The Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, has invested in new equipment that will help reduce carbon emissions by 6,662 tonnes of CO2 and 59.38 tonnes of NOx emissions every year.
Chris Lewis, CEO at the Port of Felixstowe, said, “This order represents the latest part of our plan to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. In total, replacing 48 diesel-powered tractor units and 17 conventional RTGs with new electrical equipment will save 6,662 tonnes of CO2 and 59.38 tonnes of NOx emissions every year.
“We have reduced our carbon footprint by 30% since 2015. That has been achieved through a range of measures including the first phase of our programme to phase out diesel-powered yard cranes. These latest acquisitions will help drive further substantial reductions in the future and help us to reach our target of a further 20% reduction over the next five years.”
In order to facilitate the new equipment, the port will upgrade its HV electrical power distribution network and build new electrical infrastructure to support the ReARTGs and 10 charging stations for battery-powered terminal tractors.
The port is exploring different options to reach net-zero including the possible use of hydrogen-powered port equipment and is involved with Cranfield University, Sizewell C and EDF in a project selected to receive support from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Clemence Cheng, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports Europe and Joint Chair of the Hutchison Ports Group Sustainability Committee, stated, “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and Hutchison Ports is committed to playing its part by minimising the impact of port operations on the environment,”
“Promoting a culture of technological innovation and adoption of alternative fuels is a key strand of our strategy. This investment takes us another step nearer to our goal.”
