Turning out 20,000 lights

If one person turns one light out – well, perhaps it doesn’t make much difference. But if 20,000 people were each to turn out a light, imagine the impact.

That’s the kind of philosophy adopted by APM Terminals which has set itself the target of reducing emissions by 15% per teu by 2012.

“It is a fantastic, exciting journey we are embarking on and I think this reflects a really changed mindset in the ports industry,” says Henrik Kristensen, head of CSR/HSSE at APM Terminals in The Hague.

In APMT’s worldwide project, all of its terminals have reported on their environmental performance for the first full year, 2009, and at the time of writing these results were being audited in preparation for a full report.

“A key objective is that our terminals must have environmental management systems in place that are certifiable – not necessarily certified, but to that level,” says Capt Kristensen. “We will increase the use of automation in our terminals and increase electrification, thereby reducing diesel consumption and CO₂ emission.

“We are looking at the transfer of technology from other industries and researching new technologies, and will go for more renewable energy sources and find ways of gradually improving sustainable solutions on the terminal.”

Because of its wide geographical spread, APMT can transfer information and advice from terminals and regions that are further ahead on the drive to be green. It can also compare like with like – for example, the emissions from straddle carrier operations.

Capt Kristensen’s advice to others looking for environmental improvements is: “Keep it simple and don’t be afraid to just start up. If you wait for a full scope or view of priorities, you will never start.

“I am running this from HQ but we have taken a decentralised approach and run it extremely lean. For us, it is about giving the terminals the tools that are easy to use – and they will actually start to apply them.”

The whole process becomes much more visible when you can attach numbers to the different parts of the operation, says Capt Kristensen. How much is that quay crane emitting? How much electricity do the reefer boxes use? How much diesel are your machines using on a daily basis?

“If you give people these simple measures, it is easier for them to see how they can save and optimise. We have developed a carbon calculator for the terminals, enabling them to have a better understanding of their use of resources.”

The overall aim has been “quick win”, he adds. “Make it simple, share ideas, ask for ideas and more ideas. One idea from a terminal is a good idea but if you share if among all the terminals, it becomes a great idea. Make sure the process is owned by the employees; suddenly, you have 20,000 people thinking about what they can do to minimise the footprint.”

Among 80 to 100 projects ongoing in APM Terminals are: stopping idling engines; recycling more lube oils; switching from diesel to electric; improving waste management; looking at the use of biofuels; keeping tyres at the optimum pressure; smarter use of the TOS; electricity savings on the reefer park; eliminating unnecessary lighting.

APMT will publish the results of the first year in its sustainability report due out this month. It is looking positive, says Capt Kristensen. Results will be fed back to the terminals, which will use them to find ways to make further savings.

Another big name taking the green issue by the horns is Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, which is moving forward with the creation of a concept terminal and vehicle processing centre known as the Castor.

The Castor terminal will be designed to achieve minimal impact on both local and global environment, minimising land usage and maximising the use of recycled materials and green energy. The overall objective is to achieve zero emissions into the sea, air and land. A concept model is due to be presented this year and WWL senior vice president Erik Nyheim has predicted that a terminal of this kind could be a reality by 2020.

Meanwhile Hutchison Ports (UK) has signed up to the 10:10 initiative, a national drive to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. Initiatives include an “Eco-RTG” project to reduce emissions from its rubber-tyred gantry crane fleet by up to 50%, smart crane lighting, and a car-sharing scheme for employees.