APM Terminals, operator of the container terminal in the Port of Gothenburg, announced measures to make its facility fossil-free by 2020.

To that end, the company will have its cranes and gates run on electricity (which in Sweden is produced from renewables), while other container handling equipment, including over 40 straddle carriers, will be powered by HVO100, a fossil-free diesel product made of 100% renewable raw materials. In addition, the terminal buildings will be heated by bio gas.

"APM Terminals Gothenburg has already put into operation a major programme designed to optimise vessels time at berth. Although 22% of vessels that call at the container terminal arrive later than agreed, ongoing optimisation of loading and discharge ensures that 97% of vessels leave the quayside at the appointed time, sometimes earlier. The vessels then avoid having to increase speed to make their next scheduled port of call, which would involve using more fuel," added the Gothenburg Port Authority (GPA) in a press release.

The GPA, which itself has been climate neutral since 2015, has a climate goal of reducing carbon emissions, by 70%, throughout not only the port's areas but also 15 km west of the outer port entrance, up to the city boundary.

"A growing number of transport purchasers are demanding a solid, assertive, and quantifiable environment and climate work, which is a fact that gives us a competitive edge over other ports. Alongside increased digitalisation and growth, we regard our environment and climate work as a key factor that will enable us to achieve our vision of becoming the world’s most competitive port," Elvir Dzanic, Chief Executive, GPA, said in this regard.

He continued, "This is unique. There is no other port in the world that is working according to such a strict environmental target. But despite our spirit and determination, it will be difficult to realise our goals if we do not have the major players in and around the port with us all the way. We are extremely pleased with the investments that are being made by APM Terminals Gothenburg."

Both parties also want to shift more volumes onto rail. Specifically, APM Terminals Gothenburg intends to double the freight volumes transported by rail over the next three years. Outside the terminal, the GPA has invested about €50m Euros in the Railport Scandinavia network, including joint financing of the double-track expansion of the rail network leading into the port, and two rail-connected cross-docking terminals, the already operational Arken Combi Terminal and the soon to be opened Svea Terminal.

Claes Sundmark, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, GPA, commented, "The Railport Scandinavia concept has allowed us to increase rail capacity and frequency significantly, but still ensure rail remains viable from an environmental point of view. The investments made by us and APM Terminals Gothenburg have resulted in rail becoming an even more attractive option. This year alone we have seen a 20% in volumes."

Photo: Port of Gothenburg