New e-Book Shows Commitment of UK Ports to Sustainability and Environment

UK – With all and sundry these days keen to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental practices, the British Ports Association (BPA) has published a comprehensive package of case studies of environmental good practice from dozens of UK ports, demonstrating how seriously matters are being taken in British waters.

The BPA says it will update the achievements of its members in this regard over the coming months but the initial tranche of projects show clearly that the industry is committed to a cleaner, greener future. The full list of what is a diverse publication is best viewed on an A4 e-book version HERE.

Random examples of what has been achieved include the use of two bubble curtains in the construction of Aberdeen’s new south harbour to protect marine mammals from any harmful effects of the building work, ABP’s £6.8 million roof mounted solar array at the Port of Hull and Belfast Harbour’s drive towards 100% renewable energy usage and smart electricity generation.

Also included are such examples as the installation of the UK’s first intermediate voltage shore power system, in Orkney, as well as smaller shore power systems in Fraserburgh and Lerwick and Orkney Harbours’, and others work on monitoring and preventing invasive species. Commenting on the project, Mark Simmonds, Head of Policy & External Affairs at the BPA said:

“This collection of stories shows the tremendous amount of effort ports put into reducing emissions, protecting and enhancing habitats and biodiversity, and tackling waste and marine litter. Much of this work goes unappreciated and we hope that this work will start to highlight some of the everyday effort ports make in delivering positive outcomes for our environment.

“Some of these stories push the boundaries of innovation, others are more routine but they are all important. We hope that this project might inspire others to imitate some of the good work and also submit their own good news stories.

“The BPA has always taken a strong leadership role on environmental matters, championing a balance between sustainable development and economic activity. We were a co-founder of the EcoPorts scheme, led on port stakeholder communications, created the first environment group for port professionals in the world, produced a Sustainability Charter, promoted coastal shipping and of late we have been looking extensively at air quality issues and shore power.

“This initiative shines a light on some excellent UK port projects and examples. We are hopeful that this initiative will enable other ports to learn from BPA members and join our programme.”

The BPA has also published an online form where ports and BPA associate members working in ports can submit new stories. These will be published on the BPA website and eventually printed in various formats.

These stories were collected from BPA members at the beginning of 2020 but publication was postponed whilst the industry and government have been dealing with the immediate challenges presented by Covid-19. Physical boxes of postcards are available from the BPA, and the stories are also published in the e-book and as individual stories on the BPA website.

Photo: Image courtesy of BPA.