The Peel Ports Group (Peel Ports) has committed to becoming a net-zero port operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK government’s national decarbonising target.
The port operator which owns some of the UK’s largest ports including the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport and London Medway has unveiled several initiatives and investments which will help drive a more sustainable agenda and reach the net-zero milestone by 2040 in the UK and Ireland.
The group aims to have 50% of its vehicle fleet replaced by electric cars by the end of 2021, with a further 50% in place by December 2022. Furthermore, trials for greener fuels and electric alternatives to power port vehicles and equipment are currently underway.
Overall, Peel Ports has invested over £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) across the last decade on sustainable infrastructure and technology to future proof its operations. This has included the delivery of energy-efficient cranes, LED lighting and choosing sustainable low emission equipment and suppliers.
“Our ports provide critical infrastructure as the UK’s gateway for food, medical, energy and fuel supplies. It is therefore important that as a responsible business we incite positive change in the UK’s logistics market to tackle climate change,” said Mark Whitworth, CEO of Peel Ports.
“We understand and acknowledge our responsibility to minimising the environmental impact of our operations for the benefit of the planet, while also ensuring the smooth continuation of the supply chain.
“Our vision for the future of our business, our people, our customers, and our communities is ambitious. Ultimately, our net-zero plans will work towards achieving long-term sustainable growth that has a positive impact on the environment, as well as regional and local economies for generations to come.”
The group has also created an Innovation Forum which hopes to answer some of the biggest questions around the reduction of emissions. The forum tracks down answers from universities, entrepreneurs, and start-ups which in turn pitch their ideas and solutions. The best of these can be deployed at scale with the necessary investment.
Peel Ports has also recently invested in two ship-to-shore cranes for the Port of Liverpool to further support growth from Intra-European feeder networks and specialist carrier Atlantic Container Line (ACL). Announced in August 2021, the new cranes will increase overall berth productivity and increase height and reach capabilities at the port’s terminal 1.
