But it’s not all about choosing the right type of green technologies at the port, Ports of Stockholm is looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the environment. It is of the opinion that when it comes to lowering emissions and combating pollution, working as a collective force is the right way to go.
Working collaboratively
Back in May 2014, the port joined forces with the Port of Tallinn in Estonia in order to improve the environment of the Baltic Sea. This is the third time that it has forged such an international partnership, but the first time with Estonia.
Both ports are working collaboratively to support opportunities for bunkering at both ports, forging ahead with shore side power and continued efforts to clean-up ship generated waste, recycling and cutting down on the amount waste water discharged into the sea.
More recently, Ports of Stockholm has firmed up the close relationship it has with four of Finland’s ports by submitting a joint application for EU funding under the 2014 CEF Transport Call for Proposals.
Together with the ports of Turku, Helsinki, Naantali and HaminaKotka and partners Viking Line and Skangass, it is investing €200m in port infrastructure and measures to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
The partners will submit two Motorways of the Seas applications, one focusing on improvements in port infrastructure such as new and improved quay-berths, ramps and logistics areas and the other related to environmental measures such as the provision of LNG, onshore power supply and waste reception facilities.
Johan Castwall, CEO, Ports of Stockholm, says: “All of these ports have been appointed core ports within the TEN-T and now we have initiated a cooperation which will contribute to implementation of the TEN-T.”
The EU Commission’s decision is expected in summer 2015.
Key objectives
The port itself has set itself a high benchmark when it comes to environmental targets. To fall in line with the January 2015 ECA requirements of 0.1% sulphur in marine fuels, it adjusted its differentiated port fee structure to better help shippers to adopt the stricter environmental measures.
Port discounts are also available to LNG vessels (by gross tonnage) and are used to reward reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. In combination, this can give a total of 30% discount per call.
Ports of Stockholm also now offers one million SEK to every vessel that carries out refitting work to enable a vessel to connect to electricity at the quayside. This applies at the quays where Ports of Stockholm is offering onshore power supply and under the condition that connection and service operation takes place over a three-year period.
The bigger picture
As part of its wider sustainability strategy, Ports of Stockholm is placing a particular focus on reducing its energy usage by 50% between 2005 and 2025. It has also committed to creating no carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels by 2025 and to include environmental requirements for the purchase of all goods and services from 2016 onwards. It has also committed to getting rid of harmful substances in its buildings and facilities by 2020 and to sort all waste at source.
