From Quay to Sea: A Port Decarbonization Roadmap - CleanTechnica

The article "From Quay to Sea: A Port Decarbonization Roadmap" presents a practical and detailed strategy for reducing carbon emissions in port operations, developed through extensive industry engagement. Ports, as critical hubs of global trade and local economic activity, face the dual challenge of being significant sources of pollution while situated near urban populations affected by diesel exhaust and noise. Decarbonization is framed not only as an environmental imperative but also as essential for competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and community health. The roadmap outlines a phased approach that begins with electrifying landside equipment such as yard tractors and forklifts, progresses to electrifying harbor vessels like tugs and ferries, then expands to shore power for ships at berth, and ultimately addresses coastal and deep-sea shipping. The baseline data highlights the substantial diesel consumption and CO2 emissions of a typical mid-sized European port, emphasizing the urgency of change. The first phase focuses on replacing diesel-powered yard equipment with electric alternatives, which, despite higher upfront costs