Ports play important role in cutting shipping CO2 emissions - The Low Carbon Economy Ltd.

Posted - 24 Jun 2011 - The Low Carbon Economy Ltd.

Ports in the UK have an important role to play in reducing the CO2 emissions from shipping operations, according to a new report.
Compiled by the University of Hull, the research suggested many ports are already putting in place measures to reduce their environmental impact, such as introducing renewable energy sources.
However, Dr Patrick Rigot-Muller, from Hull University Business School, said when they work collectively, shipping centres have the ability to drive down emissions across the industry as a whole.
"There is scope to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime industry by between 25 percent and 75 percent, using a range of technical and operational measures," he said.
Initiatives which have already been successfully applied internationally include green passports, currently being used at four Dutch ports, which provide discounts for shipping companies which reach certain environmental standards.
Cold ironing, where a port provides shore-side power for vessels while they're docked, is another option which is far more efficient from ships generating their energy on board.
Research from the University of Manchester released last year suggested CO2 emissions from UK shipping operations could be six times higher than currently calculated, Blog at:

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