The UK's largest leading port operator ABP (Associated British Ports) published an update to its Southampton Air Quality Strategy, Cleaner Air for Southampton, thus outlining the progress made by ABP/companies operating within the port as well as providing an action plan to improve air quality in future.
First published back in 2018, the report outlined measures that have been undertaken by ABP, its clients, shipping lines, and stakeholders across the port to deliver air quality improvements.
Over the past 12 months, the port has seen success with improvements like the introduction of shore power to enable cruise ships to turn off engines whilst alongside; the use of alternative cleaner fuels; further investment in rail infrastructure/port equipment.
In April 2022, Port Southampton celebrated a major milestone with the commissioning/use of its shore power facility for liners. With the upgrades, shore power-enabled vessels are able to plug in at the Horizon/Mayflower Cruise Terminals and achieve zero emissions. This is particularly significant as ~88% of new cruise ships are constructed shore-power ready.
As of 2022, ~50% of ABP Southampton's power comes from solar generation. The initiatives of ABP are helping to drive an overall reduction of ~40% in energy consumption since 2009 against the doubling of port throughput.
Image: Port of Southampton (England)
Alastair Welch, Director of the Port, said that as a major employer and a responsible neighbour, they were proud of the role they and the wider port community had played in accelerating air quality improvements in Southampton UK. He added they would continue to implement initiatives and share their experiences with others "to ensure these improvements continue.”