by Lloyd's List

25 October 2024 (Lloyd's List) - EUROPEAN ports are reporting increasing disruptions from climate change, a survey reveals.

The European Sea Ports Organisation’s annual environment report said climate change remained the biggest priority, followed by energy efficiency and air pollution, according to data from 83 ports in 21 countries.

ESPO said 64% of ports surveyed reporting climate-related operational challenges, up from 47% last year.

“This notable increase highlights the escalating impact of climate change on port operations, likely driven by the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and rising sea levels,” ESPO said.

In response, 73% of ports were working to make infrastructure more resilient and 86% were integrating climate adaptation into new projects.

But 98% of surveyed ports now had an environmental policy and a growing share were monitoring their carbon footprint and energy efficiency.

ESPO added that indicators tracked in its report, such as provision of shore power and alternative fuels, could help monitor implementation of the European Commission’s new Fit for 55 rules.

“ESPO welcomes the commission’s increased focus on implementation and hopes the coming months will bring much-needed clarity,” ESPO chairman Zeno D’Agostino said.

The report said the provision of green services for shipping has expanded notably, with 58% of surveyed ports offering onshore power supply at one or more berths, and 56% of these providing high-voltage options.

The main obstacles to OPS were insufficient grid infrastructure (45%) and inadequate grid capacity (40%). LNG bunkering was available at 48% of surveyed ports, with another 16% planning to introduce it within the next two years.

Electric vehicle charging stations were offered at 85% of surveyed ports. But just 6% offered hydrogen refuelling for trucks, “indicating that hydrogen infrastructure is still emerging and faces challenges, such as high costs and technical complexities”.