Carbon Footprint of Port Websites Study

Carbon Footprint of Port Websites

• The study investigated the carbon footprint generated by individual port websites.
• This is a missing element in the concept of green ports.
• One of the European Union's objectives, and the basis of UN cooperation, is sustainable development.
• The gradual reduction of carbon emissions in the economy is a key part of this.
• Maritime transport is a significant area where decarbonization is needed.
• The concept of Green Ports aims to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the benefits of maritime transport.
• There is a lack of clear definition of Green Ports in scientific literature.
• The study used websites of major European ports (identified by Transport & Environment, and Leading Maritime Cities 2022 reports) for the empirical research.
• The study examined the relationship between port carbon footprint and the "cleanliness" (energy use) of their websites.
• Websites consume significant energy and contribute to CO2 emissions.
• The use of new technologies, including internet access, is linked to economic and social development, even deemed a human right by the UN.
• There are risks associated with new technologies, relating to privacy, intellectual property, security and the environment.

Environmental Impact of Maritime Transport

• Maritime transport is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.
• Approximately 90% of global consumption is transported by sea. This translates to 940 million tons of CO2 annually (representing 2.5% of global CO2 emissions).
• In 2019 one-quarter of the EU's total carbon emissions were due to the transport sector.
• Maritime transport accounted for 13.5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

The Concept of Green Ports

• Ports worldwide are aiming for "greener" operations, emphasizing sustainability.
• The concept of a "Green Port" is multi-faceted including environmentally friendly infrastructure, management policies, and investments, encompassing ecological protection and sustainable development policies in all port activities.
• Green Ports prioritize reducing environmental harm across three main areas: environment, economy, and society.
• One of their goals is improving port-city relations.
• Promoting energy efficiency and adopting eco-friendly technologies like shore-to-ship electricity is also important.
• The Green Port concept is crucial for the development of seaports in the face of broader EU and UN sustainability targets.

Port Website Carbon Footprint Research

• The study analyzed carbon emissions from port websites to highlight the environmental impact of Internet usage.
• The study contrasted highly-polluting ports, identified by a specific ranking report, against advanced technologically-advanced ports for the empirical research.
• The results show a definite correlation between emissions by ports and the "cleanliness" of their websites (the level of energy use/features present).
• The websites of more polluting ports tended to be more energy-intensive.
• Studies found that the use of ICT tools can be linked to an increase in CO2 emissions,
• Another study indicated that the use of ICT can create increased energy consumption.

Recommendations and Conclusions

• The authors recommend that more attention be paid to the environmental impact of new technologies in policies and strategies.
• The study emphasizes that solutions based on new technologies, including the Internet, can contribute to climate neutrality, and sustainable development.
• More environmentally aware digital solutions for port websites are suggested.
• Focus on efficiency and minimization of websites features, and on the use of sustainable electricity solutions should be prioritized.

This study explores the carbon footprint associated with individual port websites, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in maritime transport. It examines the relationship between the energy consumption of these websites and their contribution to CO2 emissions, aligning with the European Union's goals for sustainable development and the concept of Green Ports.