By
Alex Smith |
Valenciaport in Spain reduced its emissions of carbon dioxide by 30 per cent between 2008 and 2019, according to a study carried out by Universitat Politécnica de València.
The port has also increased its activity by 42 per cent across the same period, meaning it has reduced its output of carbon dioxide per visiting ship. The study has been verified by auditors Lloyd’s of London in accordance with the 14064 and was carried out alongside similar studies in the ports of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Antwerp in Belgium and Civitavecchia in Italy.
The Port Authority of Valencia has committed to achieving zero emissions by 2030 as part of its sustainability strategy. To achieve this, the authority aims to promote the integration of the port with local transport networks, increase occupational safety and share information in real time with administrations involved in port activities.
Current projects include the construction of an electrical substation at the port, which will allow ships to connect to onshore power while berthed. The authority is also carrying out feasibility studies for the installation of a wind farm, the construction and improvements of railway connections and the implementation of solar energy, while the replacement of the port’s fleet of vehicles with hybrid and electric vehicles and the replacement of lighting are among other initiatives.
Valenciaport has also collaborated with private partners in the H2Ports project, which is developing pilots for uses of hydrogen fuel cells in the port, such as a supply station. It has also participated in the Green C Ports project, which has led to installation of two new environmental control booths to analyse air quality, noise in port facilities and weather conditions in real time.