The Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz (APBC), in partnership with the technology company Ocean Ecostructures, has launched a project to enhance marine biodiversity through the installation of a total of six ecological structures known as LUBs at two locations within the port, thereby reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the environmental integration of its infrastructures.
The LUB structures are pieces inspired by natural reefs, submerged in the sea and monitored using underwater robotics and artificial intelligence, enabling real-time data to be obtained on biodiversity and biomass.
They are designed to encourage the colonisation of marine organisms and the creation of complex habitats on artificial surfaces, helping to increase biological richness and the presence of marine life.
The initiative is therefore based on a unique, multi-technology solution developed by Ocean Ecostructures, which makes it possible to transform port surfaces into spaces capable of hosting greater marine life, with measurable results and without interfering with port operations.
Specifically, three LUB structures have been installed at the end of the breakwater that supports the tip of the rear wall of the New Container Terminal. At this site, two units featuring 3D technology and one unit made of CaCO₃ have been installed. These materials and designs have been developed based on scientific and biomimetic criteria that replicate the functioning of a natural reef. In addition, three similar structures have been installed at the end of the San Felipe breakwater.
According to the President of the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz, Teófila Martínez, this initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to integrating sustainability and the protection of the marine environment into port management.
In this regard, she highlighted that “the Port Authority not only responds to current environmental challenges, but anticipates them by implementing innovative solutions that make it possible to combine port activity with the enhancement of biodiversity. Initiatives such as this consolidate a modern, responsible port model committed to its environment, based on anticipation, technology and the generation of real and measurable environmental benefits.”
Ocean Ecostructures is a leading technology company founded in 2021, specialising in the renaturalisation of biodiversity to offset the negative impact of infrastructures such as ports or offshore wind farms, turning them into Nature Positive assets without interfering with their operations. As a pioneer, it has developed a unique, world-first multi-technology solution—the Bio Boosting System—which combines marine renaturalisation by replicating the functioning of a natural reef, robotics for monitoring results and artificial intelligence. Through this system, the company is driving a paradigm shift by turning infrastructures into allies of the ocean. Since its inception, Ocean Ecostructures has installed nearly 400 units and has received numerous international awards and recognitions (Nasdaq, 4Y4N, KAUST Scalex, Ocean Exchange, Norrsken, among others). Its goal is to transform 20,000 marine infrastructures into blue oases by 2030.
