Port of Amsterdam opts for clean shipping and aims to make the maritime sector more sustainable. The Clean Shipping Vision that was published highlights the targets for this move.
The Port Port of Amsterdam uses its leading role in order to accelerate sustainable shipping, since the shipping industry is lagging behind in terms of sustainability. For this reason, the Port of Amsterdam published the Clean Shipping Vision with clear targets for making shipping more sustainable.
#1 Reduction targets
Port of Amsterdam is setting reduction targets for greenhouse gases, such as CO2. By 2030, sea cruises at the quay should operate emission-free and this is to be expanded to all shipping in the port of Amsterdam by 2050. In doing so, Port of Amsterdam is making a significant contribution to improving the air quality in the city and surrounding environment of the North Sea Canal Area and to the Paris climate challenge.
The climate crisis is urgent, so we must act now. To limit global warming, a switch from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels is needed, including in the shipping industry. With this vision, we want to set an example and, together with our partners, be frontrunners in accelerating and facilitating cleaner shipping
…said Milembe Mateyo, Port of Amsterdam’s State Harbour Master.
#2 Three sustainability pillars
There are three pillars that will increase the sustainability of shipping:
The provision in the port of sustainable marine fuels, such as hydrogen and methanol, and the promotion of their use, ensures the greatest reduction in emissions from both sea-going and inland navigation vessels. The new executive vessel, which will enter service in 2023, will run on hydrogen.
A second pillar is the use of port technology, such as ship-to-shore power, and the eventual mandatory use of it. Alternative technologies that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants are also being invested in.
The third pillar is to optimize ship visits by improving the digital infrastructure, as efficient planning of ships reduces the time spent in port and thus unnecessary emissions. When the IJmuiden sea lock comes into operation, it will also be possible to lock more efficiently, for example by allowing more ships to pass through together.
#3 Emission-free shipping in the port by 2050
The efforts and measures taken are expected to lead to a reduction of more than 20% in shipping emissions by 2030 compared to 2018. By 2050, shipping in the port of Amsterdam should be completely emission-free.
The port of Amsterdam is a logistics hub and plays an important role in the European region. In carrying out this role, we do everything possible to ensure that the port is at the forefront of sustainability, both in industry and shipping. The Clean Shipping Vision ensures that the port works a little smarter, faster and cleaner every day
…noted Alderman Egbert de Vries (Harbour).
The Amsterdam port business community also feels a responsibility to contribute to the sustainability of the maritime sector. We, therefore, support this Clean Shipping Vision with objectives that will give the port of Amsterdam and its entrepreneurs a leading role in the transition towards a sustainable port
…said Kees Noorman, director of the ORAM Region Business Association.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Port of Rotterdam published its annual report for 2021, outlining its work during the year, as well as its programmes. The energy transition is gaining ever more momentum in the port. The investment decision for various projects was taken last year, whereas for others it is planned for 2022. This and much more can be read in the annual report under the heading ‘Building the port of tomorrow together’. Port of Rotterdam aims to cut carbon emissions by 23 million tonnes.
In this direction, Peel Ports will use greener alternative fuels for straddle carriers and plant equipment across the majority of its estate by 1 April.
Peel Ports have set a target to become a net zero port operator by 2040, acting ahead of the UK government’s change in legislation aimed at restricting the use of red diesels and other rebated biofuels.
