Swedish terminal to be fossil-free by 2020

The new “Green Gothenburg Gateway” climate strategy was launched by APM Terminals Gothenburg. The terminal is aiming for a fossil-free future following a series of innovative measures, such as electrically operated cranes and gates, and terminal buildings heated by biogas. The container handling equipment, including more than 40 straddle carriers, will be powered by fossil-free fuel HVO100. All measures are to be implemented by 2020.

The strategy supports the Port of Gothenburg aim of reducing carbon emissions by 70% throughout the whole of the Gothenburg area by 2030, set out by new goals introduced in October.

“Alongside increased digitalisation and growth, we regard our environment and climate work as a key factor that will enable us to achieve our vision of becoming the world’s most competitive port,” said Elvir Dzanic, Gothenburg Port Authority chief executive. He added: “This is unique. There is no other port in the world that is working according to such a strict environmental target.”

High efficiency standards

APM Terminals Gothenburg has already implemented a programme designed to optimise vessels time at berth. Although 22% of vessels that call at the container terminal arrive later than agreed, ongoing optimisation of loading and discharge ensures that 97% of vessels leave the quayside at the appointed time, sometimes earlier. The vessels then avoid having to increase speed to make their next scheduled port of call, which would involve using more fuel.

Over the next three years, APM Terminals Gothenburg intends to double the freight volumes transported by rail. The operator has already modernised and increased the capacity of the terminal’s rail handling system.

Shoreside power for vessels has been available since the beginning of the 2000s, and a special port tariff discount for vessels that report a good environmental performance has been in place since 2013. Gothenburg Port Authority has been climate neutral since 2015.