APMT announces green initiative

APM Terminals has announced it is to reduce its CO2 emissions worldwide by 15% per teu handled by 2012.

The terminal operators’ worldwide CO2 emissions of 543,000 metric tonnes in 2007 represented 17.5kg per teu handled. APMT said it will reduce this to 14.96 kg per teu through innovative operational initiatives, best practice sharing, benchmarking, strategic investments and energy-conscious planning at every terminal.

News of the reduction target came as the Netherlands-headquartered operator officially opened a new €125m power distribution network at its Rotterdam container terminal. The network uses electrical power generated through wind turbines.

"By switching from grey to green electricity the terminal reduces its CO2 emissions by 45% per year," the operator claimed.

Electricity, sourced from two Dutch wind farms, is used to power 14 gantry cranes, stored reefer containers, light poles, workshops and other power consumption needs.

"APM Terminals’ company policy, principles and standards require proactive efforts to design, develop, operate and maintain the most environmentally sensitive and advanced facilities possible," said APMT CEO Kim Fejfer.

"Our strategy is to minimise our global environmental footprint through our daily operations, across all terminals and in any new business opportunities we pursue."

Hans van Kerkhof, MD of APM Terminals Rotterdam, commented: "In measuring our environmental footprint, it became clear to us that improvements were needed.

Minimising the footprint will not only reduce emissions but also reduce energy costs.

"There are multiple ways to cut emissions – examples include reducing energy consumption, minimizing the daily driving distances inside the terminal, improving yard utilization and switching to new improved technologies to name a few focus areas for APM Terminals Rotterdam."