Playbook for ports

Developed by Pacific Environment and Opportunity Green, the ‘Ports Playbook for Zero-Emission Shipping’ lay outs nine actions to end port pollution, promote zero-emissions technologies, reward first movers and ensure reliable access to zero-emissions infrastructure and fuels.

“By leveraging port state authority and economic power, and collaborating with government partners and industry stakeholders, ports can play a leadership role in catalysing the zero-emission ocean shipping transition this decade — and beyond,” say the authors of the playbook, Allyson Brown of Pacific Environment and Aiofe O’Leary of Opportunity Green.

The 9-point playbook calls on ports to take the following actions:

• Commitments: Commitments to end all port pollution from ships, create or join zero-emission shipping corridors and abandon all fossil-fuel projects.
• Policy: Set zero-emissions deadlines for all ships, reward first movers and attract the world’s cleanest ships, reduce emissions from existing ship calls.
• Progress: Electrify as much as possible, provide clean energy and reliable fuelling for zero-emissions cargo ships, centre community and worker oversight in a port’s energy transition.

The 2020s are the critical decade for climate action, say the authors, and, with ships having an average lifespan of 20-30 years, decarbonisation of shipping needs to begin immediately.

“Ports must act with ambition, speed and scale,” they say. “This transition is more than an imperative for our climate, community and ocean health — it is the most sustainable and equitable way for ports to ensure stable growth and enduring profitability in a competitive industry confronting global challenges and a changing climate.”