Itaqui Port gears up new decarbonization plan and smart port strategy

Brazil’s Itaqui Port is getting ready to become a smart port. Because of the important role the port plays in the economy of Maranhão state, the public enterprise that manages it, EMAP, has increasingly invested in the decarbonization of port activities. This topic was addressed by EMAP’s Environment manager, Luane Lemos, during her lecture at the Seminar “Decarbonization in Industry and the Carbon Credit Market”, promoted by the Federation of Industries of the State of Maranhão (Fiema).

One of the most recent developments addressed by her was the partnership with the Porto de Valencia Foundation, which aims to draw up the Decarbonization Plan for the public port of Maranhão. The institution is a global reference in decarbonization programs and the Port of Valencia was one of the first in the world to set a zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“The changes caused by greenhouse gases have had profound impacts on society. In the maritime arena it is no different. The climate risks and the susceptibility that we are exposed to bring problems in terms of structure and the production chain”, highlighted Luane Lemos.

Brazil has been concerned with this situation since 2008. For this reason, it established a National Plan on Climate Change, which resulted in a number of policies, including sector-focused  guidelines. In 2016, it evolved into an adaptation plan that includes eleven sectors. Among them the transportation sector. The maritime industry, for example, is responsible for almost 30% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is a specialized agency of the UN.

Windstorms and tropical cyclones are already a recurring reality in Brazil, causing damage to the operation of ports, which are frequently forced to halt operations. This has an impact on the market because products such as fuel do not reach their destination, as well as social consequences for communities and employees.

The National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) studied the vulnerabilities of ports in Brazil. The Itaqui Port is the 19th in the country most susceptible to storms, which are one of the main responsbiles for stopping activities, considering that grains and ores cannot be wet. Regarding windstorms, the Port of Itaqui is the 17th most susceptible, indicating a higher degree of risk. This is because within the climate change measurement criteria, the incidence of windstorms is more frequent or severe in the Port of Itaqui. When we talk about the rise in sea level, Itaqui is in 16th position, a sSão Luís presents a large variation in the tide.

Decarbonization – EMAP developed a strategic decarbonization plan with four pillars: adoption of goals and strategies to reduce emissions; smart ports (innovation and intelligent control technologies); good practices with programs, agendas and information exchanges, in addition to new sources and fuels (replacement of the energy matrix).

“Within the logic of becoming a smart port, we must develop programs and projects that are aligned with this goal. We have a climate change control and adaptation program that develops initiatives, projects, and actions to assess the port’s vulnerability in relation to natural systems,” the manager explained.

According to the EMAP manager, it is also important to pay attention to the products that pass through the port. The company is making a transition to clean energy such as green hydrogen and a wind energy matrix. “The ship that docks at the port and proves through certificates that it emits less greenhouse gases receives a discount on the docking fees. Annual awards are also given to operators and tenants who demonstrate greater environmental concern or performance,” said Luane. EMAP also invests in master’s and doctoral research grants, as well as in postgraduate courses involving the subject. In 2022, EMAP ranked first in Brazil as a port authority.

Source: Maranhão Hoje

To read the original story, go to: https://maranhaohoje.com/porto-do-itaqui-se-prepara-para-ter-um-plano-de-descarbonizacao-e-se-tornar-um-smart-port-anuncia-ema/

Sharing is caring!