Net-zero port operations: a key element for a truly decarbonized supply chain

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen we are increasingly using more and more electric equipment at our terminals and port processing centers, and we strive to use renewable energy to power the equipment.

In addition, we aim to use renewable energy sources in our land-based operations. For example, to power offices, warehouses, work bays and exterior lighting fixtures around ports.

Our Clean Fleet Initiative states that all new shuttle vans, forklifts, and other equipment must be zero emission from 2023, which now creates additional demand for power to keep equipment charged.

Unfortunately, not every port has solar panels or windmills, and these infrastructure projects can take years to be completed and require significant investment.

Across Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s global network of owned terminals and other ports of call, only Zeebrugge and Bremerhaven offer clean energy to reduce scope 2 emissions.

For Andrew Prior, Senior Manager, Global Safety Quality and Sustainability, this presents a unique challenge to ensure we have the necessary supply power at the right times of day and in convenient locations within our facilities to ensure we maintain our operational continuity.

Contributing to the bigger picture

Filip Declercq, Logistics Services Decarbonization manager, developed a “wish list” to highlight what Wallenius Wilhelmsen will need to meet regulatory requirements for efficient ports, as well as our own emission reduction targets.

“The list has all the technical ingredients for a green port and will be used to make a roadmap towards zero emission and evaluate viable partners,” says Declercq, before adding:

“We already had some fruitful meetings with ports all over the world and it’s great to see the willingness to share knowledge and information between ports and ourselves. Sharing and collaborating are key elements to make the green corridor concept work. We all learn from each other.”

The Orcelle Terminal in Zeebrugge in Belgium is, in contrast to many ports and terminals globally, built with a circular economy in mind and to be able to run on renewable energy from the get-go.

Many ports and terminals around the world will need to upgrade its own infrastructure in the years to come to meet the industry’s needs.

To help drive innovation and generate awareness around the need to make ports around the world capable of meeting the industry’s needs going forward, Wallenius Wilhelmsen joined the First Movers Coalition (FMC).