At the 18th Assises de l’économie de la mer, held in Nantes on 28 and 29 November, a key issue in terms of environmental impact was addressed: the decarbonisation of ports.
Ports must also become green
Indeed, reducing maritime pollution caused by ships is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. However, ports also play a key role in the ecological transition, and in this context, decarbonization is crucial for several reasons:
Environmental impact: Ports are significant sources of air and water pollution due to activities related to maritime transport, goods handling, and logistics. Decarbonization efforts aim to reduce these environmental impacts by mitigating air and water pollution and promoting overall ecosystem health.
Energy efficiency: Decarbonization often involves improving the energy efficiency of port operations. This not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but also enables cost savings and ensures long-term sustainability.
Technological innovation: Decarbonization efforts drive technological innovation in maritime and port industries. This can lead to the development and adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies, such as electrification of port equipment, use of renewable energy sources, and advancements in sustainable maritime transport practices.
Public perception and social responsibility: Ports are increasingly aware of their role in society and are responding to public environmental concerns. Decarbonization initiatives can enhance a port’s image and demonstrate its social responsibility.
Decarbonizing ports is important not only for mitigating ports’ impact on climate change but also for promoting sustainable development, improving public health, meeting regulatory requirements, and positioning ports to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. It represents a crucial element of a broader transition towards a low-carbon and environmentally friendly maritime industry.