On October 18, the Ministry of Transport announced significant advancements in the construction of “zero carbon” ports across China. Among these developments, Tianjin Port unveiled the world’s first “intelligent zero-carbon” terminal, while Huangshi New Port claimed the successful integration of its comprehensive intelligent zero-carbon power plant, achieving self-sufficiency in power and becoming the first zero-carbon port on the Yangtze River. Meanwhile, Huanghua Port initiated the country’s first zero-carbon pilot for coal terminals, and Zhangzhou Port launched its photovoltaic project for the “zero-carbon terminal.” Furthermore, Weifang Port has received the Carbon Neutrality Evaluation Certificate from the China Classification Society, establishing itself as the nation’s first “zero-carbon port.”
Recently, “zero-carbon ports” have turned into a buzzword in the transportation industry. However, several experts have pointed out that the increasing cargo throughput at ports has led to a rise in energy consumption. In addition, various carbon reduction measures face limitations due to technology, equipment, and policy constraints, making the construction of “zero-carbon ports” a challenging endeavor.
To create a “zero-carbon port,” Weifang Port introduced its initiative in March of this year and successfully received the Carbon Neutrality Evaluation Certificate from the China Classification Society on October 15. The evaluation confirmed the port’s achievement of carbon neutrality by assessing its greenhouse gas emissions from June to September.
Traditionally, ports are heavy energy consumers. Weifang Port aimed for its zero-carbon goal through several key initiatives, including a cleaner energy structure. They successfully connected four wind turbines with a combined capacity of 6.7 megawatts, expected to generate over 70 million kilowatt-hours annually, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 57,000 tons. The port also established a multi-energy complementary system and built a photovoltaic power plant with a peak capacity of 3.3 megawatts, contributing to an annual production of 3.6132 million kilowatt-hours. Additionally, they installed 46 charging stations to support the electric vehicles and machinery operating within the port.
Since 2019, Huanghua Port has led the nation in coal throughput for five consecutive years. The port utilizes variable frequency drive control technology for its main loading and unloading equipment and has invested significantly in a high and low-voltage shore power system covering all 21 berths, achieving 100% shore power coverage with an annual usage of more than 4 million kilowatt-hours.
During a recent visit to Tianjin Port’s intelligent container terminal, I witnessed the impressive functionality of the port, which features three 200,000-ton container berths along a 1,100-meter dock. The terminal is lined with organized containers, and the automated gantry cranes adorned in vibrant colors caught my attention. Just adjacent were towering wind turbines, each over 110 meters high, demonstrating the port’s commitment to renewable energy.
With twelve automation dock cranes functioning without an operator’s cabin, the port utilizes advanced robotics for precise container connections and has nearly a hundred new-generation intelligent transport robots quickly navigating through the terminal.
Carbon emissions in the port sector primarily stem from fuel and electricity consumption during loading, unloading, and auxiliary processes. According to Fan Jingmin, Deputy General Manager of Safety and Environment at Tianjin Port Group, the terminal achieves zero-carbon emissions through extensive wind power generation and hosts the country’s largest photovoltaic power station, which has been recognized with the industry’s first carbon neutrality certificate.
At Huangshi New Port, I observed modern logistics warehouses topped with extensive photovoltaic panels, while the streets were lined with integrated solar and wind energy streetlights continuously generating electricity. The port’s equipment, including vessels and heavy trucks, is charging via shore power, eliminating fuel consumption completely.
Though China holds the top position globally in port infrastructure—with eight of the top ten ports in cargo and container throughput—it’s crucial to remember that the transportation sector’s carbon emissions contribute approximately 10% to the total societal emissions, indicating that while port emissions are relatively small, they significantly affect local and regional air quality. Transitioning to green ports and achieving low-carbon or zero-carbon transformation presents an ongoing challenge.
During the “2024 Path to Zero Emission Transportation Forum,” Wang Ni, a researcher at the Ministry of Transport’s Water Transport Research Institute, noted that compared to the fluid nature of transportation, ports benefit from their relatively concentrated operations and simpler management structures, providing a strategic advantage for decarbonization efforts.
However, Wang emphasized the challenges remaining, including inefficient spatial layouts of some ports that conflict with city development, low utilization of premium coastline spaces, and difficulties with intermodal connections due to historical constraints. Moreover, she pointed out the increasing electricity consumption in recent years, coupled with traditional operational techniques that hinder progress.
The “2024 Path to Zero Emission Transportation Forum” also featured a report co-released by various research institutions, emphasizing ports’ critical role within global supply chains and the necessity of green transformation. The report highlighted the uncertainties surrounding emission reduction technologies, challenges with reliable supplies of green fuels, and the complexity of monitoring and standardizing diverse operational conditions in ports.
Experts have uniformly suggested that the electrification of port equipment is crucial, along with a comprehensive increase in clean energy usage. Transportation authorities should enhance carbon emissions oversight and encourage voluntary reductions by enterprises, striving for continuous advancement in carbon management practices.
