In a significant stride toward promoting sustainable maritime practices, DP World celebrated the arrival of the CMA CGM BAHIA, a container vessel fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), at the Port of Santos, Brazil, on January 22, 2024. This momentous event marks the first instance of an LNG-powered container vessel docking at the port, signaling a transformative era for environmentally-conscious maritime transportation.
The CMA CGM BAHIA, an impressive vessel measuring 336 meters in length and with a capacity exceeding 13,000 TEUs, commenced its journey in Singapore on December 28, 2023. After making a stop at the Port of Rio de Janeiro, it proceeded to the Port of Santos.
The rise of LNG-powered vessels is gaining prominence due to their significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, positioning them as a more sustainable choice for maritime transport. LNG emissions are notably 40% less than coal and 30% less than oil, solidifying LNG as a sustainable alternative fuel for maritime operations.
DP World, committed to reducing carbon emissions, considers the arrival of the CMA CGM BAHIA as a pivotal achievement. Rodrigo Gomes, Commercial Manager at DP World Brazil, emphasized, “Welcoming an LNG-powered vessel that produces fewer CO² emissions aligns perfectly with our global efforts to reduce carbon footprints.” He anticipates that 2024 will witness the emergence of similar eco-friendly vessels at the port, reflecting the maritime industry’s dedication to creating a more sustainable future in global logistics.
Beyond Sustainable Shipping
DP World extends its commitment to sustainability beyond shipping practices, focusing on greening its internal operations. In 2023, the company initiated a project to increase the use of renewable energy by electrification of its RTGs (rubber-tired gantry cranes) at the Port of Santos. This ambitious project, aiming to convert 22 cranes by 2024, involves implementing a cable system to draw power from overhead lines. The transition is anticipated to reduce the terminal’s diesel consumption by up to 60%, solidifying DP World’s leadership in sustainable port operations.
Additionally, DP World is embarking on a pilot project to test hydrogen-powered RTGs at Canada’s Port of Vancouver. Hydrogen, recognized as a clean and efficient fuel, is a proven technology and a viable option for powering heavy-duty machinery. Set to commence in Q2 2024, the hydrogen pilot will assess the feasibility of electrifying DP World’s global fleet of 1,500 RTGs. This initiative underlines the company’s dedication to exploring innovative and eco-friendly solutions for a sustainable future.
About DP World
Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.
With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 106,500 employees from 158 nationalities, spanning 73 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.
We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.
What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.
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