Ports sign MoU for environmental protection

US energy hub, the Port of Corpus Christi and the Port of Rotterdam, which is involved in multiple innovative emissions-reduction projects, aim to collaboratively improve their global maritime operations. In addition to environmental protection, shared objectives of the ports include co-developing trade and commercial opportunities and fostering an exchange of information.

René van der Plas, director of Port Rotterdam International, said: “The Port of Corpus Christi is a leading global energy hub. We share the ambition to be a global leader in applying pioneering innovations and in offering logistical efficiencies and we face the same sustainability challenges.”

Sean Strawbridge, chief executive officer for the Port of Corpus Christi, stated: “This alliance and the discourse it will generate will enhance the headway we have made toward safe and sustainable industrial facilitation of navigable commerce…”

Green initiatives

The Port of Rotterdam is reducing its carbon footprint by deploying carbon capture and storage technologies, using hybrid, electric- or hydrogen-powered vehicles and discounts on port dues for vessels that exceed statutory environmental requirements.

The port authority is working together with partners on the realisation of new plants for green hydrogen and blue hydrogen production as well as a pipeline for the transport of hydrogen through the port complex.

The Port of Corpus Christi is largest crude oil export gateway in the US, as well as the largest in total revenue tonnage. LNG plays an increasingly important part of the port’s business and in December 2020, the port joined the SEA-LNG coalition.

100% of the port’s power is purchased from renewable sources. The port is upgrading its vehicle fleet to electric and hybrid technology and is creating a technological advancement programme to promote innovative solutions for emissions control and decarbonisation.