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Port of Hueneme Commits to Zero Emissions by 2030 in Historic Announcement

global trade port

Port of Hueneme Commits to Zero Emissions by 2030 in Historic Announcement

The Port of Hueneme, operated by the Oxnard Harbor District, has announced a groundbreaking goal to achieve zero emissions by 2030. This historic declaration was made during the World Oceans Day event on June 11.

Read also: Innovative Strategy Reduces Cargo Ship Emissions by 17.3%

Significant Investment and Progress

Reaching zero emissions will require a substantial investment in electrical charging infrastructure and equipment, estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars. The Port has already invested heavily, with over $100 million in additional investments and grants lined up to facilitate the transition from fossil fuels. This effort builds on years of progress in reducing emissions through the use of low and zero emissions vehicles and equipment, alongside collaborations with partners to adopt cleaner technologies.

Commitment to Sustainability

“The Port of Hueneme’s zero-emission blueprint initiative is a critical step in our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action,” stated Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. She expressed gratitude to the California Energy Commission for its crucial funding and support, which has brought the Port closer to its ambitious 2030 goal. Zacarias highlighted the essential role of community, labor, and business partnerships in Ventura County in achieving this vision.

Strategic Transition

The Port’s blueprint includes having all cranes powered by electricity, vessels achieving zero emissions at berth through shoreside power and emission control systems, and transitioning handling equipment and port vehicles to zero emissions by 2030. Collaboration with the trucking community and ocean carriers will also be essential for transitioning away from fossil fuels, although this will be a separate initiative from the zero-emission blueprint.

“We are excited to work closely with our trades and community to develop zero-emission solutions and aim to be the first zero-emission port in the U.S.,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director of the Port of Hueneme.

Comprehensive Planning and Support

Port Environmental Manager Giles Pettifor noted that the blueprint has been in development since 2021, supported by a two-year zero emissions energy study funded by the California Energy Commission. The study explored clean fuels such as electrical grid power and hydrogen fuel cells, concluding that electrical grid power is the optimal solution for achieving zero emissions.

Broader Environmental Initiatives

In 2022, the Port secured federal funding to develop a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan under the Port of Hueneme’s Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) program, reflecting its ongoing commitment to public health and air quality improvement.

 Celebrating World Oceans Day

The zero-emissions announcement was a highlight of the Port’s World Oceans Day celebration, “Catalyze Action for Our Ocean & Climate,” held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event featured a keynote panel and recognized maritime industry companies and community organizations with awards for their contributions to ocean sustainability.

The Port’s ambitious zero-emission goal depends on substantial external funding and equipment availability, and it will not include ocean-going vessels or drayage trucking.

carbon emissions global trade

Rising Carbon Emissions in Shipping: The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions

In a concerning trend, carbon emissions from shipping have surged, fueled by geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes. Recent data from the Xeneta and Marine Benchmark Carbon Emissions Index reveals a substantial increase in pollution, particularly in key trade routes.

During the first quarter of this year, carbon emissions from ocean freight container ships traveling from the Far East to the Mediterranean skyrocketed by 63% compared to the same period last year. Similarly, vessels bound for North Europe experienced a notable 23% increase. The primary cause? Vessels bypassing the Red Sea due to security concerns stemming from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Emily Stausbøll, a market analyst at Xeneta, highlighted the significant impact of these diversions. Ships navigating to the Mediterranean added an extra 5,800 nautical miles to their journeys, resulting in escalated fuel consumption and higher speeds to compensate for extended distances.

Moreover, air transportation has emerged as an alternative, with cargo flights from Dubai to European destinations witnessing a staggering 190% surge in March compared to the previous year. Despite its efficiency, this shift towards air freight poses sustainability challenges, leading to increased carbon emissions per ton of cargo transported.

Stausbøll further noted a resurgence in rail services through Russia for transporting goods from the Far East to Europe. While offering an alternative to maritime and air routes, rail transport is also comparatively carbon-intensive.

Adding to these challenges are the European Union’s efforts to include carbon emissions from large ships entering EU ports in its Emissions Trading System, commencing in January. This phased extension aims to mitigate shipping-related carbon emissions, albeit at potentially higher costs for shippers.

