Energy consumption in container terminals

The survey looked at the energy consumption of ports and terminals within and outside Latin America, to formulate energy efficiency strategies and policies for the future.

Energy consumption is important in port operation and port related activates. With energy costs increasing, port authorities and terminal operators are looking for ways to reduce their fuel bills.

The key findings from the report were that median energy consumption per box was equivalent to 8.6l of diesel and energy consumption for cooling a full reefer box was equivalent to 160kWh.

This cooling process represents an average of 17.6% of all total energy consumption, this can increase depending on the importance of reefer cargo.

Horizontal activities, such as those used by RTGs, reach stackers and RMGs, consume the greatest share of energy in the terminal. A total of 45% according to the survey.

For Latin America and the Caribbean, the survey estimates that the region’s container activity emitted 865 mega tonnes of CO2 in 2013.

The ECLAC’s findings in relation to the current energy consumption of container terminals across the world expressed a need for action to address competitiveness, energy security and climate change.

Therefore, the report developed six action points to encourage energy efficiency solutions at ports.

Firstly, ports and terminals should install an energy monitoring system to assess current energy consumption and its costs. They should then identify the energy-consumption sources to discover energy reduction potentials.

The commission then advised that ports and terminals should formulate an energy and reduction plan at the process level to coordinate energy efficiency actions. To demonstrate success terminals are then encouraged to apply for energy efficiency certificates to gain a competitive edge.

Finally, a long-term sustainability strategy should be formulated in order to help ports and terminals meet future energy needs.