The port offers discounts on port charges if ships emit no nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides.
“Acknowledging the carbon footprint is the first way to deal with it. We are emitting 32,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. To reduce this carbon footprint, we are expanding the Harit Shrey scheme to trucks also so that incentives can be given to trucks that are using greener fuel,” said Vinodkumar.
The National Institute of Technology Karnataka, also known as NITK Surathkal, had conducted a carbon footprint study for the MPA and arrived at the quantum of carbon that the port emits.
The MPA has introduced the ‘Harit Shrey’ scheme, which takes into account the environmental ship index (ESI) score of a commercial vessel that docks at the Mormugao port.
Globally, the ESI score ranges from zero for a ship that merely conforms to applicable environmental regulations, to 100 for a ship which does not emit pollutants such as sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides, and which also monitors data to establish energy efficiency.
The scheme is in line with the global focus on incentivising the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) marine environment protection committee (MEPC) has set a target to cut the shipping sector’s overall carbon dioxide output by 50% by 2050.
The port is on a modernisation drive, and projects worth Rs 1,152 crore are being undertaken at the port. However, these projects will also increase the carbon emissions, which the port is keen to mitigate.
“The 3MW solar plant will be commissioned in the next three to four months. We will be reducing our emission by 10% immediately. We have a definite plan to reduce our carbon footprint. We should definitely be able to bring it down in the next 3-4 years,” said Vinodkumar.
The port expects the four-lane port connectivity project to be completed by Nov and inaugurated by Dec. The port has also moved to plant 5,000 trees to enhance the green cover. A dome structure being erected for the coal stacks will also help reduce pollution.
“We have to invest, improve, and also be sustainable in the long run,” said Vinodkumar.
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