Decarbonizing Maritime Operations: DP World’s Sustainable Strategies for Global Trade

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that a staggering 90% of global trade is transported by sea, highlighting the substantial environmental footprint of ports and shipping. The shipping industry, which is responsible for nearly 3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, is on the brink of a major shift as maritime trade volumes are projected to triple by 2050. This is the central theme of an article by Morten Johansen, COO for DP World Americas, recently featured in Forbes.

Johansen’s article, titled “Pioneering a Sustainable Future in Port Operations,” emphasizes that the environmental implications of the growing demand for global freight can no longer be overlooked. He stresses the immediate need for maritime port operations to transition towards decarbonization due to the significant environmental impact of shipping. As one of the world’s top port operators, DP World is committed to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner, more sustainable practices. This shared responsibility extends to all stakeholders in the value chain, including terminal operators, OEMs, port authorities, government entities, and shipping line operators.

Drawing from his experience at DP World, Johansen outlines strategies that other port operators can adopt to help lower carbon emissions. These strategies include electrifying port equipment, investing in renewable energy, and investigating alternative fuels and technologies. He provides specific examples:

• DP World has started to electrify container-handling equipment (CHE), a major source of carbon emissions. This includes introducing electric cranes at the Port of Callao in Peru, electric terminal tractors in the Dominican Republic, and replacing diesel RTGs with electric versions at Brazil’s Port of Santos.
• DP World is committed to renewable energy. It has invested in on-site solar energy generation and runs its operations in Chile and Peru entirely on hydroelectric power.
• DP World is also exploring innovative solutions, such as hydrogen. The company is investigating zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology for its rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Vancouver.

Johansen points out that DP World’s decarbonization efforts are not solely about achieving its own objectives, but also about establishing a standard for the maritime industry. He emphasizes the importance of gradual progress and tailoring strategies to meet regional needs for successful decarbonization.

Johansen’s article offers valuable insights for port operators and stakeholders in the maritime industry, providing practical guidance for a sustainable future in global trade.