Environmental concerns continue to top the list of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report in terms of likelihood and impact for the next decade.

The 2021 report states that the highest likelihood risks over the next ten years will be extreme weather, a failure to fight climate change and human-led environmental damage.

Within the report’s executive summary, the World Economic Forum says that a shift towards greener economies cannot be delayed until the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic subside.

From speaking to those involved in the ports and terminals industry, sustainability and decarbonisation goals have not been pushed aside because of the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

However, as noted by Thomas Jelenić, Vice President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, in his article there may not be enough technology out there right now to meet all the targets demanded by various governmental stakeholders. Using California as an example, he notes that there are huge challenges to come with the transition to zero emissions equipment over the next 15 years.

This edition of the Journal explores how suppliers and ports are attempting to tackle climate change issues.

Alternative fuels are at the heart of a number of initiatives to drive down carbon emissions. The Port of Tyne in the UK describes its efforts to become an all-electric port through a vast electrification programme. However, our interview with the Port of Tyne highlights several challenges that are still present as ports strive towards climate neutrality.

Meanwhile, at the Port of Amsterdam the focus has been on developing green energies through shore-power. Hydrogen is also on the agenda, and the Port is part of a project focussed on building a value chain for hydrogen transportation.

On the side of the equipment suppliers, Kalmar explains how smart design and driveline choices can enhance the eco-efficiency of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane fleets.

Looking at artificial intelligence (AI), AIDrivers proposes AI-enabled autonomous solutions as an option for delivering green initiatives. With the efficiencies associated with AI-enabled autonomy comes energy-savings.

With so many new technologies being implemented t is important to keep sight of the ongoing IT operations at both ports and terminals. Navis talks in its latest paper about how IT departments are now at the centre of success for terminal operations.

Finally, ABB discusses how ports can cope with the demands they are facing today with fully realised automation.