Carbon-Neutral Towage Aids Peel Ports' Net Zero Aim
Peel Ports' 22 Svitzer tugs, which operate in its locations, have effectively shifted from Marine Gas Oil (MGO) to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This conversion is expected to reduce emissions by almost 15,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, supporting Peel Ports' goal of achieving net zero by 2040.
Peel Ports, the UK's second-largest ports group, offers sustainable and innovative port-centric solutions to businesses. In partnership with Svitzer, a sustainable marine services provider and a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk, they are taking significant strides towards achieving net zero by 2040.
During 2022, Svitzer successfully converted 55 of its UK-based tugs from MGO to HVO. The HVO fuels were sourced solely from secondary feedstock, such as waste products, resulting in a significant reduction of carbon emissions for Svitzer's fleet.
Starting in April 2022, Svitzer's MGO to HVO conversion was implemented on 22 tugs operating in Peel Port locations. These tugs conducted over 8,000 jobs in Liverpool, Greenock/Grangemouth, and London-Medway, resulting in the reduction of approximately 11,500 tonnes of CO2 in 2022. Going forward, this conversion is expected to lead to annual emission reductions of nearly 15,000 tonnes of CO2.
Since 2020, Svitzer's "Aim for 8!" programme, aimed at reducing tug mobilisation and demobilisation speeds to below 8 knots, has led to an additional avoidance of 2,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions across Europe.
According to Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services, being a responsible business entails actively protecting and enhancing the environments where operations are conducted, ensuring a more sustainable future for all. The company has already implemented a variety of carbon-saving initiatives, such as electrifying their vehicles and utilising HVO as an alternative to diesel in their equipment. This dedication was acknowledged in March when Peel Ports was awarded Clean Maritime Operator of the Year at the Maritime UK Awards 2023. The partnership with Svitzer highlights the advantages of collaborating closely with the port supply chain and ecosystems to achieve Net Zero.
Peel Ports and Svitzer are both committed to achieving net zero by 2040. In this regard, Svitzer customers operating in and out of Peel Port locations can benefit from carbon-neutral towage services through Svitzer's EcoTow solution. This service is certified for scope 3 emission reductions, adhering to Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials standards.
Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation, stated that ports play a critical role in reducing climate change as they are significant enablers of trade, with about 95% of the world's goods being traded by sea. He also mentioned that Svitzer is enthusiastic about supporting Peel Ports in their efforts to decarbonise marine operations by offering carbon-neutral towage services through their EcoTow solution. This initiative is part of Svitzer's goal to reduce the CO2 intensity of its global fleet by 50% by 2030 and to achieve 100% carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
Prowse added that Svitzer is fully committed to decarbonisation, and based on their recent discussions with Peel Ports, they have recognised Peel Ports' equal commitment to decarbonisation. He mentioned that this commitment is reflected in Peel Ports' investments in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable solutions for customers and port users, partnerships, and challenging the status quo. He also stated that Svitzer looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Peel Ports to support its vision of becoming a net zero port operator.
Svitzer's conversion of 55 tugs in the UK resulted in savings of over 22,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2022 alone. Going forward, this conversion is expected to reduce annual emissions by over 38,000 tonnes, which accounts for almost 14% of the company's total carbon emissions from MGO.
Those interested in Svitzer's carbon-neutral towage service, EcoTow, can find more information by clicking on this link.
Source: Peel Ports
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