3 October 2023 (Lloyd's List ) - UK PORTS and terminal business Peel Ports has made inroads into its carbon-reduction goals set out two years ago, and has already cut emissions by a third from 2020 levels.

In 2021, the UK’s second-largest terminal operator said it wanted to reach net zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of the UK’s plans set out in COP26.

“We took the lead within our industry when we announced our commitment to become a net-zero business by 2040, and this level of ambition has been replicated across our other focus areas of sustainability, including our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion as well as social issues,” said chief executive Claudio Veritiero.

Independently verified figures from the company’s latest environmental, social and governance report show the group has reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions across its port operations by a total of 32%, against its 2020 baseline and using a market-based accounting approach.

Scope 1 emissions fell by more than 50%, from 20,171 tonnes CO2e to 9,941 tonnes, the report noted. Across its port operations, these reduction were largely achieved in the mobile combustion category of liquid fuels for straddle carriers and other equipment.

This included the use of bio-fuels instead of diesel, and the electrification of nearly all the company’s vehicle fleet.

It also reduced emissions at its BG Freight shipping operations by almost a fifth in the same period.

“As with most businesses, our scope 1 and 2 emissions are dwarfed by our scope 3 emissions,” the report said.

“However, gathering accurate data on these emissions is a complex undertaking and we are currently working to create an accurate baseline to allow us to set a credible reduction target.”

These are due to come into effect from 2024.

“I am particularly proud of the significant projects and initiatives we’ve introduced to reduce our carbon footprint over the last twelve months, and whilst we have some way to go, this sets us in good stead for the year ahead,” Veritiero said.

“This report represents a steppingstone in our journey to delivering sustainable growth for the business and we remain fully committed to building on the achievements we’ve made to date while working to further embed sustainability as a driver for our future success.”

When it launched the programme, the group, which operates ports in Liverpool, Clydeport and London Medway, said it had already invested £1.2bn ($1.6bn) on sustainable infrastructure over the past decade.

“Our vision for the future of our business, our people, our customers and our communities is ambitious,” then chief executive Mark Whitworth said at the time.

“Ultimately, our net zero plans will work towards achieving long-term sustainable growth that has a positive effect on the environment, as well as regional and local economies for generations to come.”