Ports urged to act now on emissions data

The Rotterdam-based digital emissions platform insists that progress on port sustainability cannot wait for perfect information and that the emphasis should be on immediate action.

“Ports already have more than enough data on emissions. What matters now is the direction of change, not decimal-point accuracy,” said Sjoerd de Jager, managing director of PortXchange.

“Every day of hesitation is a day of avoidable emissions. It’s time to act on the emissions we already know.”

Bridging the divide

PortXchange argues that while many ports tout sustainability initiatives like electrification and solar power, they continue to ignore Scope 3 emissions – the largest and most complex source of port emissions, including vessel and hinterland transport.

The company warns that this selective approach is creating a credibility gap between image and impact.

To bridge the divide between awareness and action, PortXchange has created digital tools including EmissionInsider and the Port Emissions Report, which are designed to help ports transition from passive measurement to active decarbonisation.

These platforms spotlight emissions sources across ships, terminals, rail and trucking, empowering ports to act strategically and immediately.

With new EU ETS rules looming and mounting investor pressure, Mr de Jager said the time for inaction is over.

“If your port is installing solar panels while tripling cruise traffic, you’re not decarbonising, you’re greenwashing,” he said.

“Real emissions aren’t reduced with rooftop PR. They’re reduced by acting on the hotspots ports already have the data to see.”

Read our exclusive on how port digitalisation is shaping the future