Significant Port Energy Transition at Maritime Decarbonization Demonstration

By
Mfame Team
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  • Decarbonisation measures being implemented by the European maritime sector were seen first-hand when EU and national policymakers visited the Port of Antwerp as part of European Shipping Week activities.
  • Port of Antwerp will be home to the first tug powered by hydrogen, built by Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB). With this world’s first, Antwerp is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port.

With decarbonization measures being implemented by the European maritime sector, EU and national policymakers visited the Port of Antwerp as part of this week’s European Shipping Week activities, reports ECSA.

Aim to reduce GHG emissions

Representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the permanent representations of Member States were shown the various efforts being made by the maritime community to meet the IMO’s ambition to at least halve GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050.

Such efforts include:

  • Shore-side electricity
  • Development of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and LNG.

Hydrogen powered tug

As a matter of fact, recently it was announced that the Port of Antwerp will accommodate the first tug powered by hydrogen.

Commenting on the occasion, Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp, said, “Apart from our active participation in the Climate Action Programme with other major ports and the UN ‘Getting to Zero’ Coalition, we are working towards becoming a CO2-neutral port. Together with our partners we prepare for a low-carbon future.”

He added, “We are in a constant search for innovative applications and opportunities. This visit from the EU policymakers offers us an opportunity to show them, by means of concrete projects, which progress we are making.”

Decarbonization efforts

ECSA Secretary General, Martin Dorsman, added that decarbonization can only happen through the combined efforts of the whole maritime cluster.

He explained that by working with the ports, such as the Port of Antwerp, and other maritime partners, the shipping industry can only benefit from the global regulation at the IMO.

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Source: ECSA