Last year was a busy year for Bremenports with one of its core tasks being to identify solutions which lead to sustainable operations.
It has pursed ecological objectives when modernising its own fleet of around 20 vessels. The surveying vessel Seeadler was fitted with a modern engine to significantly reduce fuel, its batteries store surplus energy means it can cover short distances at the port without generating any emissions.
Robert Howe, managing director of the company, said: “2016 was a busy and successful year of Bremenports. The work of our environment and landscape planning engineers enjoys an excellent international reputation.”
In 2017, the LNG hopper barge greenports 1 will join the Bremenports fleet. This is the first working vessel at a European port to be powered with liquefied natural gas and it is currently being prepared for operation at a shipyard in the Netherlands.
Mr Howe added: “There are simply not enough LNG-powered vessels yet. Nevertheless, Bremen and Bremerhaven are LNG-ready and if necessary, vessels can refuel from a truck at both ports without any problem.”
The Greenports Award is presented to the most eco-friendly ship to call at Bremen and Bremerhaven each year. In 2016 Bremenports presented the award for the third time, thanks to the MS “Morning Lisa”, a car-carrier operated by the EUKOR shipping company.
In autumn, it was also awarded the European Seaports Organisation’s (ESPO) most prestigious award in recognition of its concept for Luneplate.
It is the site for ecological compensation of port consturction projects and is the largest nature reserve tin the federal land of Bremen.
“A vessel’s emissions are assessed in accordance with the international Environmental Ship Index ESI,” said Mr Howe.
He concluded: “Last year, 45 particularly eco-friendly ships called at Bremen and Bremerhaven a total of 76 times and were granted an appropriate discount on the port charges.”
source: GreenPort