Benefits add up for ports heading down OPS route
carbon side story
Benefits add up for ports heading down OPS route
By generating CERs that carry economic value, an OPS project certified for CDM can attract investors for the project and/or generate additional revenue for the port.
For example, investors might agree to finance the OPS project in exchange for rights to the future CERs, which can be then be sold to regulated sector firms from Annex I countries. Alternatively, the port can retain rights to the CERs and sell the credits to generate additional revenues and increase profit margins for the port.
In addition to the monetary benefits, implementing clean technology such as OPS offers various intangible benefits for the port. For example, OPS can significantly improve air quality at the port and in its surroundings, which in turn enhances the environmental reputation of the port.
As the international community becomes increasingly critical of the maritime sector’s contribution to global emissions, technologies such as OPS will become increasingly attractive options for ports.
Regardless of whether a comprehensive emissions regulatory scheme is imposed upon the maritime sector, ports will inevitably continue to experience political, social and commercial pressure to reduce their environmental impact. With the potential financial assistance and benefits of CDM, onshore power supply technology could be the gateway to a much greener future for ports.