Meanwhile, as the world commemorates Earth Day, environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups gain significance. In Israel, the focus on “Planet vs. Plastics” aligns with efforts to address marine pollution. Notably, a beach clean-up organized by EcoOcean, EcoLove, Organic Zone, and the Emek Hefer Regional Council underscores the collective commitment to environmental stewardship.

Amidst escalating carbon emissions in shipping, stemming from geopolitical dynamics, the imperative for sustainable solutions and collaborative action becomes increasingly urgent.

carbon emissions global trade

Red Sea Diversions Drive Surge in EU Maritime Carbon Emissions

Recent data indicates a significant uptick in carbon emissions from the European Union’s (EU) marine shipping sector, posing challenges to decarbonization efforts. Kayrros, a leading emissions tracking firm, reports a 14% year-on-year increase in regulated carbon emissions during the first two months of this year.

Under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), marine shipping emissions now fall within regulatory purview. These regulations cover half of the emissions from ships entering and departing the EU, as well as all emissions for voyages within the Union.

The surge in emissions is primarily attributed to shipping diversions resulting from Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Since mid-October, attacks on ships have led many vessels to avoid the Red Sea route between Asia and Europe, opting instead for a longer detour around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 3,000 nautical miles to their journey.

According to Kayrros, these reroutes have led to significant increases in carbon emissions. On average, container ships emit an additional 900 tons of carbon (a 30% increase) when circumventing the Red Sea, while Very Large Crude Carriers traveling from the Middle East Gulf to Northwest Europe produce an extra 1,500 tons of carbon emissions.

Even before the Houthi attacks, EU marine shipping emissions were on the rise, increasing by 5.7% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. However, the growth rate has surged dramatically since the attacks began, despite the implementation of EU ETS regulations.

Antoine Rostand, President and co-founder of Kayrros, highlights the challenge posed by Red Sea diversions to decarbonization efforts. He notes that without a resolution to the rerouting issue and the absence of clean or cleaner fuel options for shipping, carbon emissions are likely to remain high, posing a setback to both the maritime industry and the European Commission’s progress towards net zero emissions.

porto

Porto Itapoá Implements Electric Vehicle Patrols to Reduce Carbon Emissions

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, Porto Itapoá has partnered with surveillance company Segurpro to introduce electric vehicles for motorized security patrols within the terminal premises. This initiative is expected to result in a significant reduction of over four tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the distance covered by the vehicle in its annual 36,000-kilometer rounds.

Porto Itapoá’s Port Security Manager, José Aurélio Kalfeld, emphasized the shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, innovation, and security between the two companies. He highlighted the environmental benefits of the transition to electric vehicles, stating that the 100% electric vehicle will have its batteries recharged at Porto’s own facilities, eliminating the need to travel to gas stations.

Kalfeld also pointed out the operational efficiency gained by recharging the vehicle within the port premises, thereby avoiding risks associated with trips to gas stations and ensuring uninterrupted security coverage at the Terminal.

This move aligns with Porto Itapoá’s broader commitment to energy transition and sustainability. The company has implemented various measures aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, including winning the gold seal of the GHG Protocol for the second time in 2023 and investing over US$40 million in new autonomous RTGs that consume up to three times less fuel than conventional ones.

Furthermore, Porto Itapoá has revised its energy acquisition policy to consume only energy from renewable sources in its new contracts. This transition is certified by I-REC(e), a global renewable energy attribute tracking system, reinforcing the company’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact.

scope autoo2 trax

Revolutionizing Supply Chain Sustainability: Trax’s Role in Emissions Reduction

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the imperative to mitigate carbon emissions has never been more urgent. Manufacturing supply chains, responsible for a staggering one-fifth of global carbon emissions and consuming over half of the world’s energy sources, stand at the forefront of this environmental challenge. Amidst this backdrop, Trax Technologies emerges as a pioneering force, committed to spearheading sustainability initiatives within the manufacturing sector.

Addressing the complex task of emissions tracking, Trax is dedicated to raising awareness about the pressing need for global manufacturers to optimize their supply chains’ environmental footprint. The benefits of such optimization extend far beyond ecological considerations, encompassing cost reduction, waste minimization, climate reporting preparedness, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.

Steve Beda, Executive Vice President of Customer Success at Trax, underscores the immediate benefits that manufacturers witness upon embarking on emissions reduction efforts. Beyond driving positive environmental impact, these initiatives lead to overall performance enhancement and garner attention from discerning investors, customers, and employees who prioritize climate-friendly businesses. By streamlining processes and reducing waste, manufacturers not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also realize tangible cost savings.

