#insights

The decarbonisation of port terminals is a significant strategic challenge that is reshaping the sector’s operations. As critical nodes in the global supply chain, ports are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is due to the intensive use of fossil fuels and the operation of energy-demanding equipment. Given that international commitments and regional policies require drastic emissions reductions, the port sector is adopting a comprehensive approach that combines emerging technologies, renewable energy, and operational optimisation to achieve sustainability. Among the main sources of emissions in ports are:

• Cargo handling equipment: Cranes and handling equipment, such as gantry cranes and spreaders, operate continuously and, using diesel engines, generate high carbon emissions.
  
  
• Internal transport vehicles: Vehicles such as straddle carriers and tractors, needed for container movement, consume large quantities of fossil fuels and face technological limitations in transitioning to cleaner alternatives.
  
  
• Emissions from docked ships: Ships often operate their auxiliary engines to maintain systems while docked, leading to significant pollution.
  
  
• Energy infrastructure: Ports often rely on local electrical grids, which in many cases are largely powered by fossil fuels.

To address these challenges, ports are adopting a multidimensional approach that combines clean technologies, renewable energy, and operational optimisation. The main strategies include:

• Electrification of equipment and vehicles: Replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric or hybrid versions, such as electric RTG cranes and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), can reduce emissions by up to 95%. However, implementation requires appropriate infrastructure for recharging, which involves significant costs.
  
  
• Integration of renewable energy and storage: The generation of clean energy through solar and wind installations is gaining ground in ports. Microgrids combined with battery storage not only reduce reliance on fossil fuel sources but also enhance resilience against grid failures. This solution, however, requires an advanced energy management system to regulate energy use optimally.
  
  
• Ship-to-shore power supply and cold ironing: This technology allows ships to connect to the electrical grid instead of using their auxiliary engines, which is particularly relevant in ports with high cruise ship and container vessel traffic. While infrastructure investments are needed, emission reductions and improved air quality justify the costs.
  
  
• Digitalisation and operational optimisation: Incorporating technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and advanced terminal operating systems (TOS) allows for the optimisation of logistics and workflows in real time. This digitalisation reduces downtime and improves resource allocation, thereby decreasing energy consumption and carbon footprints.
  
  
• Use of new fuels and propulsion technologies: Alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and green ammonia are being explored to reduce emissions in maritime transport. Although LNG remains a fossil fuel, it produces fewer emissions than traditional diesel. In the long term, cleaner fuels like hydrogen and ammonia are expected to revolutionise the industry.

Challenges in Implementing Low-Emission Technologies

Implementing these strategies involves overcoming several barriers. High initial costs are one of the main obstacles, especially for ports in emerging economies with limited access to green financing.

The adaptation of infrastructure and workforce training also present considerable challenges. Additionally, the lack of harmonised international standards and regulations complicates the adoption of sustainability practices on a global scale. In this context, collaboration between governments, businesses, and port authorities is essential to overcome these barriers and encourage the use of clean technologies.

The Port of Barcelona stands out as a success story in decarbonisation, having implemented a medium-voltage network that allows ships to connect to an electrical source in the port, thus reducing their reliance on combustion engines during their stay. This effort, whose feasibility study was conducted by Sener, has helped reduce the port’s carbon footprint, and the success of this initiative highlights the importance of investments in energy infrastructure.

The Importance of Phased Implementation

The implementation of a decarbonisation plan must follow a phased methodology, beginning with a Feasibility Project and Masterplan. This analysis should assess the current state of terminals and explore customised decarbonisation solutions for each port. This is the case with the work undertaken for the Port of Catalonia’s Strategic Decarbonisation Plan. Key actions in this phase include:

• Evaluation of current energy consumption and emissions, as well as the creation of a baseline to assess future savings.
  
  
• Review of available technologies: This involves studying fuel alternatives, such as hydrogenated vegetable oils and biodiesel, and exploring renewable energy generation potential (solar, wind, and geothermal).
  
  
• Simulation of scenarios: The combination of technologies is simulated to select the optimal solutions in environmental, technical, and economic terms.
  
  
• Optimisation through an energy management system (EMS): Automated, real-time energy management helps save energy and improve operational efficiency.

Once these phases are completed, the project moves on to the implementation of the selected measures and the integration of a digital asset management system to continuously monitor consumption and emissions.

For these solutions to be effective, it is essential to have active cooperation between all stakeholders involved, from port authorities and governments to private companies and local communities.

Tax incentives and the creation of regulatory frameworks also play an important role in motivating the adoption of clean technologies.

Furthermore, the training of the workforce in handling new technologies and operational models is crucial, as it will not only facilitate the transition but also foster a culture oriented towards sustainability.

Ultimately, the decarbonisation of ports represents an opportunity for the sector to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and global sustainability. Ports that adopt sustainable solutions will not only reduce their environmental impact but also benefit from competitive advantages by meeting international sustainability standards, attracting investment, and enhancing their reputation.

The path to achieving zero-emission port terminals is ambitious and full of challenges, but through a strategic vision and collaborative commitment, ports can become key pillars in the transition towards a cleaner and more resilient future.