Priorities
Sustainability
EU Environmental regulatory framework applicable to ports
The Dangerous Substances Directive
The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
The Waste Reception Facilities Directive
The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive
The Environmental Liability Directive
Bringing global emissions down to a sustainable level is one top priority that has to be addressed in the 21st century. The European Union has recognised this through its ambitious targets for reductions in emissions over the coming years.
As an industry, terminal operators and cargo handling companies are committed to taking the necessary measures to reach these European Union targets.
Within FEPORT, we consider that sustainability is made up of three key pillars:
- What we do for our companies and people;
- What we do for our customers;
- What we do for society in general.
We believe that terminal operators are engaging on these three dimensions.
FEPORT members are constantly investing in innovative solutions to minimise the impact of cargo handling operations, and those using their services, on local neighbourhoods and eco-systems.
Terminal Operators are investing millions of Euros in sustainable equipment. They are training their employees to perform environmentally friendly operations in terminals. They are working with their partners along logistics chains, i.e. with road hauliers, combined transport operators and inland waterways to minimize the effects of cargo handling and transport operations and improve the “intermodality footprint”.
Considering that the pollution originating from terminal operations accounts for less than 10% of total emissions in ports, terminal operators are perfectly aware that they cannot solve problems of pollution alone, but remain confident that other parties of the chain will also take their responsibilities seriously.
FEPORT's brochure on Sustainable Terminals is meant to raise awareness for the many good practices adopted by terminal operators to help make port operations, and our planet, sustainable for future generations.
Production of Green Energy
Greening energy production is a major challenge facing society. There is a need to move away from conventional fuels and towards greener, more renewable sources of energy. Although this is ultimately a task for wider society, terminals have shown a willingness to contribute through taking measures to ensure they use clean, green fuel where possible. In some cases, this has come in the form of the creation of green energy sources such as wind turbines. For example, in the port of Hamburg, saved energy or generated energy from renewable sources, or by using low-emission technologies, has amounted for over 60 million kWh per year which accounts for avoiding 76,000 tons of CO2 per year.
Energy Efficiency
Another key aspect of reducing total emissions is decreasing the energy requirements to carry out operations. Put simply, the less energy required to carry out an operation, the less emissions there are arising from said operation. Terminals have a vested interest in reducing their energy requirements, and subsequently their emissions, as energy consumption is a cost. Terminals have proven to be innovative and proactive in energy efficiency measures such as the utilization of green lighting on their terminals and training courses intended to educate terminal staff in how to operators port equipment in an energy efficient manner.
Greening of Port Equipment
“E” Yard Equipment
The use of “E” yard equipment (e.g RTGs powered by electricity) is growing among the main operators. The use of “E” yard equipment allows an operator to switch from traditional diesel powered vehicles to electric vehicles. By using “E” yard equipment, operators can take concrete steps to reduce consumption whilst ensuring a high level of productivity. “E” yard equipment can also play a key role in reducing noise pollution.
Legislative Initiatives – Non Road Mobile Machinery Regulation
FEPORT has supported the adoption of the Commission proposed Regulation on Emission limits and type-approval for internal combustion engines for non-road mobile machinery. The Regulation sets high regulatory standards for all new engines for non-road vehicles (such as most port equipment) entering the market. This will ensure that more polluting port equipment is phased out in favour of greener engines.
FEPORT believes the Regulation will lead to real environment benefits whilst also allowing for port operators to plan for the future when upgrading their fleets.