The global maritime industry, estimated to be responsible for transporting over 80% of the world’s goods, is also a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for about 2% of global CO2 emissions annually.
Ports play a vital role in this sector, enabling the movement of goods and resources, yet their environmental impact has become a pressing concern. As the maritime industry strives to reduce its environmental impact, port decarbonisation has emerged as a critical strategy for enhancing sustainability. The push for cleaner, more efficient port operations is reshaping the industry, prompting stakeholders to rethink their approaches to energy use, infrastructure and operational practices.
Port decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions associated with port activities. This includes everything from shipping and cargo handling to energy consumption within port facilities. Achieving port decarbonisation requires collaboration across various stakeholders, including port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines and the local community.
Members of Tunley Environmental were at the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) 2024 Annual Conference which took place in Chicago from August 8th to 9th. Along with partnering with ports in the Great Lakes to help them understand their emissions, Tunley Environmental has sponsored the conference for the past two years and it was an honour to attend the 2024 edition. One of the agendas highlighted at the event was the collaborative approaches that are essential to driving decarbonisation efforts in ports.
Port Authority and Terminal Operator Partnerships
Port authorities and terminal operators joining forces to create comprehensive plans for reducing emissions is essential to decarbonisation goals in the industry. For example, the Port of London Authority, along with a coalition of terminal and vessel operators, has published a Net Zero River Plan that identifies four priority themes: alternative fuels and infrastructure adoption, clear regulation and legislation, funding and reliable data.
These partnerships are crucial in implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices that reduce carbon emissions. For instance, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, within port facilities can significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, upgrading port infrastructure to accommodate electric or hybrid-powered cargo handling equipment can further reduce emissions.
Tunley Environmental’s work with the Port of Detroit is a prime example of how such partnerships can lead to successful decarbonisation outcomes. By working closely with terminal operators, our sustainability scientists helped the port implement and plan for energy-efficient technologies and transition to low-carbon operations, setting a benchmark for other ports in the region to follow.
Dr Robert Moorcroft and Mark Schrupp on stage at the AGLPA annual conference.
Sustainability expert Dr Robert Moorcroft, who led the project, delivered a session on the Port of Detroit's new decarbonisation and air quality improvement plan along with Mark Schrupp, Executive Director - Detroit / Wayne County Port Authority, at the AGLPA annual conference.
Shipping Line and Port Collaborations
Shipping lines play a significant role in port emissions, as vessels are among the largest contributors to carbon emissions in maritime activities. Collaborative efforts between shipping lines and ports can lead to the adoption of cleaner fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or biofuels, and the implementation of shore power systems. Shore power could allow vessels to shut down engines while docked and connect to the local electrical grid, reducing emissions during port stays.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Ports are often located near residential areas, and their operations can have significant environmental and health impacts on local populations. By involving the community in decision-making processes and transparently communicating the benefits of decarbonisation efforts, ports can gain public support and ensure the long-term sustainability of their operations. Tunley Environmental’s approach to stakeholder engagement in the Port of Detroit project, which includes conducting environmental impact assessments and holding consultations with local businesses, is an example of best practices for other ports to emulate. Our partnership with SDEV (Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision) was particularly helpful. The SDEV is a grassroot organisation that specialises in community engagement and activation within Detroit. Their support and leadership proved invaluable to our work in the Port.
Port decarbonisation has a significant influence on global supply chains, reshaping the maritime industry's approach to sustainability. As more ports adopt sustainable practices, the carbon footprint of goods transported through these ports is significantly reduced, leading to a greener and more efficient supply chain.
Reduced Carbon Footprint of Goods
One of the most direct impacts of port decarbonisation is the reduction in the carbon footprint of goods passing through these facilities. By implementing energy-efficient technologies and transitioning to low-carbon fuels, ports can decrease the overall emissions associated with cargo handling and transportation per tonne of goods handled. This in turn reduces the carbon intensity of products, making them more environmentally friendly.
Enhanced Sustainability Reporting
Port decarbonisation could contribute to improved sustainability reporting across the supply chain. Ports that have successfully implemented decarbonisation measures can provide more accurate and transparent data on their carbon footprint, enabling businesses to enhance their sustainability reporting of their supply chains.
Competitive Advantage for Green Ports
Ports that embrace decarbonisation gain a competitive edge in the global market. By investing in sustainable technologies and practices, they not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance operational efficiency and resilience. These ports are more likely to attract business from companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Zero-Emission Ports
The concept of zero-emission ports is gaining traction as ports worldwide aim to eliminate carbon emissions entirely. This involves not only adopting renewable energy sources and electric-powered equipment but also exploring innovative technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and carbon capture and storage (CCS) in a bid to drastically reduce CO2 emissions drastically.
Circular Economy in Port Management
The circular economy, which focuses on minimising waste and reusing resources, is becoming increasingly relevant in port management. Ports can adopt circular economy principles by implementing waste-to-energy systems, recycling programs and sustainable procurement practices.
Integration with Smart Cities
As cities around the world adopt smart technologies to improve urban living, ports are also exploring ways to integrate with smart city initiatives. This involves leveraging technologies such as autonomous driving, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. This integration can lead to more efficient and sustainable urban logistics networks.
Port decarbonisation is making waves in the maritime industry, paving the way for a greener future. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, reshaping global supply chains and driving innovation in sustainable operations, ports are becoming key players in the fight against climate change. These efforts are not only reducing the environmental impact of shipping but also creating new opportunities for economic growth and operational efficiency.
The insights from the AGLPA 2024 Conference, combined with Tunley Environmental’s expertise in sustainable port decarbonisation services, provide a roadmap for ports to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
For more insights on the Port of Detroit project, you can view all our publications for a more in-depth read.