Ports play an important role as decarbonisation hubs and need a multi-pronged approach to transition to net zero. As the momentum around sustainability continues to pick up, ports, which function as critical nodes of connectivity, play an important role as decarbonisation hubs and the drive towards realising a net-zero future. To improve productivity, ports need to embark on automation and electrification of their operations, reports Riviera.
Transition to net zero
Achieving net zero in ports is no longer an option but a necessary business strategy for operators to ensure sustainable growth. Mr Joo Hong points out countries including Singapore are increasingly recognising the importance of it. The new Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint announced this year outlines ambitious goals aimed at intensifying decarbonisation efforts. The goals include achieving net-zero emissions at all port terminals by 2050.
He expands, “The transition to net zero must be enabled by the adoption of clean energy and digitalisation. But this requires ports to adopt a multi-pronged approach, powered by digitalisation, which can be achieved through collaboration with like-minded partners such as Envision Digital. This approach will constitute ports gaining the ability to manage and control operational carbon emissions, deploying targeted measures in specific areas, and implementing a carbon offset strategy.”
Industry partnership
Envision Digital has an internet of things (IoT) platform and digital solutions to help its port clients navigate complexities found in their net-zero journey. It has a partnership with PSA Singapore, which has leveraged Envision Digital’s digital solutions to optimise energy consumption and management and improve operations.
Envision Digital is also partnering with the Port of Antwerp to develop green port solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions in ports.
Mr Joo Hong says, “Our industry partnerships will establish a reference model for other ports seeking to achieve sustainability at a greater scale.”
Role of the ports
He sums up, “The most profound contribution of net-zero ports is likely its impact on sustainable global supply chains, with ports being important nodes of supply chain connectivity. Ports play a critical role in connecting all supply chain participants, including importers, exporters, transport providers and government authorities.
“As momentum around sustainability continues to pick up globally, ports have a unique role to play in reducing emissions within the maritime supply chain and powering the drive towards the realisation of a net-zero sustainable global supply chain.”
Mr Joo Hong underlines that the involvement of all stakeholders in the global supply chain – including governments and international trade organisations – to establish the right policies, systems, infrastructure and technology is critical.
“With over 80% of the world’s goods transported via sea, embarking on the net-zero journey will become a necessity for ports,” he says.
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Source: Riviera
