Energy for Green Ports and GreenPort Logistics Conference

Paolo Costa, President of Venice Port Authority opened the Conference and stressed the importance of energy in ports to help make them as green as possible, Costa also highlighted the importance of the sustainability of the whole logistics chain.  The Joint Sessions held throughout the Conference demonstrated how closely linked GreenPort Logistics and Energy for Green Ports are.  They showed that effective and co-operative systems are necessary to streamline throughput through ports and terminals.  This was supported by the application of new technologies and energy sources that reduce the carbon intensity of activities and which must be effectively integrated into the chain to meet the needs of the cargo owners. 

Presentations in the Energy for Green Ports stream showed that significant developments and technologies are being applied by ports and terminals in generating energy for use and in more efficient energy use in activities.  As these new technologies develop, so new opportunities will open up. Significant investment may be required yet there remains much that can be done that costs very little to achieve: for example Charles Haine of DP World spoke of their success in challenging their engineers to come up with energy saving ideas that will cost 1000 euros or less to implement, which as resulted in significant savings.  Not only are solar and wind important opportunities going forward but there examples were also shared of the use of waste materials to generate energy through anaerobic digestion of organic wastes or through the incineration of solid wastes and biomass. Participants were also fascinated by the potential for a power plant in Venice powered by algae.

Delegates attending the GreenPort Logistics stream were given several examples of instances where models from the past are being used, when there was a higher level of dependence on waterborne transport into waterside centres, supported by rail and sail driven ships.  Attendees were reminded that ports must be mindful of the needs of shippers - their customers - and seek ways of driving more value through their customer focus.  The need to support shipping directly into distribution centres was another key topic and ports were encouraged to and shown examples of how to work proactively with the whole logistics chain.

Summing up the event, the Moderator of the Closing Session, Howard Holt of Seeports, commented “Although ports occupy a small part of the overall end-to-end logistics chain, the overall conclusions of the conference demonstrated conclusively just how ports can beneficially assist the development of low carbon transport and distribution activities.   Whilst already widely engaged in improving their own local environments, port authorities were given further encouragement to develop solutions involving onshore power supply to ships and the supply of LNG as a cleaner fuel for vehicles and vessels.  The opportunities for a new role in generating low carbon energy at ports for their own use, and especially for supply into their local towns and regions, were particularly highlighted both in terms of increased community engagement and as a valuable new revenue stream for the port.”

Following  two days of informative presentations, delegates were then able to participate in a full tour of the Cruise, Ferry and Container Terminals at the Port of Venice.

Organised by Mercator Media and VTP Events, the conferences were supported by ESPO, ECOPORTS and EFIP and hosted by the Venice Port Authority.

GreenPort Congress will take place in Hamburg, Germany, at the Atlantic Kempinski Hotel, on the 14-15 September 2011, this will be hosted by the Hamburg Port Authority and a tour of the Port will be included.  The Congress will be preceded by GreenPort Cruise, a one day conference that will take place at the same venue on the 13 September 2011; this is being held in association with Cruise Gateway.

About Mercator Media Limited
Mercator Media Ltd is based in Fareham in Hampshire. Established in 1989, the company maintains valued B2B marketplaces centred on the world’s marine infrastructure. It is experienced at creating integrated marketing strategies for clients using a range of channels including print, online, events and research. Some of Mercator’s scheduled events include: The Motorship Propulsion and Emissions Conference, Seawork International, the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition and the Gas Fuelled Ships Conference.

For further information on the GreenPort events, please contact Isobel Roberts on:  tel: +44 (0)1329 825335, email: greenportvenice@greenport.com.

MERCATOR MEDIA LTD
The Old Mill, Lower Quay, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 0RA, UK
Tel: +44(0)1329 825335 Fax: +44(0)1329 825330 www.mercatormedia.com
Registered in England. Company Number 2427909. Registered office address: c/o Shoosmiths, Witan Gate House, 500-600 Witan Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 1SH

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