Recognizing the pivotal role of transportation in emissions reduction, Trax advocates for strategic shipping decisions that prioritize energy efficiency. This includes leveraging maritime transportation and barges, which stand out as some of the most fuel-efficient freight transportation methods available. Trax, leveraging its extensive expertise as a freight audit and payment provider, offers industry leaders data-driven tools like its Carbon Emissions Manager. By analyzing comprehensive data on emissions factors, travel distances, and fuel combustion, Trax empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals.

In its commitment to sustainability, Trax emphasizes the importance of gathering and analyzing reliable data from every aspect of the manufacturing supply chain. This meticulous approach enables benchmarking, reporting, and reduction processes essential for meaningful emissions reduction. By consolidating cost and emissions data, Trax equips global enterprises with the insights needed to integrate environmentally friendly practices seamlessly into their operations.

Trax’s eBook, “Unlocking Environmental Sustainability in Supply Chains,” serves as a comprehensive guide to sustainability trends and outlooks. It underscores the multifaceted nature of sustainable ventures, highlighting how initial investments in emissions reduction yield long-term benefits for both the environment and business revenue.

As the world navigates the imperative of reducing carbon emissions, Trax Technologies emerges as a trailblazer in revolutionizing supply chain sustainability. Through its data-driven solutions and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, Trax paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future in manufacturing.

scope autoo2 trax

Navigating the Green Landscape: Organizations Face Challenges in Scope 3 Emission Reporting

A recent study by Ivalua sheds light on the growing concerns within U.S. organizations regarding unintentional greenwashing, with 45% expressing worries about the legitimacy of their green claims. As the pressure from both customers and regulators intensifies, the focus is on ensuring that all environmental claims are accurately substantiated.

The research reveals that only 48% of organizations feel “very confident” in accurately reporting on Scope 3 emissions, a crucial aspect of environmental impact. A significant 62% admit that reporting on Scope 3 emissions is more of a “best-guess” measurement, highlighting the need for more precise and verifiable data.

While the Securities and Exchange Commission considers incorporating Scope 3 emissions in its final Climate Disclosure Rule, it is imperative for U.S. organizations to proactively manage and improve Scope 3 reporting. The study emphasizes the importance of moving beyond best guesses and adopting a more data-driven approach to support green claims over time.

Despite 88% of organizations expressing confidence in meeting net-zero targets, the study identifies gaps in comprehensive plans for various sustainability initiatives:

– Adopting renewable energy (78%).
– Reducing carbon emissions (68%).
– Embracing circular economy principles (72%).
– Decreasing air pollution (67%).
– Mitigating water pollution (63%).

Jarrod McAdoo, Director of Sustainable Procurement at Ivalua, underscores the urgency for organizations to address sustainability. He emphasizes that obtaining Scope 3 data is a crucial step in the maturation process of sustainability programs, even if they may currently rely on estimated data.

The study also highlights the importance of collaboration with suppliers in achieving net-zero goals. Over half (51%) of organizations believe that green initiatives not involving suppliers are ineffective. Challenges in supplier collaboration include resistance to emission reduction (27%), competing priorities such as cost and risk (24%), incomplete or unreliable sustainability data (22%), and poor visibility into sub-tier suppliers (18%).

To build trust and credibility in sustainability programs, the study suggests that organizations should focus on finding effective ways to measure and gauge the impact of Scope 3 emissions. While achieving absolute accuracy might be challenging without substantial investment, organizations are encouraged to equip procurement teams with good data and insights for meaningful progress.

In conclusion, the research underscores the need for a smarter approach to procurement, with granular visibility into supply chains and effective collaboration with suppliers. This transparency is crucial for showcasing meaningful sustainability progress and avoiding accusations of greenwashing in the long run.

Itapoá

Porto Itapoá Breaks Ground as the First Carbon-Neutral Port in Brazil

Porto Itapoá, a prominent player in Brazil’s port industry, is making waves by spearheading environmental initiatives and setting a new standard for sustainable practices. Notably, the port is set to become the first in Brazil to integrate carbon credits into its operations through the innovative Carbon Neutralization Project, a collaboration with the Ambipar Group. This groundbreaking project, commencing in 2024, allows terminal customers to purchase carbon credits certified by Ambipar, derived from forest conservation or reforestation, to offset their emissions.

Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., the director of Operations, Technology, and Environment at Porto Itapoá, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, positioning the port as a trailblazer in the carbon credit market. This forward-thinking approach is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the entire logistics chain, showcasing Porto Itapoá’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

In addition to the Carbon Neutralization Project, Porto Itapoá has revamped its energy acquisition policy, opting to exclusively consume renewable energy in new contracts starting in 2023. This shift is certified by I-REC(e), a global tracking system for renewable energy attributes, ensuring reliable accounting of renewable energy consumption.

The port is also embarking on a solar energy capture project, conducting a pilot study with installed panels to assess solar light incidence in Itapoá. The data gathered will serve as a foundation for future solar energy projects not only for Porto Itapoá but for the entire municipality, contributing to the broader adoption of sustainable energy practices.

Porto Itapoá’s commitment to environmental excellence is further underscored by its achievement of the Gold Seal of the GHG Protocol in 2023 for the second time. This accolade, implemented by the Center for Sustainability Studies at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGVces) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, recognizes the port’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions. The port has also invested over R$ 25 million in new autonomous RTGs, positioning itself as the first terminal in South America to operate these innovative machines, which consume up to three times less fuel than conventional ones.

For Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., the director of Operations, Technology, and Environment, Porto Itapoá’s commitment to economic development intertwined with socio-environmental responsibility reflects the most sustainable path for a company. The aim is to create an environment where all stakeholders can coexist harmoniously in a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

ammonia emissions

Ammonia Could be the Shipping Industry’s Path to Fewer Emissions

Minimizing carbon emissions was never going to be easy. The industrialized world is uncomfortably wed to said emissions so finding alternatives – that are cost-friendly – is the challenge. Hydrogen continues to be one of the leading contenders, but a lesser-known chemical compound has officially entered the conversation. 

A 2021 International Energy Agency report posits that while cars will likely depend on batteries, and planes on biofuels, it is the shipping industry that will require ammonia to eventually curb emissions. Ammonia is made up of hydrogen and nitrogen with roughly 70% of global production used to make fertilizers. Currently, the manufacturing process is anything but green with massive, energy-intensive plants churning out a lot of greenhouse gas. In fact, the greater ammonia industry is speculated to be responsible for 1 to 2 percent of global carbon emissions. Yet, ammonia advocates point to a cleaner, low-carbon ammonia option that thanks to US government subsidies would appear to be even cheaper to produce than regular ammonia. 

On the logistics side, ammonia is much simpler to deliver compared to hydrogen. This has always been a contentious point with hydrogen as the atom is so small that it escapes through the welds or seams in tanks and pipes. As such, to carry hydrogen over long distances it must be compressed or liquified. Ammonia, on the other hand, is easier to store and ship making it considerably more cost-effective. 

With generous subsidies now entering the conversation surrounding ammonia, fertilizer companies have taken notice. Fertilizer manufacturers already have the infrastructure in place to produce ammonia and demand is currently being buoyed by the United Nations, Japan, and the US among others. The United Nations placed ammonia top of its list of alternative-fuel candidates following the global shipping pledge to reduce international shipping greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Meanwhile, Japan’s largest power company, JERA, will be running one of its biggest coal-fired generators with a novel mix of ammonia starting next year. Utilities in both Japan and now South Korea appear interested in testing the same.

With the demand for traditional fertilizer dropping worldwide, fertilizer companies are in a strategic position to lean into clean ammonia production. Hydrogen still dominates a large part of the alternative fuel discussion, but a more crowded pool of potential substitutes is certainly welcome.  

 

            

Lineage Logistics stores temperature controlled shipments of export cargo and import cargo in international trade.

Lineage Joins Global Initiative to Explore Sustainable Frozen Food Standards and Reduce Carbon Emissions

Lineage, a leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, has joined the “Join the Move to -15 C” initiative, a coalition featuring global logistics firm DP World and other supply chain organizations. The campaign aims to investigate the potential transition to greener standards in frozen food storage, with the goal of significantly reducing carbon emissions in the sector.

