The Government’s plans to achieve carbon net zero by 2050 at all Japanese ports via its (CNP) initiative backed by a CNP certification process.

The presentation given today in Barcelona as part of the ICHCA AGM contained the announcement of MLIT’s launch in June of its Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) Certification for container terminals.

The Certification process will evaluate each terminal’s decarbonization efforts.  Critically this assessment will be on a ‘per-terminal’ rather than a ‘per-port’ basis. The Certification will be multi-faceted.  Each element geared toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The process of decarbonization

As Suemune outlined, the process of decarbonization will involve evaluation of a wide variety of stratagems including low-emission handling equipment and LED lighting on the terminal operation side and efforts concerning carriers, such as zero emission vessel fuels and truck appointment systems.

The evaluation at multiple certification levels

“The evaluation will be performed at multiple certification levels from Level 1 to Level 5,” explained Suemune.  “Should the detailed and stringent requirements of each level be achieved then Certification will be granted for three years, after which the terminal will need to reapply.  Thus ensuring that decarbonization efforts are maintained.  We believe port decarbonization cannot be achieved in a single step, nor in the short-term; rather a long-term perspective must be pursued.”

The MLIT initiative

In welcoming the MLIT initiative, Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA commented, “We are both honoured and delighted that MLIT through their representative Yusuke Suemune has chosen the ICHCA forum to announce the CNP Certification initiative.  Environmental care is at the forefront of ICHCA’s mission and the efforts of such influential members such as the Japanese Government’s MLIT is a great example of how the cargo industry can deliver on that commitment.”

The evaluation process will be visible to all port users

In addition, the results of the evaluation process will be visible to all port users, as they too are encouraged to contribute to the carbon zero target by 2050.  By initiating the CNP Certification, Ports and Harbours Bureau of MLIT is determined to objectively assess the status of decarbonization plans across all ports in the country on the basis of common and well defined criteria.

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About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

Source:Press-Release riceived by Maritime Tickers

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