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FUEL EFFICIENCY
Given the costs involved, particularly in the current environment, ensuring maximum fuel efficiency is essential for the maritime industry
EFFICIENCY AT THE FOREFRONT More than 250 shipowners and operators using the PortsDirect platform will be able to take advantage of Svitzer’s new EcoTow towage solution to reduce in-port emissions and drive sustainability in their supply chains. PortsDirect, a leading company for the structured procurement of discounted rate agreements with quality port services providers for the benefit of its customers, has announced a landmark partnership with Svitzer, a global towage operator and part of AP Moller-Maersk. The collaboration will give PortsDirect’s 250 ship-owning and operating customers the ability to choose Svitzer’s new carbon-neutral EcoTow service. Svitzer’s 10 EcoTow tugs powered by marine biofuel in London and Medway operate entirely on hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) – an ISSC and RSB-certified sustainable second-generation biofuel produced by using waste material such as used cooking oil as feedstocks. The biofuel reduces carbon emissions by 100% on a tank-to-wake basis and 90% on a well-to-
C L E A N S H I P P I N G INTERNATIONAL – Summer 2022
wake basis compared to marine diesel. By choosing to use EcoTow, PortsDirect’s customers will be able to lower their Scope 3 emissions, which make up the majority of a company’s carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of their supply chains. Svitzer will partner with an independent auditor which will enable the organisation to provide PortsDirect customers with a CO2 savings certificate compliant with regulatory authorities. For shipowners and operators, PortsDirect’s services include the provision of discounted rate agreements for port services such as towage, launches and pilotage. PortsDirect also deals with the management and administration of such service agreements for the benefit of its customers which takes away the time and hassle of negotiating separate contracts with individual suppliers, and enables them to benefit from PortsDirect’s discounts, saving money every year. Commenting on the partnership, Kenny Bjergstad, managing director of PortsDirect,
