Peel Ports Group has partnered up with the University of Liverpool’s Management School to enhance its newly-formed Innovation Forum.
The Forum will support the port operator in its aim of becoming net-zero by 2040 by answering questions surrounding greener solutions.
The Peel Ports team will develop new ideas with members of the Forum and support forthcoming sustainability initiatives.
The initiative comes as an industry-first for any UK port operator.
“As an industry we need greater collaboration in developing pilot projects and sharing knowledge,” said Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group.
“Our Innovation Forum is designed to address some of the biggest challenges in reducing carbon emissions. We will invest in the best innovation and deploy at scale.
“This new initiative will give us the advantage we need to stay ahead whilst providing opportunities for businesses in the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
Under the new collaboration, the University’s Management School will act as key partner in the Forum and—together with suppliers, entrepreneurs, and consultants—it will explore the biggest issues in accessing and purchasing carbon-neutral solutions for the group’s seven sites across the UK and Ireland.
Professor Julia Balogun, Dean at the University of Liverpool Management, added that: “The Centre’s key research strengths are: transport and logistics; agri-food supply-chains; sustainable supply chain management; agile operations; and supply chain technologies, analytics and risk, so is well placed to contribute to Peel Ports’ objectives for the future.
“The partnership will also help inform our teaching and employability initiatives, ensuring that our students are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to become the next generation of leaders.”
The pursuit of sustainability across the shipping industry has received support from the UK Government with the launch of the first office dedicated to maritime greener solutions.
A total of £206 million ($279 million) were allocated for the creation of the new unit to tackle shipping emissions and advance the UK towards sustainable shipping.
Earlier last month, Peel Ports announced its plan to use greener alternative fuels for straddle carriers and plant equipment across the majority of its estate.