The initiative challenges the long-standing international temperature standard of -18 C, established in the 1930s, by exploring a shift to -15 C. By raising the standard storage temperature of most frozen food by just 3 degrees Celsius, the industry could cut carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to removing 3.8 million cars from the road annually. Lineage, committed to transforming the food supply chain sustainably, sees this initiative as an opportunity for industry-wide collaboration to achieve the shared net-zero goal by 2050.

Greg Lehmkuhl, President and CEO of Lineage, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the coalition, highlighting Lineage’s dedication to innovating food safety and quality protocols while contributing to climate change mitigation. Academic research supports the initiative, demonstrating that the proposed temperature adjustment could result in significant environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, and supply chain cost reductions.

Dr. Stephen Neel, Lineage’s VP of Global Food Optimization, emphasized the company’s commitment to continuous safety conversations and ongoing innovation, reaffirming Lineage’s dedication to promoting the highest level of safety and quality for entrusted food resources.

In addition to Lineage, the coalition has been joined by other leading industry organizations, including A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) of Denmark; CMA CGM of France; Daikin of Japan; the Global Cold Chain Alliance; Hapag-Lloyd of Germany; Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International; Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) of Italy; and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express.

The “Join the Move to –15 C” coalition and DP World have made the research accessible to all and invited stakeholders, industry leaders, and interested parties to show support for the campaign. To find out more or join the initiative, please visit: https://www.dpworld.com/sustainability/jointhemovetominus15.

goodshipping

GoodShipping Expands Green Initiatives to Revolutionize Road Transportation Decarbonization

GoodShipping, the renowned carbon insetting leader, is delighted to unveil its latest venture into the realm of decarbonization services for road transportation. This move follows their groundbreaking success in pioneering carbon insetting for marine transport since 2017, showcasing their commitment to enhancing emission reduction solutions for both customers and the environment. It’s a vital step, considering that truck freight currently contributes to a staggering 16% of global transport emissions, and projections suggest this could surge to 25% by 2030 if immediate action is not taken.

Recognizing the pressing need to address this challenge, GoodShipping has expanded its solutions to encompass the road transportation sector, with the aim of reducing scope 3 emissions from transport.

Decarbonizing Supply Chains

In line with their highly successful approach in marine transportation, GoodShipping is orchestrating a seamless transition from fossil fuels to sustainable biofuels for road transport. This approach aligns with the concept that all carbon emissions contribute to the same atmosphere. Thus, any carrier utilizing biofuel signifies a reduction in fossil fuel emissions in the atmosphere. GoodShipping collaborates closely with an independent third-party verification partner to rigorously review procedures and calculation methods, ensuring the accurate allocation of carbon reductions to clients.

Through GoodShipping’s insetting services, cargo owners can now make their supply chains more environmentally friendly, even if they don’t own the means of transport used for shipping their goods. In return, cargo owners receive CO2e credits, bringing them closer to their sustainability objectives while showcasing their commitment to mitigating scope 3 emissions and promoting the adoption of biofuels.

A Successful Pilot Implementation

As part of their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, GoodShipping initiated a pilot program to test and optimize their road insetting service. During this pilot, the road insetting service was trialed by a variety of international clients, including JAS Worldwide, Raben, Scan Global Logistics, and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. Following successful evaluations, GoodShipping is now offering its road insetting services to all businesses seeking sustainable land-based freight transportation solutions.

Andrea Goeman, SVP Sustainability at JAS, expressed their enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration: “We are thrilled to collaborate with GoodShipping not only on sustainable marine biofuel but also on biofuel for road transport. This expansion of their insetting solutions aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and allows us to further create value for our customers.”

Jens Wollesen, COO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, emphasized their strategic focus on sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions, highlighting how the partnership with GoodShipping enables their customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions from land transport as part of their global seafreight supply chains.

Martin Andersen, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG at Scan Global Logistics, underlined the industry’s collective responsibility for environmental action and praised the collaboration with GoodShipping for extending their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Robbert Wehrmeijer, Managing Director of FincoEnergies Carbon Management, responsible for the GoodShipping brand, stressed the significance of expanding insetting solutions to road transportation to combat climate change effectively.

For companies eager to reduce emissions from road transportation, taking the first step toward sustainable freight transportation is encouraged by reaching out to GoodShipping. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against climate change and represents a promising future for environmentally conscious road transportation.