The findings of a survey recently conducted by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) indicate investment in the order of US$50bn in green facilities including shore power, clean fuel handling equipment, electric grid infrastructure and hydrogen energy infrastructure over the next decade.
Fifty eight per cent of respondents noted that they have initiated projects to provide vessels with alternative fuels including hydrogen, ammonia and LNG. Sixty three per cent of respondents reported completing investments aimed at providing electric-powered cargo handling equipment and support vehicles.
Interestingly, 83 per cent of port authorities reported that they faced problems in sourcing equipment and other materials needed to develop green facilities. It is not made clear if this is seen as a short-term or long-term problem. There is known to currently be very strong demand for clean fuel powered cargo handling equipment but as evidenced in the Terminal Tractor sector review, featured further on in this issue, efforts are now underway by key manufacturers to boost North America-based supply capacity.
AAPA further notes that provision has been made for funding to help the transition to green port infrastructure and superstructure. The Inflation Reduction Act provides funding for ports by making available Grants to Reduce Air Pollution at Ports. This is aimed at facilitating the purchase of zero-emission equipment and technology in general.
