Page 25 - European Energy Innovation - Autumn 2014
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Autumn 2014 European Energy Innovation 25

PORTS

So, it is without saying, that the ports will then have to study the climate change. 72% of European
challenges in the field of energy most convenient locations for ports monitor their energy
are, or, should be high on the installing LNG bunkering facilities consumption while that more than
radar of Europe’s ports. in their areas and to ensure the half of European ports monitor
safety and efficiency of bunkering their carbon footprint (EcoPorts
The designation of Sulphur operations. SDM 2014). 57% of ports have a
Emission Control Areas (SECAS) programme to increase energy
in the North and the Baltic Sea But apart from the fuel efficiency (Port environmental
will undoubtedly have a great used in shipping, an overall review 2009).
influence on ship fuels. As of 1 “decarbonised energy policy”
January 2015 vessels that sail in will also affect ports in a broader To conclude, if energy and
SECAs will have to burn fuel with sense. As a matter of fact, more energy policy are a priority for
a maximum sulphur content of than 35% of all commodities the European decision makers, it
0.1%. This will mean a shift from handled in European ports are is certainly also a top priority for
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to compliant sources of energy. What if Europe European ports. For this reason
Marine Gas Oil (MGO) with an is becoming less oil dependent? ESPO will also dedicate its next
immediate increase in the fuel Are or can ports play an equally annual Conference (21-22 May
price of up to 40-45%. Moreover, important role in the import, 2015 in Piraeus - Greece) to the
it is still uncertain if Marine Gas export, storage and distribution of theme of energy in ports. l
Oil will be available in enough alternative energy? I believe the
quantities to cover the demand. new energy mix might breathe Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General ESPO
But there are alternatives. The new life into many ports. Next
first is to continue burning heavy to the important role ports can
fuel oil in combination with take up when it comes to LNG,
exhaust gas cleaning systems, biomass, European ports can
the so called “scrubbers”. Here as also play an essential role in the
well it is yet unclear if scrubbers development and maintenance
will be allowed in all ports of renewable energy sites such as
given the impact on other EU on and off shore wind mill parks,
environmental legislation, like wave energy and tidal energy.
the Water Framework directive.
The other alternative is the use Moreover, as hotspots for
of low sulphur fuels with the Europe’s industrial activity,
most promising being Liquefied ports will need to monitor their
Natural Gas (LNG). It is widely industries and the challenges they
expected that 2015 will see a are facing to respond to Europe’s
combination of the three main energy challenges and policy.
compliance methods in the
SECAs. Last but not least, ports
realise they have to
As a consequence of the new contribute themselves to
sulphur rules, bunkering facilities the decarbonisation process
will have to adapt to mainly offer by improving their energy
MGO and in certain limited cases performance. Energy
in the short run LNG to vessels. consumption has entered for
Moreover, in accordance with the the first time in the ESPO top-10
upcoming Directive on alternative environmental priorities in 2009
fuels infrastructure, a sufficient and gained significance in the last
amount of LNG refuelling points review 2013. ESPO’s green guide
need to be foreseen in Europe’s therefore dedicates a full chapter
core ports by 2025. European on energy conservation and

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