Get set for energy savings

Carbon taxes are not yet anchored in all legislation but there are mechanisms, such as levies, and plenty of measures in the pipeline to make us think differently about energy.

From working in container terminals and mixed-use ports, it’s evident that a rigorous audit of energy consumption, by source and activity, is of utmost importance. It helps to inform legal requirements, save costs through identifying where to use less fuel and electricity, and allow better planning for investment in more modern, energy-efficient hardware.

For some terminals, the realisation that yard, buildings and security lighting comprises only, say, 2% of energy (in kWh) used means that capital expenditure is better spent in new technology elsewhere. Electric ship-to-shore cranes are usually around the 5% mark of overall consumption, with the dominant areas typically being diesel-powered mobile machinery (up to 50%) and reefers (I have seen 10% to 55% of consumption, depending on the continent you’re in). Cruise terminals also tend to lean towards the heavier end of consumption in the energy-consumption pie chart.

Energy initiative

The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive prompted initiatives such as the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), now celebrating its fifth birthday. Capturing any port with more than 250 staff or turnover above €50m, ESOS requires an audit every four years. There’s a rush on Phase 2 audits now as the resulting report needs to be submitted to the regulator by December 5. While there is a £50,000 fine and naming-and-shaming for non-compliance —there were 300 victims in Phase 1 — firms must surely see the benefit in such audits for the tangible savings they identify.

Navigating the scope, in terms of the complexities of organisational structure and the myriad of operational activities carried out in ports, is a prerequisite. If prepared by a properly-qualified energy specialist, the audit and report will identify priority energy-saving opportunities.

Taking a 360⁰ view, you will be provided with quantified energy and cost savings for each measure proposed. These will include a prioritised list, from the low-hanging fruit (such as adding circuitry/switches to reduce consumption and anti-engine idling policy and enforcement) with quick returns on investment through to longer-term investment (such as solar power on roofs). A port is then equipped to take decisions based on data. This might be displaying energy certificates, becoming certified to ISO50001 (energy management systems) or ramping up the annual reduction target. Of course, the benefits are multiple: cost savings from eliminating wastage (often up to around 30% in ports), a more-balanced energy portfolio and a lower carbon footprint.

The ESOS approach is driving change in terminals. We have seen more granular tracking of port machinery, the timed pre-warming of mobile equipment, maximising use of hardware with regenerative capacity (for example, cranes), timed heating and recovery in heating/ventilation/cooling systems and the design of terminal extensions using A-rated plant. The opportunities may well run into the hundreds, although the priorities are different in each situation.

The audit makes complete business sense and can be prepared with almost no disruption to cargo handling activities. A quick notepad calculation will tell you that a 5%, 10%, or in some cases 40% saving on those annual fuel and electricity bills will be very attractive, no matter the size of the port.

Charles Haine is technical director, maritime, sustainability & climate change at WSP, based in London. This feature appeared in the May issue of Port Strategy magazine. Secure your advance copy of the June issue here.