Advancing Sustainability: Effective Strategies for Carbon Footprint Reduction in Seaports across the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

Colombian port terminals in the Caribbean are being called upon to increase the sustainability of their operations to better fit with the environmental dynamics of their locations. Within this context, the Palermo Sociedad Portuaria (PSP) has taken a proactive stance in identifying the factors contributing to its CO2 emissions. This study evaluated the CO2 emissions of the PSP in 2019 and 2020 and, through the implementation of sustainable practices (rock dust spreading, composting and reducing the burning of fossil fuels), examined the mitigation of the port’s carbon footprint (CF) in the year 2022. Based on collaborative management results and efforts, a set of viable mitigation strategies adapted to port operations was formulated. Viability was assessed through monitoring of the practical implementations encompassing initiatives such as fuel reduction, waste composting and the application of rock dust. The introduction of the CARE system in the operational equipment led to a reduction in fuel consumption over five periods—amounting to an overall emission decrease of 1629 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (ton CO2 eq). Meanwhile, the strategic composting of waste generated by port activities (including organic waste, hand towels, coffee grounds and landscaping waste) resulted in the potential reduction of 2 metric tons of CO2 annually. The application of rock dust (10 kg m−2) in the available green spaces within the operational areas contributed to a decrease of 0.00080543 ton CO2 eq over 45 days. The implementation of these three key measures over the course of a year has the potential to prevent the release of 37 ton CO2 eq, signifying a 2% decrease in overall CF when compared to the base year of 2020. This investigation was rooted in the current operational reality of the port terminal and its correlated activities. The strategies deployed underscore the feasibility of low-cost solutions that can be emulated across port terminals in pursuit of the holistic aspirations encapsulated in the concepts of a “green port” and a “smart port”.