In a first for the maritime industry, a Danish port is on
track to achieve a 70 percent reduction in carbon emissions through the use of
renewable offshore wind energy and an energy management system. Port Esbjerg,
located on the southwest coast of Denmark, is working with Honeywell on a
comprehensive carbon and energy management program linked to Denmark’s goals
for decarbonization.
Port Esbjerg recently inaugurated its first shore-to-ship
power units, which allow docked vessels to run on renewable electricity from
offshore wind turbines, instead of using onboard diesel generators. The
shore-to-ship units can simultaneously power multiple large vessels, and the
port can plan and manage the operations and emissions through a system that
estimates vessels’ carbon footprint and can assist in reducing noise pollution.
“Given the size and complexity of our operation, there was
no simple, off-the-shelf solution for our green transition,” said Port Esbjerg
CEO, Dennis Jul Pedersen. “We worked with Honeywell to fully customize a system
that can monitor energy consumption and emissions, as well as pinpoint
potential improvement opportunities.”
The Honeywell Enacto Carbon and Energy Management system is
cloud-based and enables the port to monitor the emissions and resource
consumption of every individual power socket, and every vessel. The system uses
artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in conjunction with
data collection from energy-consuming or -producing assets at the port.
If consumption changes significantly, the system sends an
automated message to the port office, meaning any abnormalities are immediately
identified and action may be taken. Vessels’ carbon emissions are closely
observed with the aim of reduction through operational investments in
sustainable infrastructure, including the use of renewable energy, and in the
future clean fuel technology. Based on the data generated, Port Esbjerg can
optimize its energy and carbon footprint in real-time.
In the next phase of the project, Port Esbjerg and Honeywell
will monitor and manage water consumption and heating, as well as the
emissions' performance of businesses around the port. The plan also features
significant investments in electric vehicle technology and hydrogen-powered
cranes. The target is for all port vehicles to be powered by electricity by
2025.