Page 7 - European Energy Innovation - Autumn 2016 publication
P. 7
Autumn 2016 European Energy Innovation 7
PORTS
barriers and custom formalities that port by the inhabitants. In all aspects we have put emphasis on “green”
put shipping at a disadvantage vis à vis of life, being “green” has gained much charges. External costs can be included
other modes. more importance over the past years. In in the infrastructure charges and
order to stay competitive and have the the port authority is enabled to give
On the other hand, the ports support of the local community, a port environmental discounts on its charges.
themselves are undertaking needs to be able to offer sustainable
many efforts to become more solutions and show environmental Coming from Hamburg, I am very
environmentally friendly. Especially for awareness. happy that the Hamburg Port authority
ports located in populated areas, this is is an excellent example for ports
not only essential for the environment In the recently reached deal with the that already practice environmental
itself, but also for the acceptance of the council on the Port Services Regulation charging. After having been named
the European Green Capital in 2011
the “green” consciousness across all
sectors has risen even more.
The Hamburg Port Authority is not only
creating incentives for environmentally
friendly vessels to call at the port, but
works with innovative concepts to
reduce its impact on the environment
considerably. Its “smartPORT energy”
concept aims at reducing the dependence
on conventional energy sources, lower
emissions and reduce expenses.
The greening of the shipping industry
is a challenge that needs to be tackled
first and foremost on the international
level in the context of the IMO. Even
though progress will be slow, it will be
an inclusive and sustainable progress.
Decreasing the environmental foot
print is not limited to expensive
technological solutions, but can be also
achieved with innovative and creative
approaches to increase the efficiency of
the operations.
Certain aspects need to be solved
jointly at the international level, but
it does not take the responsibility off
each stakeholder along the chain to
make their own contribution. Politics
need to play a major role in increasing
the incentives for “green” solutions and
to promote renewable energies. With
our Paris commitments we are setting
an ambitious goal, which needs to be
broken down into concrete action plans
in order to lead to a truly sustainable
shipping sector. l
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