• The initiative forms part of the European TREASURE project and is being coordinated through Opentop, Valenciaport’s open innovation hub

• The pilot project, developed by the scale-up Mediterranean Algae, uses a biotechnological filter capable of absorbing excess nutrients and heavy metals and capturing CO₂ without the use of chemicals

• With this pilot, Fundación Valenciaport reaffirms its commitment to finding disruptive solutions to environmental challenges

Valencia, 28 July 2026.- Fundación Valenciaport has launched a pilot project at the Port of Gandía to improve the quality of the port’s water through the use of native macroalgae. The BIOREMED ALGAE® bioremediation system reduces nutrients, absorbs pollutants and captures CO₂ naturally, providing sustainable solutions for the logistics and port sector.

This activity forms part of the European TREASURE project (co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED programme), whose overall objective is to improve environmental quality in Mediterranean port areas. At a local level, Fundación Valenciaport, in collaboration with the Port Authority of Valencia, is leading this initiative through Opentop, Valenciaport’s open innovation hub, which facilitates the development of pilot trials to validate new technologies.

Algae-based climate infrastructure, free from chemical additives

The BIOREMED ALGAE® technology used in this pilot project was developed by the Alicante-based scale-up Mediterranean Algae. This solution consists of a modular biofilter installed in a shipping container that takes up just 16 square metres on the quay, meaning no construction work was required at the port.

Following its installation in mid-June, the system has been operating continuously, treating a flow rate of 6,000 litres of water per hour.

At the heart of the system lies a cultivation system using native macroalgae of the genus Ulva (commonly known as sea lettuce), harvested directly from the local area. The system acts as a nature-based climate infrastructure, capable of treating water by reducing pollutants such as excess nutrients (nitrates and phosphates), capturing CO₂ and generating useful biomass, without the need to add any chemical additives to the water.

With this pilot project, Fundación Valenciaport reaffirms its commitment to finding disruptive solutions to environmental challenges.

Alongside Valenciaport, the TREASURE project has five other test sites in the Mediterranean: Tuscany, Valletta, Piraeus, Bar and Durres, all focused on European environmental innovation.