Influence of the Implantation of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) System in Spanish Medium-Sized Ports on the Reduction in CO2 Emissions: The Case of the Port of Santander (Spain)

Abstract

Society and its leaders are increasingly aware of the need to fight climate change and CO2 emissions in the search for sustainability. Maritime transport and ports are important sources of pollution and, while industry and the rest of the large-scale emitters have achieved considerable reductions in this area, “shipping” is still not advancing at the same rate, falling behind in this race. The aim of this article is to underline the importance of an early implementation of On-Shore Power Supply (OPS), Cold Ironing (CI) or Alternative Marine Power (AMP) by making a study of potentially avoidable CO2 emissions from vessels docked (on the basis of the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and ENTEC [Environmental Engineering Consultancy, an environmental and engineering consultancy in UK] methods) close to urban areas in the Port of Santander (Spain). It is the first time potential reductions have been calculated for the last 11 years (2011–2021), distinguishing yearly emissions per type of vessel and providing real information to port authorities to prioritize the installation of this technological basis for the operation of piers/terminals to optimize investments and outcomes. In this case study, results demonstrate the outcomes of ROROs, ferries, and cruises being the first target of OPS implementation (reaching total of 37.95% of total emitted tons of CO2 during the period of study). As a clear conclusion to this paper, the reader can understand the enormous and growing potential of this technology multiplied by the continuous development, increase and implementation of green energies.

The Port Sector in Italy: Its Keystones for Energy-Efficient Growth

“…Herrero et al [49] examined the integration of a CI system in the port of Santander, demonstrating that its efficacy is influenced by the ship type, with the outcome of ro-ro ships, ferries, and cruises as the best ship types for OPS implementation (with a reduction of about 38% of overall CO 2 emissions during the time interval considered). Even in the study by Hall [50], emission savings are a function of the ship type and of the call frequency in ports, with an estimate of around 29% on average.…”

The Port Sector in Italy: Its “Keystones” for an Energy-Effective Growth

“…Herrero et al [43] investigated the integration of a CI system in the port of Santander, demonstrating as its efficacy is influenced by the ship type, with the outcome of Ro-Ro, ferries, and cruises being the best target for OPS implementation (with a reduction of about 38% of total emitted tons of CO2 during the period of study). Even in Hall [44], emission savings are function of the ship type and of the call frequency in ports, with an estimate of around 29% on average.…”

Study on the Impact of the Whole Life Cycle Operation Process of Large Ports on Environmental Externalities

“…Giuffrida, Nadia (2021) underscored the critical role of container terminals and other ports in energy consumption, environmental pollution, and climate change, advocating for environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures [12] . Finally, Herrero, Alvaro (2022) highlighted the proactive efforts of society and leadership in addressing the role of the port industry in climate change and CO2 emissions reduction, emphasizing the need for more improvement measures to enhance sustainability [13] . In summary, port expansion has significant impacts on environmental and social sustainability, necessitating comprehensive consideration of multiple stakeholders and the adoption of measures to reduce adverse impacts.…”