PORT FOCUS
GreenPort chats to Shiko Zana, CEO of Israel’s Ashdod Port about its investment in green development and technology
Credit: Ashdod Port
Green development As with most other port operations, Ashdod Port Company’s environmental policy governs the port’s environmental protection requirements and management of environmental risk. The port of course takes into account environmental considerations in the decisionmaking process when it comes to port construction and development. Within the framework of the policy, the company works to promote substantial environmental investment in the port. Ashdod Port has invested in upgrading its container platform 21, which will allow for 24,000 teu ships to dock there and be serviced by some of the most advanced cranes in the world. This platform will include an advanced logistical back office. In addition, the port has invested in advanced green equipment for the new platform: Pneumatic continuous ship unloaders and ecological hoppers for unloading grain and grain derivatives, ecological hoppers for clinker unloading and green operational equipment for unloading cement. Mr Zana says that when working with contractors and professionals acting on behalf of the port, the company is lawfully required to monitor all operations. To ensure responsible operations by contractors and professional workers, the port requires that they adopt appropriate criteria and take steps to protect the environment. Contractors and professional workers are obliged to undergo training with the Port’s Environmental Coordinator, in which emphasis is given to environmental protection relevant to the type of activity that they intend to perform at the port. The company has also established an environmental unit that includes five dedicated supervisors who oversee and guide the activities of contractors and professional workers when necessary.
MAKING THE GREEN TRANSITION
consists of imported grains (wheat, cereals, corn and soybeans). Because unloading and unloading is performed mainly by grab cranes and hoppers, the operation can cause dust and cargo residue to seep into the sea. In order to prevent and minimise this risk, numerous steps are being taken, including the creation of fully enclosed continuous pneumatic ship unloaders for unloading grain and eco-hoppers for unloading heaped bulk with covered conveyors to the truck loading station. Cleaner cement unloading is achieved by the use of mobile mechanical unloaders and a pneumatic unloading system consisting of
New equipment The port has paid special attention to cutting down the dust and waste created by moving bulk cargo. Most of the bulk cargo transported at the port
For the latest news and analysis go to www.greenport.com/news
Credit: Tomer Segev
Ask Ashdod Port where it wants to be in ten years’ time and the answer is to be a leading port in the area of sustainability by integrating significant in-depth processes to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals. “This will include transitioning to new types of energy, employing innovative technologies to reduce air pollution from ships and ground transportation at the port, preparation for climate change and optimal preservation of the marine environment,” says Mr Zana. And the aim is to do this while maintaining operational continuity and providing uninterrupted high-quality service to the port’s customers.
8 Ashdod Port is striving to become a leading green port
covered conveyors. This connects to silos that load road containers and self-unloading ships that directly unload containers. With regards to grain, the port has constructed a grain conveyor to lead rain from platform 21 to the Ashdod silos. Future proofing Over the last few years, the port has been shifting its operations to go greener with its environmental policy at the forefront. “Recognising our environmental responsibility and our role as a leader in marine protection and conservation, Ashdod Port Company conducted extensive planning during 2020 towards the implementation of a comprehensive environmental strategy with clear and quantifiable goals for the year 2030,” says Mr Zana. The main issues addressed by these plans include promoting environmental innovation, proactively reducing air pollution from ships and ground transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and shifting to the consumption and production of clean energy, “By doing this we are also enhancing the port’s readiness and capacity to address the challenges of extreme weather and climate change,” he says. 8 Ashdod Port Company has invested in advanced green equipment for its new platform 21
SPRING 2022 | 19
