The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) has issued a report highlighting the critical role ports will play in the transition to zero carbon shipping.
While container ports have been the focus of many of the announced green corridors and other decarbonization initiatives so far, the “Navigating the Green Transition: First Steps for Ports” report shows that ports specializing in chemical handling are uniquely positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels.
Their existing infrastructure and expertise in handling chemicals make them prime candidates for early adoption of new fuel types. As a result, chemical ports should capitalize on their position as potential first movers and actively seek to get involved in decarbonization projects such as green corridors, the publication highlights.
Other ports should also prepare for the green transition, knowing that it may take more effort but can and must be done. Ports aiming to participate in green corridor projects should assess their CPS and PRL to determine their readiness.
The Chemical Port Score (CPS) is a metric that rates a port’s chemical handling capabilities based on its infrastructure and operations involving chemicals like ammonia, methanol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG). In addition to CPS, the report discusses the Port Readiness Level (PRL) framework, which assesses a port’s preparedness for bunkering alternative fuels. Combining CPS and PRL scores provides a nuanced understanding of a port’s readiness for the green transition, guiding strategic decisions and resource allocation for ports aiming to become part of green corridors.
For ports not taking part in green corridor projects, CPS and PRL assessments can still help them build an understanding of the efforts that will be required for the transition and should be a critical element of any port transition roadmap or strategy, the report finds.
