The Port Authority of Vigo has received the Cluster Marítimo Español–Federico Esteve 2025 Award in the international projection category. The award, presented at a ceremony in Madrid, distinguishes the leadership and innovation of the initiatives developed under the presidency of Carlos Botana in this field.
The Cluster Marítimo Español–Federico Esteve 2025 Awards bring together professionals and entities from the maritime sector. They are named after Federico Esteve, former president of the CME and member of the Real Academia de la Mar, and recognize the work of organizations that contribute to the advancement of the industry in strategic areas.
The port of Vigo has accumulated multiple international recognitions, including awards from the IAPH, the European Commission and the ADEAC Blue Centre for innovation and sustainability
The Port Authority of Vigo has been recognized for its international projection after being a pioneer in the implementation of the Blue Growth strategy and for being considered a benchmark in the European Commission’s annual reports.
During the gala, the Cluster Marítimo Español highlighted the role of the port of Vigo in defending legal and sustainable fishing. It underlined its drive, together with the FAO, for the Blue Fishing Ports Network, which already includes 26 countries from all continents, and which has enabled the signing of various international agreements. It also highlighted its work to raise the profile of the fishing and Blue Economy of Vigo and Spain.
The head of the port, Carlos Botana, was responsible for receiving the award from Alfonso Carrero, director of SOERMAR.
During his speech, Botana thanked the Cluster Marítimo Español for the recognition, stating that “there are recognitions that generate a special excitement, and this is one of them for several reasons: who gives it and why.” He recalled that 28 Spanish ports are represented in the cluster, “and Vigo’s has been the only one awarded,” and praised its president, Javier Garat, whom he described as “the greatest and best ambassador for fishing and the Blue Economy.”
He also emphasized “the role of the port of Vigo in international matters” and its commitment to sustainable fishing, promoting—together with the General Secretariat of Fisheries and the Consellería do Mar—the FAO Blue Ports Network. He also highlighted its work in coordinating the Atlantic Space Ports Pillar and the ETP (Energy Transition Partnership), focused on the role of ports in decarbonization.
“Today, all over the world, people are talking about responsible and sustainable fishing and the role of Vigo and Spain worldwide,” emphasized the president.
The Port of Vigo has received numerous awards for its commitment to sustainability, innovation and the blue economy within its Blue Growth strategy. Among the most notable awards are the IAPH awards for Peiraos do Solpor (2020) and Living Ports (2022), as well as several recognitions from the European Commission for its submarine projects.
It has also been distinguished by the Sun&Blue awards for decarbonization and energy innovation, and by the ADEAC Blue Centre distinction in 2025 for the Nautilus viewer, being the only port in Spain with this recognition for its work in environmental education.
