We are aware that the Port Authority of Madeira is currently focusing on several key investments aimed at improving its sustainability practices and energy efficiency within the Port of Funchal, could you please further explain this project? What are the anticipated impacts of this project for both the port and city?
The Port Authority of Madeira is prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency through several key investments at the Port of Funchal, focusing on upgrading infrastructure like Madeira Cruise Terminal and Pier 6, the new port development area.
These include the installation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, adoption of energy-efficient infrastructure that improves insulation, installing LED lighting and electric vehicle charging stations.
The anticipated impacts are significant: reduced energy costs by 20-25%, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced sustainability. This reduction in the port's environmental footprint, will contribute to Madeira’s green goals, and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable environment for both the port and the city, making Funchal a greener and more sustainable destination.
©Port of Porto Santo.
In this line, we read that the Port Authority of Madeira is developing another project called 'Green Ports Madeira' which aims to study the feasibility and impact of developing Onshore Power Supply (OPS) and decarbonisation infrastructure in ports. Could you further explain us this project?
The 'Green Ports Madeira' project focuses on assessing the feasibility and impact of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) to reduce ship emissions while docked, alongside broader decarbonisation infrastructure. It is an investment of 700.000 euros, and the study focuses on technical and environmental aspects, including the integration of renewable energy sources and adapting the port’s electrical grid. The outcome has highlighted key tools, such as OPS technology, energy storage solutions, and digital monitoring systems. This project will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and position the port as a sustainable hub, aligning with global maritime decarbonisation efforts and enhancing Madeira’s environmental profile. This studies will be conducted throughout 2025.
We read that the Port Authority of Madeira is prioritising on investment projects aiming to upgrade port facilities for larger cruise ships and enhance passenger experiences, which is crucial for Madeira’s economy. Could you please provide further explanation on the ongoing projects in this sector?
The Port Authority of Madeira is investing in upgrades to accommodate larger cruise ships and improve the passenger experience. Ongoing projects include expanding berthing facilities, reinforcing dock structures, and enhancing mooring capacity to support new-generation vessels. Additionally, the terminal infrastructure is being modernised with improved boarding areas, upgraded security systems, and enhanced passenger services. These include better seating, Wi-Fi access, and clear signage.
All these efforts aims to improve the port’s capacity, reduce congestion, and provide better services for passengers. They are crucial for Madeira’s economy, as the cruise sector drives tourism and local businesses. By attracting more and larger ships, these projects aim to boost the island’s competitiveness in the cruise market and provide a smoother experience for visitors.
The Port of Funchal is an important passenger port, in terms of cruise. In 2022, Madeira Island was elected the Best Cruise Destination in Europe by the World Cruise Awards, which also recognised the Port of Funchal, besides the Island. In the ESPO Code of practice on cruise and ferry, ESPO stressed the importance of the port city relation. How is the dialogue with the citizens? What are the other challenges?
The Porto of Funchal won the award for Best Cruise Destination in Europe at the World Cruise Awards in 2022 and 2023. This year, we are nominated again for this award, as well as for the Best Cruise Terminal in the World in terms of Sustainability. This recognition is only possible because the Port of Funchal engages with stakeholders through public consultations and community initiatives, ensuring local voices are heard and integrated into port development plans. This fosters a positive port-city relationship.
Challenges include balancing port expansion with environmental sustainability, managing the impact of increased tourism on local infrastructure, urban mobility and preserving local quality of life. The continuous collaboration with the Municipality is essential to address these challenges and promote sustainable growth. An example of this dialogue is the recent cooperation protocol that was signed between the Funchal City Council, Port Authority of Madeira, and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) to carry out actions to plant native or endemic trees in the Funchal Ecological Park during the end of the cruise high-seasons (September and May).
On the 26th and 27th of September, the APRAM hosted the Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the partnership for the cruise market in the Atlantic region. How important is the Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference?
This conference had a double objective. On the one hand, to recall the steps that led to the creation of the Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI), partnership between Madeira, Canary Islands, the Azores and Cape Verde on the other, to envision the future of these Atlantic islands in Macaronesia as a cruise tourism destination. Both objectives were fully achieved, and important steps were taken to reinforce CAI's positioning as a cruise product.
During the Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference, key figures from the cruise industry were engaged in discussions about enhancing collaboration among Atlantic ports, sustainable tourism practices, and the future of the cruise sector. Participants explored strategies for reducing environmental impacts, through innovative technologies, such as shore power and alternative fuels, and promoting responsible tourism to protect local ecosystems
I believe that building a sustainable future for cruising requires commitment from all stakeholders to prioritise environmental stewardship while delivering exceptional experiences for travellers. These efforts aim to enhance the industry’s sustainability while supporting economic growth and preserving the natural beauty of the Atlantic region.
© Port of Funchal.
European ports are increasingly investing in digital solutions to improve the efficiency of the logistics chain and port operations. In this sense, has the Port Authority of Madeira taken any initiatives towards digitalisation?
Yes, the Port Authority of Madeira is actively investing in digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and streamline logistics. Initiatives include implementing advanced port management systems for real-time monitoring of vessel movements, cargo handling, and resource allocation. We are also exploring digital platforms to facilitate communication between port operators, shipping companies, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination. Additionally, we are focused on data analytics to optimise decision-making processes and improve safety, environmental and security measures.
Let me give you two examples of our investment in digitalisation. The project DUAL will allow us to monitor some environmental indicators (quality of water, air and energy consumption), enabling the optimisation of resources without compromising the economic activity of the Ports of Madeira. The Shift2DC project includes the implementation of a Digital Twin of the Port of Funchal for real-time monitoring and optimisation of port activities.
These efforts aim to to enhance the overall performance of the port, reducing operational costs, and provide better services to our clients and partners in the logistics chain.
Could you explain how you began your career in maritime transport and the professional journey that led you to your current position?
I began my career with a background in public administration, where I had the opportunity to work in various sectors such as agriculture, viticulture and wine, tourism and culture: industries that are extremely important to the local economy. My experience in managing strategic sectors prepared me for my role at the Port Authority of Madeira, where I apply my knowledge of regional development and international relations. In 2020, I was appointed President of APRAM, where I now focus on sustainable growth, improving port infrastructure, and promoting Madeira as a leading destination in the maritime and cruise sectors.
In my role at APRAM, I have faced several challenges, including the covid period, balancing port expansion with environmental sustainability, managing the impact of increased tourism on local infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Despite these challenges, our focus remains on promoting sustainable growth and enhancing the port’s competitiveness.
Lastly, if you had to bring us to your favourite spot in the Port Authority of Madeira, where would you take us?
My academic background is in Agricultural Engineering, and perhaps that’s why I’ve never been a women who enjoys being confined to an office and, above all, have always appreciated authenticity. Therefore, I would take you to the balcony at the Gare Marítima. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the port, the city, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a spot where you can truly feel the connection between the port and the city, appreciating both Madeira’s natural beauty and the dynamic activity of the port. This balcony symbolises the importance of our work at the Port Authority, as we strive to enhance not only the economic vitality but also the social well-being of the region through sustainable and innovative practices.
©Port of Porto Santo.
Related documents
No attachments.