The Baltic Ports for Climate

by Andrzej Urbaś, Communication Manager, BPO The Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) presented the concept for its new project – Baltic Ports for Climate – during this year’s Greenport Congress & Cruise Conference, held on 18-19 October 2022 in Bruges and focused on green solutions for sustainable ports in the next decade.

The project is an answer to legislation being part of two proposals included in the recently introduced Fit for 55 package, i.e., The project’s main idea is to expand the OPS network across the Baltic Sea region. The initiative will be divided into four modules: OPS planning in ports; innovative deployment but also learn from each other and from other stakeholders, such as shipping lines or technology providers.” Tapping into an existing experience FuelEU Maritime and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure. The former requires vessels to use shore-side electricity or zero-emission technology while at berth (per the jurisdiction of a given EU Member State).

The direct obligation to deploy shoreside electricity supply (onshore power supply, OPS) infrastructure in ports is governed by the draft regulation on the development of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure, which replaces the directive currently in force.

According to the proposed regulation, OPS installations should be provided for container and passenger ships by 2030. Due to the high costs associated with these investments, careful analysis and planning are paramount to avoid the risk of creating stranded assets. solutions (e.g., energy generation in ports); stakeholder platform; project management & dissemination. Careful planning is vital when it comes to long-term, costly investments. Due to ports’ unique characteristics, it is essential to prioritise projects in locations that make the most sense, both from environmental and business standpoints. In-depth, expert studies will help to ensure maximum emission reduction and lessen the risk of wasted funding. Bogdan Ołdakowski, BPO’s SecretaryGeneral, commented, “This project initiative is a perfect example of regional approach and cooperation between ports when responding to climate-related challenges. We have received a number of positive responses from the Baltic ports. By working together, ports may not only optimise their resource pool will be incredibly beneficial during the planning period. The number of OPS installations in Baltic ports has tripled over the past few years, approaching 27 in 2022. A great deal of knowledge and experience is already there and will help create standards and procedures that benefit the successful implementation of the planned activities. The stakeholder platform will include port authorities, terminals, shipping lines, bunkering companies, energy providers, and others. The project aims to deliver the application to the Connecting Europe Facility’s newest Call for Proposals at the end of Q3 2022 and receive co-financing. Close cooperation with energy and technology partners will ensure the longevity and quality of proposed solutions. ‚