Operational-based decarbonization of container ports: The case of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

In recent years, the shipping industry has witnessed significant growth in its operations and is considered to be one of the fastest-growing sectors regarding energy consumption and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂-e). Due to an increasing mandate for the reduction of carbon footprint, ports are developing policies to aid this initiative by upgrading outdated facilities, enhancing operational processes, and incorporating sustainable technologies. This study analyses the impact of the decarbonization strategies adopted in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in an operation-based scenario and accounts for both the energy saved and for CO₂ emissions. Incremental annual energy savings of 2.6, 3.0, and 3.7 (× 10³ tce) in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively were achieved. From 2013, a 14% reduction in total CO₂ emissions was achieved. However, considering annual energy consumption, an estimated reduction from 2.26 tonnes CO₂-e/tce to 1.77 tonnes CO₂-e/tce (approximately 22%) was obtained.