- Ports worldwide are significant sources of air pollution, impacting local communities and contributing to global emissions.
- Electrification of ports and ships is emerging as a practical solution to reduce emissions, with companies like NatPower Marine investing heavily in clean port infrastructure.
- Carbon Ridge has developed onboard carbon capture systems that can reduce CO₂ emissions from ships by up to 90%, representing a transformative technology for the industry.
- Initiatives like these reflect a broader commitment to decarbonizing the maritime sector and achieving carbon-neutral supply chains.
Despite their coastal locations, ports and shipping terminals worldwide are often major sources of air pollution, impacting both workers and nearby communities. Much of this pollution stems from vessels and trucks using these facilities, raising concerns not only for local air quality but also for the broader goal of decarbonizing the maritime sector, reports Forbes.
Understanding the Pollution Sources
Will Barrett, national senior director for clean air advocacy at the American Lung Association, identifies ports as major contributors to air pollution, particularly in areas like Southern California. He attributes this to two primary sources: ships that continue running engines while docked and the high volume of trucks transporting goods through these ports. Together, these emissions present serious health risks for residents in nearby communities, often affecting low-income populations.
Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County, California, further explains that many ships use fuel with high sulfur content, contributing to the pollution. Diesel exhaust releases various harmful compounds, including carcinogens that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, potentially leading to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
NatPower Marine: Electrifying Ports for Cleaner Air
NatPower Marine is a key player in tackling port emissions, investing £3 billion to establish a global network of “clean ports.” The initiative supports the electrification of vessels to improve local air quality. CEO Stefano Sommadossi views ports as potential “hubs for solutions,” aiming to transition vessels from hybrid-electric models to fully electric, which he describes as the most economical option for the industry. Sommadossi emphasizes that this transition requires significant charging infrastructure, a gap NatPower Marine’s network intends to address.
Carbon Capture: A Transformative Technology for Maritime Vessels
Carbon capture presents another effective method for emission reduction. Carbon Ridge has developed modular, onboard systems that reduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide emissions. Founder Chase Dwyer calls it a “full-exhaust gas cleaning solution,” adaptable across various types of vessels, from container ships to tugboats. The system can capture up to 90% of CO₂ emissions, offering a path to significant decarbonization. Recently, Carbon Ridge secured an additional $9.5 million in funding, supported by Crosscut Ventures and other investors.
Crosscut Ventures co-founder Brian Garrett notes that both shipping companies and consumers are increasingly dedicated to achieving carbon-neutral supply chains, driving the demand for solutions like Carbon Ridge’s. He sees strong potential for these technologies to be widely adopted within the industry.
Conclusion
Efforts to reduce emissions in ports are advancing through electrification projects like those led by NatPower Marine and carbon capture solutions developed by Carbon Ridge. These initiatives showcase how the maritime industry can tackle air pollution, promoting cleaner air for local communities and paving the way for a sustainable, carbon-neutral future in shipping and logistics.
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Source: Forbes
