“The focus is absolutely on the environment,” said Christopher Wooldridge, Science Coordinator at ScoPorts EcoSLC, as he opened the 19th GreenPorts Congress held by Mercator Media in the French port city of Le Havre this year.
Twenty-five years ago, the environment was ‘a little issue’ which has now become part of any business plan.
“And it has to be achieved in a chaotic world,” he said, referring to climate change, geopolitical circumstances and conservation issues that have taken centre stage across global maritime in such a short time.
“We’ve got to comply with legislation and regulation yet achieve sustainability,” he said. “Environmental management is evolving as we speak. The environment is part of sustainability, economics, society and governance – and they are the sum total of the ports and cruise industry.”
The GreenPort Congress, Wooldridge said, provided the ideal platform for ports and cruise professionals to exchange knowledge and expertise.
“We need to demonstrate and who stakeholders what it is we are doing,” he said. “The management of the global port sector has never been in a more dynamic period of change.”
Also speaking at the opening of the congress was Kris Danaradjou, Deputy Global Manager in Charge of Development with HAROPA Port.
“GreenPort used to be an oxymoron,” he said. “A few years ago, no one believed it could be green. Since then we have passed significant milestones, and ports have reduced their own impact on maritime activities with electrification in the ports, reducing speed and optimising management. For the commercial success of a port, ‘green’ will be the most qualifying adjective.”
Chris Wooldridge listed three key points that, in his opinion, were critical for the future of the greening wave.
“Think globally, act locally,” he said. “It’s never been more relevant and appropriate. Second, it has to be applied by the individual port – each port is unique. And finally, there’s a gap between policy and practice. In the end it’s all about people making decisions and influencing the sector.
“Stakeholders want to know what we are doing. Ports have the responsibility and the liability.”
The GreenPort Congress was sponsored by ABB, Royal HaskoningDV, Igus, PowerCon and the wifi system by Problems Solved.
Join us for Day 2 or contact our delegate team at sales@greenportcongress.com.
