One Third of European Ports Offer LNG Bunkering Services

The European Sea Ports Organization’s (ESPO) Environmental Report 2020 found that one third of European ports have LNG bunkering services available. Of these ports, all offer fueling by trucks and 34% can offer ship-to-ship bunkering.

Of the 97 ports featured in the report, air quality became a key determinant of sustainable port activity and ports’ license to operate.

Climate change has become the second top priority of ports. In 2020, seven out of ten European ports have taken climate change into consideration when they develop future infrastructure-related projects.

ESPO reports that 65% of European ports have taken steps to strengthen the climate resilience of existing infrastructure. Over half of surveyed ports have already dealt with operational challenges due to climate change.

Energy efficiency was found to be the third top priority after air quality and climate change.

In terms of shipping, ESPO’s report noted that a growing share of ports are offering shore-side electricity for ships at berth. While 58% of the sampled ports already provide this service, 40% are planning to offer it in the next two years.

The report also found that 57% of ports provide environmentally differentiated fees for ships that go beyond regulatory standards. Air emissions, waste and climate change have been reported as the most important targets of these discounts.

Commenting on the results, ESPO’s Secretary General, Isabelle Ryckbost, said the report shows, that despite the challenging times ports are going through, environmental engagement and support has not been put on hold.

“Ports continue to invest in green infrastructure such as shore-side electricity for ships at berth, and have improved their transparency towards European citizens and local communities,” she said.

The top 10 environmental priorities of European ports for 2020 were reported as follows:

1. Air quality

2. Climate change

3. Energy efficiency

4. Noise

5. Relationship with the local community

6. Ship waste

7. Water quality

8. Garbage/Port waste

9. Dredging operations

10. Port development