Isramart : APM Terminals cut CO2 emissions by 8% last year

Isramart news:
APM Terminals told Portworld last Friday that CO2 emissions from its global network of 50 terminals in 34 countries fell 8% in 2009 from 2008 levels, through "aggressive measures to improve fuel economy" and the introduction of "environmentally sustainable terminal operating practices over the past year".

The port operating arm of the A.P. Moller – Maersk group said CO2 emissions from its Global Terminal Network came up to 17.6 kg per TEU handled, compared to 19.1 kg per TEU in 2008.

2007 CO2 emissions were 17.5 kg per TEU. APM Terminals intends to cut down CO2 emissions by another 10% this year from 2009 figures.

"Currently we have 80 – 100 environmental projects ongoing, but we need to further accelerate the best practice sharing process to maximize energy reductions," APM Terminals senior director of sustainability Henrik Kristensen told a recently concluded conference.

APM Terminals initiated the recording and analysing of environmental performance in 2007 in what was described as the first step in the process to introduce sustainable business practices.

Each terminal is said to be assessed for fuel efficiency and other factors in environmental impact, with the results carefully evaluated and distributed.

"Every terminal gets an environmental report card," said Kristensen, adding that "this enables a local improvement approach".

According to Kristensen initial progress has been achieved but a "long journey" lies ahead before "eco-efficiency" can be realised for container terminals.

APM Terminals believes that cooperation between the leading terminal operators on creating standardisation in measurement of carbon footprints is necessary to drive the industry forward in improving environmental performance.

Its environmental strategy includes steps such as the implementation of a global certifiable Environmental Management System (EMS), active participation in sustainable port technology, reducing diesel fuel consumption through the use of electric-powered terminal equipment - carbon neutral where practical - and the engagement of local communities to increase sustainability.