Every port is different and each will take a unique route to becoming greener and smarter on their journey to reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of their operations. Although there are often shared practices that can be drawn upon, each operator will face a specific set of issues and challenges that need to be considered in determining an approach that is right for their individual circumstances.

Our experts here at Royal HaskoningDHV understand that transitioning to Green Ports status is likely to involve a combination of short, medium and longer-term initiatives. Developing a Green Ports Strategy provides the opportunity to bring together all the challenges and opportunities linked to improving the sustainability of operations and set them within the context of current activities and ongoing obligations.

It also allows for the identification of synergistic solutions that can deliver multiple benefits such as business resilience and climate change adaptation/disaster preparedness.

Below is a selection of some of the topics we frequently include in emerging Green Ports Strategies:

  • Green Port Health Check
  • Port Operational Efficiency (including port estate, marine and hinterland traffic)
  • GHG Emissions/Air Quality
  • Energy efficiency
  • Biosecurity and biodiversity
  • Solid waste management
  • Water management (freshwater)
  • Light and noise pollution management
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • Marine water quality management
  • Emergency Environment Protection/Disaster preparedness
  • Compliance with international/national legislation
  • Green Ports Certification

Pulling together the relevant strands of a Green Ports Strategy supports a structured approach to investment and provides a helpful baseline against which to leverage external funding. An increasing number of international investment organisations are requiring evidence of sustainable development goals within the infrastructure projects they provide funding for. A robust Green Ports strategy can therefore help build a positive position to potentially unlock additional funding avenues and attract IFI support.

At Royal HaskoningDHV, we can draw on our extensive technical expertise to develop Green Port Strategies that are effective and deliverable. We comprehend fully the challenges of achieving improvements in environmental performance within the context of a commercially operational maritime setting. We also recognise the multiple benefits that can be secured through a cohesive Green Ports strategy and are increasingly supporting our clients to realise these in a way that builds business resilience whilst championing sustainable practice.

In addition to this, we understand the benefits of being able to showcase improvements on the national and international stage. Environmental performance matters not only from the perspective of compliance with maritime policy, but also in terms of its increasing importance for commercial and community stakeholders. That is why we also help our clients to develop Green Port strategies that are designed to facilitate public reporting and online engagement. Through tools such as our Health Check Assessment and Online Performance Dashboard, we can maximise the opportunities for profile-raising in terms of environmental performance and the associated benefits this brings.

Claartje Hoyng - Associate Director Maritime Netherlands

ClaartjeHoyng

Associate Director Maritime Netherlands

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