Hydrogen's Role in Green Port Projects
Ocean ports are critical components of the global economy and supply chain networks.
Experts estimate that 90% of global trade is transported by sea. This puts ports and their surrounding transportation infrastructure at the heart of global commerce—and among the leading sources of carbon emissions from heavy equipment.
While estimates vary, international research suggests that maritime shipping is responsible for 2% - 3% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—the top greenhouse gas (GHG). This deceptively small fraction accounts for 800 to 850 million tons of CO2 emissions every year.
Emissions and demand for international shipping are only increasing. Some estimates suggest that, if nothing changes, the sector could contribute as much as 15% or more of global emissions by the 2050 net zero due date.
Ports’ high volumes of carbon emissions have led to pushes for green ports, in hopes of mitigating the adverse environmental effects of shipping and receiving operations.
Port authorities have many angles of attack to achieve this, including policy, procedural efficiency, and sustainable fuel technology. This article primarily focuses on one piece of the green port puzzle—hydrogen (H).
What Are Green Ports?
Though lacking a firm definition, certain features may classify a port as “green.” Primarily, green ports take measures to minimize the environmental pollution of their operations.
As complex transportation hubs, ports host many vehicles and equipment that emit harmful pollutants when powered by fossil fuels, including:
–Heavy-duty trucks
–Railroad locomotives
–Ocean and harbor vessels
–Cargo-handling equipment
Port authorities’ level of control over their clientele’s vehicles depends on local laws. However, ports have plenty of in-house opportunities to mitigate pollution. Green ports invest in replacing carbon-emitting equipment with cleaner or zero-emission alternatives.
Many experts expect green ports to act as catalysts for broader shifts to alternative fuels. Ports’ position in global commerce makes them key agents for change. The rise of green ports both encourages and enables neighboring industries to make similar improvements.
Ports' seaside location also makes them natural contenders as distribution centers for offshore wind farms. Green ports have the opportunity to build the foundational infrastructure needed to move renewable energy inland from the coast side.
Hydrogen-Powered Technologies in Green Ports
Ports have many opportunities to advance and benefit from hydrogen-based energy.
The most promising and ambitious model would be a fully integrated hydrogen production, storage, and distribution network. Locally sourced and/or imported hydrogen could power equipment and local infrastructure to decarbonize operations.
Short of this total transformation, there are plenty of immediately available measures that ports can use to slash emissions.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cranes
This innovation is already being used in FASTECH’s home state at the Port of Los Angeles.
Heavy-duty shipyard cranes are major contributors to port emissions. Diesel ship-to-storage (STS) cranes consume roughly 69,000 gallons of diesel fuel over the average work year. Electric counterparts consume 890,000 kWh over the same period.
Hydrogen fuel cell cranes produce zero greenhouse gas emissions; their only byproduct is water.
Hydrogen-Powered Yard Trucks and Equipment
Heavy-duty trucks, forklifts, and other terminal equipment have hydrogen fuel cell counterparts. Such equipment is used repeatedly during working hours, providing an opportunity to cut carbon emissions with hydrogen-powered alternatives.
Hydrogen fuel yields many benefits relevant to port operations that make it a competitive alternative, including:
–Long runtimes due to high energy density
–Quick refueling comparable to diesel
–Decreased noise pollution
—Zero GHG emissions
Hydrogen fuel is well-suited to keep pace with the high-capacity needs of busy ports.
Hydrogen Refueling Stations
Hydrogen fuel has storage needs that require specialized equipment, procedures, and maintenance. Distributing and dispensing it requires infrastructural developments, including refueling stations.
While this energy infrastructure requires upfront and ongoing investments, it also provides an opportunity to establish additional jobs and revenue streams. For example, hydrogen hubs can produce, store, and distribute clean hydrogen for sale or internal use.
Environmental and Economic Implications of Hydrogen in Green Ports
Government and private entities must balance the costs and benefits of implementing hydrogen in green ports. Though a clean and versatile fuel source, hydrogen also has limitations to consider.
Environmental Implications of Green Ports
Hydrogen is the cleanest alternative to diesel and gasoline, producing zero GHG emissions. It’s also sourceable from various clean production methods that minimize or eliminate its lifecycle environmental impact.
The devastation caused by oil leaks and spills has long burdened the energy industry and our ecosystems. The potential for these disasters virtually disappears when replaced with hydrogen fuel.
However, it should be noted that not all hydrogen has a clean lifecycle. The most widely used production method is steam methane reforming (SMR), which uses natural gas and emits carbon. Clean alternatives like electrolysis eliminate emissions but have high energy demands that undercut the environmental benefits.
Clean hydrogen innovations are constantly addressing and improving upon these shortcomings. Integrations with wind, solar, and nuclear energy show particular promise in clean hydrogen sourcing.
Economic Implications of Green Ports
From a purely financial standpoint, hydrogen has significant drawbacks. Hydrogen vehicles, fuel, and storage are all currently more expensive than their diesel counterparts. However, this is largely due to the field’s new existence and lack of existing infrastructure. Trends show dropping prices with further advancements and broader use.
Hydrogen fuel also has economic benefits, especially local to where it’s implemented. Producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen fuel will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Jobs in the hydrogen industry may even help replace roles lost in the shift from fossil fuels.
Hydrogen fuel is also relatively secure from international market fluctuations since it lacks the geographical constraints of oil or natural gas drilling.
While government support has helped quicken technological progress and infrastructure development—driving fuel and vehicle prices down—there is still much room for further investment to make hydrogen tech more widely affordable.
Case Study: Long Beach Green Port
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) in California is the birthplace of the green port movement. In January 2005, its board implemented the Green Port Policy to guide efforts in decarbonizing and transitioning to cleaner operations.
Among this policy’s goals were:
–Protecting the local community and environment from pollutants caused by port operations.
–Promoting sustainability with the best available technologies.
–Engaging and educating the local community.
The port doubled down on these promises, expanding them with the Clean Trucks Program (CTP)—banning older diesel vehicles—and the Clean Air Action Plan, which accelerated progress to zero emissions.
The results have been stunning. The Port of Long Beach has seen a 92% reduction in diesel particulate emissions, a 90% decrease in truck pollution, and a 60% increase in local biodiversity.
This resounding level of success couldn’t have been achieved without $70 million in grant funding from multiple state agencies—underscoring the importance of government support in transitioning to cleaner technologies.
The green port movement has already inspired carbon-reducing transitions around the world—including in the Netherlands, Singapore, China, Spain, and more. This wave of positive change proves that, despite its challenges, transitions to clean energy are within reach.
Join the Green Port Movement Using Hydrogen Solutions
Implementing changes for a cleaner port can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With guidance from alternative fuel experts, ports can plan bespoke energy solutions that cut their carbon emissions for good.
FASTECH is the leader in establishing sustainable infrastructure to widen the use and accessibility of clean hydrogen energy. From refueling centers to hydrogen hubs, FASTECH has the ECP+M expertise to provide end-to-end energy solutions. Tailored to meet your operational demands, hydrogen fuel can help ports achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Join the push for a cleaner future. Learn how FASTECH powers green ports.
