Optimising the use of port infrastructure
We promote the maximum use of existing infrastructures in the city-port-territory ecosystem and the optimisation of commercial activities through technological and managerial improvements while reducing the environmental footprint.
Shipping is still the most economical, reliable and least energy-intensive way to transport goods over long distances. [1] It is the backbone of global trade and production chains. More than four-fifths of global logistics volume is transported by sea. Consequently, the proper functioning of port infrastructure facilitates investment in industry and logistics by enabling job creation and promoting prosperity.
Ports are roughly the same as they have always been. Technology has changed to make [sea transport] more efficient and more accurate, but the idea is still the same.
Fredrik Lindstål
Chairman of the Board of Stockholms Hamn AB – Ports of Stockholm
At the same time, the main activity underpinning the economic model of ports today is the attraction and concentration of this maritime traffic and the various related activities. This need to concentrate and sustain traffic is challenging as the current operational and infrastructure system has detrimental sustainability implications that may ultimately challenge its viability in the future.
The challenge for port activity is to develop alternatives that reduce these impacts while ensuring reduced emissions and effects in the ecosystem. In areas where the density of hard infrastructure is already high, the focus is shifting from massive investment in new hard infrastructure to making the best use of what exists. Reducing the construction of new infrastructure and buildings (which currently account for 38% of carbon emissions)[2] is critical to achieving the goal of zero emissions.
[Ports] should push themselves to innovate and not blame technology. Plan for what you hope to do in the future, not just in 2040, but in the near future: work together with the municipality, but also from a national point of view, and with the EU.
Fredrik Lindstål
Chairman of the Board of Stockholms Hamn AB – Ports of Stockholm
This optimised use must be based on the implementation of technological upgrades and management improvements, which must be carried out through operational coordination at all levels. Two lines of work related to this are the digitalisation and automation of port activities, which are key tools to improve the efficiency of the current infrastructure. In this case, digitalisation and improved management reduce the queues of vessels waiting to dock, while also reducing pollutant emissions. The automation of the terminals improves the use of the available docks and allows activity to be maintained without creating new infrastructure.
In short, taking into account the existing infrastructure density and the need to prioritise sustainability, it is advisable to moderate the horizontal expansion of port infrastructures and commit to making the most of existing infrastructures by using digitalisation, improved management and coordination at metropolitan, regional, state and European levels and avoiding destructive competition between ports.
Key Actions
- Include netzero alternatives in expansion and investment proposals
- Maximise productivity rates by dock and berth
- Promote coordination between port systems to optimise joint efficiency
- Design digitisation and open source strategies
References
[1] The World Bank (2021). The Container Port Performance Index 2020: A Comparable Assessment of Container Port Performance. Washington, DC: World Bank.
Experts
Fredrik Lindstål
Chairman of the Board of Stockholms Hamn AB – Ports of Stockholm