While most American ports have decarbonization plans in place, a new report shows there are significant challenges to advancing emission-reduction projects, including financial constraints, low technology readiness and physical space limitations, according to ABS.
Those are some of the key takeaways from a new joint publication between ABS and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Port Decarbonization Survey: Trends and Lessons Learned.
In this report, AAPA and ABS also sought to understand current offerings and plans to adopt alternative fuels in addition to electrified technologies. While
electrification is a good option for some land-side equipment, other types of fuels will be necessary for the decarbonization of certain vessels. AAPA conducted a survey of its members in 2023 to measure their progress in using and planning for alternative fuels.
Rather than repeat these questions in this report, which had mostly the same respondents, the results from 2023 are republished here. Thirty-six U.S. port authorities, marine terminal operators (MTO), and two international port authorities responded to this survey. Further information can be found through the citation in the references section.
This report provides an important benchmark for ABS to understand the ability and interest in decarbonization infrastructure at U.S. ports. ABS is uniquely positioned with our deep expertise in regulatory compliance and technological breakthroughs to bring together diverse maritime stakeholders to advance the conversation around sustainability and emissions reduction strategies.
…said Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.
Maritime is by its very nature a cleaner form of transportation, and this survey shows that various ports are already leading emissions mitigation efforts in alternative fuel and electrification options. AAPA intends to leverage this research to push for wise and realistic policies – with collaboration from public and private partners – towards an increasingly sustainable future for the port and maritime industry.
…said Cary S. Davis, AAPA President and CEO.
