Published: 16 Dec 2009
Sailing ships and wind powered terminals the future for global ports
An international research body to develop greener ship types is needed, according to Japanese researchers, Fairplay reports.
Japan's Ocean Policy Research Foundation has called for prompt development of vessels which produce little or no emissions.
Akira Ishihara, the group's technology chief, told Fairplay magazine that hydrogen could be used, generated onshore from electricity produced by wind, solar or nuclear power.
Nuclear-powered ships would be an option in the long run, he added.
GREEN PORTS
Meanwhile in the Netherlands where windmills are the tradition, the latest generation of turbines is now providing clean energy for APM Terminals
In October, APMT officially opened a €12.5M($18.8M) power distribution network on its Maasvlakte container terminal powered by electricity generated through wind power, Fairplay reports.
The terminal aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% a year by sourcing its energy from two wind farms powering 14 gantry shore cranes serving the latest generation of large container ships, as well as supplying all the refrigerated containers, lighting, workshops and other energy needs.
At the same time the Netherlands is aiming to have inland shipping carrying 45% (or an estimated 8.2M teu) of cargo, rail 20% (or 3.6M teu) and road 35% (or 6.4M teu). Fairplay reports. A reduction of the share carried by road haulage began in 1993. It declined from 66% to about 50%, thus reducing CO2 emissions across the country.
"APM Terminals has stated its aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 15%/teu handled globally within three years. In 2007, APM Terminals' total global CO2 emissions were 543,000 tonnes worldwide or 17.5kg CO2/teu handled. APM Terminals will reduce this level through innovative operational initiatives, best practice sharing, benchmarking, strategic investments and energy-conscious planning at every terminal," Fairplay reports.
A target figure of 14.96kg/teu reflects the projected 15% decrease.
The port is now looking to other container terminal operators to become wind-powered as well.
