Owner of the Port of Liverpool Peel Ports says it will aim to become a net zero port operator at all of its UK locations by 2040. Tony McDonough reports
Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports is committing to becoming a net zero port operator by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the UK Government’s decarbonising targets.
Based in Liverpool, Peel Ports owns some of the UK’s largest and most important ports including Clydeport and London Medway. It is the first major port group to convey such ambitious plans towards tackling climate change.
It has unveiled a number of initiatives and investments to help drive a more sustainable agenda and reach the net zero milestone by 2040 across all of its locations in the UK and Ireland.
By the end of this year, Peel Ports aims to have 50% of its vehicle fleet replaced with electric cars, with the remainder in place by December 2022, and is currently undergoing trials of greener fuels and electric alternatives for the future of its operational machinery and equipment.
The company says it has invested more than £1.2bn across the last decade on sustainable infrastructure and technology. This includes the delivery of energy efficient cranes, LED lighting and choosing sustainable, low emission equipment and suppliers.
Mark Whitworth, chief executive of Peel Ports, said: “Our ports provide critical infrastructure as the UK’s gateways for food, medical, energy and fuel supplies. It is therefore important that as a responsible business we incite positive change in the UK’s logistics market to tackle climate change.
“We understand and acknowledge our responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of our operations for the benefit of the planet, while also ensuring the smooth continuation of the supply chain.
“Our vision for the future of our business, our people, our customers and our communities is ambitious. Ultimately, our net zero plans will work towards achieving long-term sustainable growth that has a positive impact on the environment, as well as regional and local economies for generations to come.”
The port operator is also promoting the benefits of ports closer to the end destination, in order to reduce emissions, as well as introducing major new rail services for better connectivity, taking tonnes of freight off the road.
It will also continue to support the changing energy markets with both offshore and onshore wind sites available across its various locations.