We constantly hear of “green ships” but not very often about “green ports”. Not surprising, especially in Asia. Port operators are on a nonstop cargo chase. How many will stop to think about reducing emissions in the port area and do their bit to combat climate change? Today, Earth Day 2012, we take a look at the Mobile AMP (Alternative Maritime Power) from Cavotec and its potential for the greening of ports.
Ships at berth keep their auxiliary diesel engines running to ensure continued power supply for essential services. So what better way to reduce the pollution they cause than killing the engines and providing the ships with an alternative power source? The main advantage of Cavotec’s Mobile AMP, which boasts a 6.6kV output, is flexibility. It can be deployed and activated straightaway when a ship comes in – and stored or moved to another berth when no longer needed. Its relatively small size makes it perfect for use where space is limited.
Here’s a look at the Mobile AMP in action at the Port of Los Angeles, which can surely be described as “green”:
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Clearly, the Mobile AMP is just one solution to cutting pollution on the waterfront. Port owners and operators will need to address harmful emissions from other sources – not least from forklifts, grantries and other cargo handling equipment. The bottom-line is that the technology to make ports greener is available from such companies as Cavotec. Given the reality of climate change, harnessing it isn’t a matter of choice for ports but a matter of duty. ~Barista Uno
