Nature Positive Role of the Ports Sector

2.3 Greenhouse gas emissions GHG emissions of ports throughout the value chain remain significant, considering the number of ports worldwide and the growing demand for shipping. GHG emissions are produced from economic activities at every aspect of the value chain – upstream energy supply and equipment manufacturing; midstream port construction and terminal operations, which account for a relatively small share of GHG emissions;73 and downstream transport and related economic activities, which account for the majority of emissions if shipping activity is taken into account.74 The methodology for measuring the GHG emission data in ports has not yet been standardized internationally. For example, questions remain as to the definition and scope of port activities in GHG emissions accounting and whether freight transport should be included. Shipping is a significant emitter. International shipping would be the sixth largest emitter of CO2 if it were considered a country. Therefore, a unified standard for GHG emissions reporting across the sector remains challenging.The IMO defines port boundaries as starting from the point at which a ship slows down while approaching from the high seas.75 The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) quantifies ports’ GHG emissions from activities by ships at berth, including loading, unloading or refuelling activities. For example, T&E concluded that the Port of Rotterdam emits 13.7 million tons of CO2 annually, while the Port of Antwerp emits 7.4 million tons. It is worth noting that transport through ports remains the most efficient compared to alternatives like air and road transport, based on its relatively low energy consumption and GHG emissions per unit of carrying capacity. While the direct GHG emissions from port operations are relatively low, the efficiency of port operations has significant effects on the amount of GHG emissions from ships. Without efficient operation and good connections with a downstream transport network, delays of ships and cargo in the port can cause indirect GHG emissions. A unified standard for GHG emissions reporting across the sector remains challenging. Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector 21