PD Ports aiming to be the UK’s most sustainable port
(Posted on 22/07/24)
PD Ports has a publicly stated aim to be the UK’s most sustainable port company, with a commitment to reach Net Zero operations by 2040.
The company has launched its sustainability strategy which, for the first time, marks a formal commitment to PD’s Port’s environmental, social and governance obligations.
The strategy contains 17 long-term targets to deliver a sustainable future for one of the UK’s largest ports and will be used to evaluate the company’s decarbonisation and biodiversity efforts.
PD Ports has also gone further by enshrining social as well as environmental goals, including a commitment to introduce 3,000 young people to the ports and maritime sector by 2030.
This pioneering approach reflects the unique strength of PD Ports’ commitment to supporting communities across Tees Valley and giving young people new opportunities to thrive and succeed.
The new strategy has won the support of newly-appointed Maritime Minister Mike Kane, who has praised PD Ports’ efforts and reiterated the new Government’s ambitions to decarbonise the maritime sector.
In the last five years, PD Ports has made substantial investments across 11 UK sites, including a £9m investment in two Liebherr electric-hydraulic bulks handling cranes, which together can lift 140 tonnes of project cargo.
Other initiatives have included the purchase of a fleet of electric vehicles and electric-powered handling equipment on the dock. Solar panels have also been installed across our sites and all grid power is supplied from renewable sources.
Other equipment has been converted from diesel powered to hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO), which reduces carbon emissions by 90%.
This summer will see the arrival of the Emerald Duchess, a £23m dredger for the Tees, which will be the first of its kind in the UK and run on low-carbon fuel sources.
Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports, laid down a challenge to all staff at PD Ports in 2019 to become the UK’s most sustainable port company.
He said: “The strategy is our public commitment as a business to be held accountable for our actions, both now and in the future.
“The document contains clear targets for us to achieve. I firmly believe that by acting early, we have put ourselves in a strong position to achieve our aims to reach carbon neutral operations in the coming years and Net Zero status by 2040.
“In the last five years we’ve made great strides, investing in new equipment and moving away from diesel, towards solar and wind-generated electricity and low-carbon alternative fuels.
“I’m clear too that sustainability is not just about the environment. We can make a real impact on the communities we serve with targeted and consistent support.
“A key commitment is to introduce 3,000 young people to the port and maritime sector by 2030 – we want to open doors and raise aspirations for those who don’t realise the great opportunities on their doorstep.
“As a business we are a massive operation, working 24/7, 365 days a year, using huge amounts of energy and with a diverse workforce and supply chain.
“If we commit to making changes for the better, the ripple effect of those actions can be far reaching and have real impact.”
Latest News
Heyport optimises port operations in Morocco with smart berth planning
(Posted on 15/06/25)The smart berth planning platform heyport has been successfully deployed across all five Marsa... Read more
Brunei ports launch Kale Logistics Solutions' Maritime Single Window
(Posted on 15/06/25)The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has announced that its national Maritime... Read more
AD Ports and ASRY to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports projects
(Posted on 15/06/25)In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative... Read more
HHLA strengthens in Ukraine with majority stake in Batiovo Terminal
(Posted on 06/06/25)Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is investing in a further terminal in Ukraine. The company is... Read more
Leading Scottish renewables port invests £3m to accommodate wind turbine boom
(Posted on 06/06/25)Peel Ports Clydeport has invested £3m in infrastructure to support growing demand for handling... Read more
Kevin Beardsley appointed Duluth Port executive director
(Posted on 02/06/25)Following a national search in the USA, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners have... Read more
Major Liverpool cement terminal to support UK construction growth
(Posted on 30/05/25)A new cement import facility in North-west England is set to play a pivotal role in UK construction... Read more
Vancouver USA signals future as key global outlet for soda ash
(Posted on 30/05/25)The Port of Vancouver USA port leaders and partners have broken ground on a project to construct a state... Read more
Pilbara Ports initiative to boost seafarer wellbeing
(Posted on 15/05/25)Pilbara Ports has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare by improving onboard... Read more
SSA Marine sustainability milestone at the Port of Los Angeles
(Posted on 15/05/25)SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, has announced that... Read more
