Ports Sustainability: A life cycle assessment of Zero Emission Cargo Handling Equipment

Andrija Vujičić,Nenad Zrnić,Boris Jerman

doi:10.5545/sv-jme.2012.933

Andrija Vujičić, Nenad Zrnić + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5545/sv-jme.2012.933

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Abstract

The goal of this paper is to present and evaluate the latest trends in the cargo handling equipment (CHE) industry, aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of container terminal operations and contributing to the sustainability of ports. The most common machines for handling containers are described and dealt with separately, with a focus on electric CHE, usually referred to as ‘zero emission’ CHE. In a separate chapter, recommendations on methodologies suitable for investigation of the environmental footprint of CHE without on-site measuring are reviewed. The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology as a tool for comparison of conventional and ‘zero emission’ technology is emphasised with examples. The conventional diesel rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane and utility tractor rig (UTR) are compared with an electric RTG and UTR using an LCA approach.

Highlights

With more than 90% of global freight moving by containers, container transport industries have an immense influence and role in the global economy
The obtained emissions inventory and mandatory elements of conventional and electric rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes and utility tractor rig (UTR) are included in the selection of impact categories in accordance with ISO 14040-44 [13]
The impact categories for the global warming potential (GWP) and ozone layer depletion are based on IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) factors

Summary

Introduction

With more than 90% of global freight moving by containers, container transport industries have an immense influence and role in the global economy. Ports are a core component in the international supply chain and play an enormous role in regional economies; regional development is directly related to the ability of ports to adapt to emerging challenges. Many ports today are considered to be the largest sources of air pollution in coastal cities and awareness of the necessary action for the reduction of pollution has become the matter of public concern. Related research regarding this topic can be found in the work of Cannon [1] and [2]

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