Cruise Europe
Cruise Europe
10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 00:57
Sustainability in Dover is a way of life
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - 07:50 by ce-press
The Port of Dover is pushing to reach net zero on scope 1 & 2 emissions in 2025. Whilst still working on the 2024 sustainability performance report, a number of last year's achievements are recorded below.
When it comes to biodiversity, the high abundance (number of individuals) and diversity (number of different species) of plants and animals throughout the port continues to show its commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, ensuring there are no negative interactions between operations and the environment.
To achieve its carbon reduction milestones, massive reductions in carbon emissions were witnessed in the port's fleet, thanks to the switch to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel. This biofuel is made exclusively from waste products. All landside machinery and generators also use HVO as well as all much of the port's heating and the majority of vehicles, contributing to the total emission reductions.
Waste management is a key area for the port and recycling is the priority here. Any landside waste that is not able to be recycled is sent for energy recovery, ensuring that landfill is avoided. Whilst strict regulations govern disposal of international catering waste landed from cruise ships, the port continues to investigate alternatives to landfill.
Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, says: "We are rapidly progressing towards decarbonising the world's busiest maritime corridor, helping in the UK's drive to net zero shipping by 2050.
"In addition to other widespread environment and sustainability activity across the Port, Dover Cruise leads the SEA (Safety and Environment Awareness) Award, which is given to the cruise lines with the best recycling methods, waste segregation, carbon emissions and safety each year."
The appearance of seahorses within the port area are evidence that this approach is succeeding, with two found during routine surveys this summer. The short-snouted seahorse is one of only two species of seahorse found in the UK and they are classed as vulnerable.
When it comes to biodiversity, the high abundance (number of individuals) and diversity (number of different species) of plants and animals throughout the port continues to show its commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, ensuring there are no negative interactions between operations and the environment.
To achieve its carbon reduction milestones, massive reductions in carbon emissions were witnessed in the port's fleet, thanks to the switch to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel. This biofuel is made exclusively from waste products. All landside machinery and generators also use HVO as well as all much of the port's heating and the majority of vehicles, contributing to the total emission reductions.
Waste management is a key area for the port and recycling is the priority here. Any landside waste that is not able to be recycled is sent for energy recovery, ensuring that landfill is avoided. Whilst strict regulations govern disposal of international catering waste landed from cruise ships, the port continues to investigate alternatives to landfill.
Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, says: "We are rapidly progressing towards decarbonising the world's busiest maritime corridor, helping in the UK's drive to net zero shipping by 2050.
"In addition to other widespread environment and sustainability activity across the Port, Dover Cruise leads the SEA (Safety and Environment Awareness) Award, which is given to the cruise lines with the best recycling methods, waste segregation, carbon emissions and safety each year."
The appearance of seahorses within the port area are evidence that this approach is succeeding, with two found during routine surveys this summer. The short-snouted seahorse is one of only two species of seahorse found in the UK and they are classed as vulnerable.