www.truckandtrack.com Winter 21/22 Truck and Track 79 PORTS Hutchison Ports BEST container terminal has made public its sustainability plan which enables shipowners to reduce their direct carbon footprint by half compared to other conventional terminals. “The fight against climate change is a challenge that we all face as a society. At Hutchison Ports BEST we are convinced that we must work together to improve the planet´s sustainability. Choosing to have one’s cargo pass through BEST has direct positive consequences on the planet because it reduces 50% of direct CO2 emissions,” says Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of Hutchison Ports BEST. The use of electrical equipment and the energy efficiency of the terminal’s automated means enable the reduction of CO2 emissions by half thanks to BEST’s high productivity, which is approximately 50% faster than conventional terminals. Furthermore, the digitisation of a large part of BEST’s processes through a 100% digital and automatic gate system reduces waiting times and emissions. Transport by rail is another pillar of BEST’s sustainability strategy. The container terminal develops and operates inland rail terminals that enable energy transition. In this respect, rail movements carried out at BEST last year saved 20,471 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Renewableenergyandenvironmental improvement Another essential element in the reduction of emissions is the installation of the largest network of electrical connection points for reefer containers (with more than 2,500 points). BEST is working with the Barcelona Port Authority (APB) to have the first electrified quay in southern Europe for connecting ships in port by 2023. All this through a firm commitment to the use of renewable energies, which also includes the use of solar panels. Inaddition, BESTactively participates in theworldwide campaign promoted by the Hutchison Ports group GO GREEN initiative with activities such as the planting of aquatic vegetation for the benefit of the Llobregat Delta area. BEST’s sustainability plan complies with 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and is endorsed by different environmental quality certificates such as ISO 14001 and compliance with the Port of Barcelona’s Guide to Good Environmental Practices. BEST helps to reduce CO2 emissions in the logistics chain Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list. The award is in recognition of Richard’s services to the maritime industry, which over the last two years have involved working tirelessly with government and industry to ensure ports’ contribution to keeping the country supplied and the needs of the industry were well understood by government. Richard has also worked closely with government to represent the industry through the process of the UK’s departure from the EU. This has helped ensure that the border has continued to operate as smoothly as possible and has helped to keep the industry’s interests high on the political agenda. Richard joined the British Ports Association in 2007 and became the Chief Executive in 2016. He represents the BPA on a number of industry bodies and is a member of a wide range of government stakeholder groups and international committees. He is also a Director of Maritime UK and a trustee of the seafarers’ charity the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Commenting on the news, Neil Glendinning, Chairman of the British Ports Association and Chief Executive of Harwich Haven Authority, said: “I am delighted that Richard’s hard work and achievements for the industry through the British Ports Association over the last 15 years, the last five as Chief Executive, have been formally recognised with this OBE. It particularly recognises Richard’s efforts throughout the pandemic in raising the level of awareness of the essential services delivered by ports at the highest levels of government. “Richard has been critical to efforts to champion the part that ports have played in keeping essential goods flowing during these difficult times. Through his efforts in promoting the sector, ports are in the public eye as never before and this award acknowledges the serious work that Richard has put in to the industry and to the nation – well done Richard!” BPA Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne Awarded OBE in New Year’s Honours TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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