Strategies to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Port and Terminal Operations: Evidence from a Developing Country

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify some practical approaches to help developing nations for leasing their carbon footprint that is left behind as a result of operations at ports and terminals. In this sense, the Bangladeshi seaport of Chattogram serves as a case study that is monitored and analyzed. Investigation on port and terminal procedures and CO2 emissions is the focus of this study. Conversations with port stakeholders are the main source of data. When it comes to secondary data, it's drawn primarily from past studies and newspaper articles. Approximately 65.8% of the total carbon emissions at Chattogram's port and terminal are attributed to ships anchoring at the port. Other options include port boats with 19%, freight handling equipment with 10% and vehicles with 4.5%. In order to reduce these emissions, the port of Chattogram has determined that cold ironing is the best alternative, and contemporary cargo handling equipment is both cheaper and uses less energy. In order to ensure that port and terminal activities have a minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem, it is imperative to update outdated pieces of equipment and extend existing terminal facilities. Nevertheless, utilizing renewable fuels (30% biofuels with currently used diesel) can be an effective solution for lowering the carbon footprint of other types of machinery such as forklifts and harbor craft. Furthermore, developing countries may join and coordinate with the LEARN (Logistics Emission Account and Reduction Network) project to enhance and globalize their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint through emission measurements, reporting, and verification (MRV).