APM Terminals Gothenburg set to be “fossil-free” by 2020

Electric cranes, biogas for heating and biodiesel for straddle carriers underpin terminal’s “fossil free future.”

Running the operation “completely on renewable fuels’ together with a doubling of rail-borne freight and optimising vessel operations are key parts of a new climate strategy launched by APM Terminals Gothenburg. “The strategy supports the Port of Gothenburg climate goal of reducing carbon emissions by 70% throughout the whole of the Gothenburg area by 2030,” the port said.

The Port of Gothenburg has offered shore power for vessels at berth since the early 2000s, and a tariff discount for vessels that “report a good environmental performance” has been in place since 2013. Gothenburg Port Authority has claimed to be climate neutral in its own operations since 2015.

The port wants to do more on the climate front: “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,” said Elvir Dzanic, Gothenburg Port Authority chief executive.

The next step was announced in October, when the port set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030. This includes emissions within the port itself and an extended area from the outer port entrance 15 kilometres to the west, right up to the city boundary.

“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,” said Elvir Dzanic.

APM Terminals Gothenburg is now launching its ”Green Gothenburg Gateway” updated strategy for reducing the climate footprint of the terminal. “The terminal is aiming for a fossil-free future following a series of innovative measures, such as electrically operated cranes and gates, and terminal buildings heated by biogas. The container handling equipment, including more than 40 straddle carriers, will be powered by fossil-free fuel HVO100. All measures are to be implemented by 2020,” the port stated.

APM Terminals Gothenburg has already put into operation a major programme designed to optimise vessels time at berth. “Although 22 per cent of vessels that call at the container terminal arrive later than agreed, ongoing optimisation of loading and discharge ensures that 97 per cent 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,” the port noted.

On the landside, APM Terminals Gothenburg intends to double its rail volume over the next three years. it is being supported by the port authority, which has invested about €50M in the Railport Scandinavia network, including joint financing of the double-track expansion of the rail network leading in to the port, and two rail-connected crossdocking terminals – the Arken Combi Terminal and the soon to be opened Svea Terminal.

Source: WorldCargo News

Big fall in SA export container tariff

The Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) has announced tariff changes for 2020-21, with no net overall change in rates. Within that stability, however, there have been some big changes, most notably a 20% reduction in container export dues

The 20% reduction in export container due is in line with the government’s economic strategy of encouraging exports, although ro-ro dues are unchanged.

In a statement, the PRSA said that the “export biased lowering of container cargo dues would be in the best interest of stimulating local manufacture, beneficiation and employment creation”. There will be no change in tariffs on container imports and the handling of empty containers.

Reductions in container export tariffs are to be paid for by 10% increases in the tariffs on coal and magnetite exports. In addition, marine services and related tariffs are to increase by 5.5%.

The PRSA said that it had announced the changes now so that traders had time to adjust their budgets for the financial year starting in April and to ensure that freight forwarders and agents can pass the benefits of lower tariffs on to cargo owners and end users “for maximum impact to the SA economy.”

The regulator said that the tariff structure should “provide the financial space to ensure that the capital program included in the application totalling R3.872B (US$265M) is fully implemented, despite previous under-expenditure on CAPEX”. It also cautioned against the temptation to cut back on capital expenditure.

Transnet forecast revenue of R13.203B (US$903M) under its proposed regime but the regulator’s tariffs are expected to generate income of R13.145B (US$899M), so the difference is marginal.

Yet again, the PRSA rejected the proposals submitted by Transnet National Ports Authority for average increases of 4.8% over the year, followed by rises of 18.22% in 2021-22 and 8.5% in 2022-23. The regulator did not set tariffs for the two subsequent years but indicated that average increases would be below the government’s annual inflation target of 6%.

Source: WorldCargo News

Paceco Portainer for Fos

A 67m outreach, 50m lift height Portainer has been commissioned by Paceco Momentum at the Seayard terminal, in Marseille-Fos

The Malaccamax-rated STS crane is amongst the world’s largest container cranes and came into service on 13th November, handling its first commercial operation for Seayard working over a Hapag-Lloyd vessel.

The crane can stack 25 rows across deck on a 67m outreach, has a lift height above spreader of 50m and has a 30.48m rail span. It is equipped with Siemens Sinamics AC control system and has an energy chain trolley instead of a festoon, among other top class European components, also including the latest safety devices.

The crane was manufactured by the now defunct Paceco España and was originally ordered in 2016. The new Paceco licensee in Europe, Paceco Momentum, which took over the license in August 2018 and is a member of the Paceco Group, was hired to do commissioning of the crane by performing endurance tests, preparing the manuals, obtaining CE approvals and conducting all handover work.

The new crane recently handled its first commercial loads

"Pececo Momentum inherited 50 years of know-how and experience in the container handling industry and will help to ensure a positive experience with the crane and be closely involved in optimising its performance," said a spokeswoman for the company.

"All people involved in this project, as well as the exceptional collaboration and provision of technical and human resources by Seayard have definitely contributed to allow this project to end successfully."

Paceco Momentum is marketing its services to customers of the former Paceco España and also to potential new customers.

Source: WorldCargo News