Portonave granted national award on reducing GHG emissions

Portonave was granted the Expressão de Ecologia Award in the Energy Conservation category for its project “Energy Transition in Port Activities and Its Impact on Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.” The Green Wave trophy ceremony was held by Expressão Publishing in Florianópolis on Saturday (31). A total of 121 projects were submitted, with 30 awarded. The prize recognizes organizations committed to sustainable practices.

The Port Terminal has been making pioneering investments to reduce GHG emissions in its operations, primarily targeting direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions related to energy consumption (Scope 2). These efforts include purchasing eco-friendly equipment and relying more on clean energy sources. From 2016 to 2023, Portonave reduced its GHG emissions by approximately 60% per TEU handled, achieving the lowest rate in its history. Over this period, the company reduced emissions by nearly 50,000 tons of carbon equivalent (tCO2e).

The company is currently undertaking a BRL 1 billion project to accommodate larger vessels, up to 400 meters in length. Renovation works targeted at the harbor, which began in January this year, will include a system that supplies ships with electricity, supporting environmental protection and long-term sustainable development.

This is the fifth time the company has received the award. Last year, Portonave was recognized in the ESG Management category. The company also won awards for Degraded Area Recovery in 2016 and Environmental Management in 2009 and 2012.

At the 30th edition of the Expressão Ecology Award, Port Terminal’s Administrative Director, Osmari de Castilho Ribas, was also honored with the Líderes de Expressão Award, which recognizes leaders committed to sustainability.

Continuous Investments in Decarbonization

To explore greener alternatives for its fleet, the company began operating the first fully electric terminal in southern Brazil this year, emitting zero pollutants. In recent years, Portonave acquired the first Eco Reach Stacker in Latin America, reducing GHG emissions by 40%, and installed 318 photovoltaic panels for clean energy generation. Since 2022, Portonave has renewed the I-REC certification every year, ensuring the purchase of clean energy for its operations. A major milestone in emissions reduction was the electrification, in 2016, of 18 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes used for container operations, which reduced the equipment’s pollutant emissions by 96.5% compared to when they were diesel-powered.

GHG Emissions Inventory

Since 2010, Portonave has published its GHG Emissions Inventory, based on the GHG Protocol, helping identify critical emissions-related points and implement strategic reduction measures. This year, the company was recognized with the Silver Seal from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program for its complete inventory, including direct and indirect emissions data for 2023. To access the report, visit https://registropublicodeemissoes.fgv.br/estatistica/estatistica-participantes/2354.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development

This year, the terminal became a member of the Brazilian Alliance for Port Decarbonization, an initiative born from a partnership between the Port of Itaqui and Valencia Ports. The alliance seeks integrated solutions with the collaboration of various national and international stakeholders, including other ports, companies, and unions. Additionally, in partnership with the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), the company is conducting a climate risk assessment for port infrastructure, which includes developing an action plan for the terminal.

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