Air quality monitors track port emissions

The air monitors are being installed at Portsmouth International Port by Hampshire-based technologists B4T. Each ‘smart box’ measures nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide alongside fine particle sensing for PM2.5 and PM10 sized particulate matter. Shipping information and local weather data is integrated into the smart box to create a picture of environmental effect of port operations.

Jerry Clarke, senior project manager and assistant harbour master at Portsmouth International Port said: “The port is owned by the people of Portsmouth, so we have a greater duty than any port to control and reduce the impact of port operations on the local environment and our neighbours.

“This initiative has the potential to provide significant information to the port on the effect of port operations, and will blaze a trail for air quality transparency across the maritime sector. We’re delighted to work with B4T on this low cost, long term solution for air quality monitoring at the port.”

Ready for testing

The first one has now been installed at the port for testing, with a further four to be rolled out across the site.

Once the project is completed, the information will be used to inform port operations so that air pollution can be reduced at peak times. It will also help shape the port’s carbon reduction and air quality improvement plans, and is anticipated to further Portsmouth’s aim to become one of the UK’s first zero-emission ports.

Due to be completed in spring 2021, the project is being facilitated by Interreg 2 SEAS funds from the PECS (Ports Energy and Carbon Savings) project. It is being undertaken in collaboration with the Port of Ostende, where similar smart box air quality sensors are being fitted.