New investment to electrify Australian ports

The financing will help Flinders Port Holdings (FPH) transition its seven South Australian ports toward more sustainable operations with a focus on advancing port electrification and onshore power supply to drive down emissions.

“The shipping sector powers the global economy and represents an enormous opportunity to drive down transport emissions while ensuring it continues to deliver in the future net zero economy,” said CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth.

“Stevedoring operations are traditionally difficult to abate and as both an owner and operator of multiple ports, FPH is in a unique position to catalyse change. Our work with FPH will demonstrate the potential for a more sustainable maritime sector, setting a precedent for decarbonisation across some 70 Australian ports.”

Cutting-edge

The CEFC’s capital will support the introduction of cutting-edge green technologies, including replacing internal combustion engine vehicles and vessels with electric and hybrid alternatives.

The move towards shore-based power will allow berthed ships to connect to the grid, reducing the reliance on diesel bunker fuel.

In addition to port electrification, FPH plans to transition from hybrid straddle carriers to electric Automated Rubber Tyre Gantries (RTGs) at its Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal, an Australian first.

Other measures include the installation of solar PV systems across its ports to further reduce energy consumption.

The CEFC funding will also accelerate FPH’s net zero targets for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2040 and Scope 3 by 2050.

This investment sets a precedent for Australia’s maritime sector as it aligns with global efforts to decarbonise shipping, supporting the International Maritime Organisation’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050.