Portnet, a blockchain-powered waste management solution for greener, more efficient ports
Ship-generated waste poses a significant threat to the marine environment. The current EU legal framework laying down rules applicable to ship-generated waste is Directive 2000/59/EC.
5 main problems have been identified:
- Inadequate reception and handling of waste by port reception facilities
- Insufficient cost incentives for the delivery of ship-generated waste to ports
- Ineffective and insufficient enforcement of the mandatory delivery obligation
- Inconsistent and outdated definitions and forms
- Inconsistent application of exemptions to ships in scheduled traffic.
Waste traceability and circular economy are main drivers standing out in all companies' social and environmental performance, especially as regards waste collectors and treatment plants.
To solve all these barriers and challenges in the port environment, Blue Room Innovation is developing a solution based on blockchain technology: PortNet. It is a blockchain-powered waste management solution for greener, more efficient ports, a unique contribution to circularity and a commitment to Green Ports thanks to the technological power of blockchain.
Portnet has created a WastePassport that connects waste disposed in port reception facilities to treatment plants, thus increasing traceability by providing a self-sovereign identity to each waste batch to state in the blockchain key features – type of waste, weight, previous holder, destination, etc. – its owner and the rights and obligations entitled to it.
Portnet also aims to create a secondary market by tokenising sorted waste with CIRCULA , thus converting it in a value connecting treatment plant to industry, and enhancing circularity.
Blue Room Innovation is now busy developing the first pilot test with Adalmo (Palma recycling plant) to trace the waste from the Port of Palma to Adalmo and subsequent purchase. The consortium will explore:
- the potential of the platform’s further development and improvements and
- ways to enter the platform into the market for a better coordination of ports, so that the more ports ecosystems are connected, the less waste dump will be thrown into the sea.
At the same time, potential buyers of the final recycled material are being contacted to finish closing the circle.
This solution has been granted funds by several Accelerator Programmes H2020 such as Digicirc and GALATEA.