Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited (‘HPUK’) has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint. The Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International Port and London Thamesport have signed up to the 10:10 initiative; a national drive to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 10% during 2010.

The ports, all owned and operated by HPUK, have made the commitment to cut their carbon emissions by 10% as part of a wider national effort to significantly reduce the output of greenhouse gasses.

David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of HPUK, commented:

"Signing up to 10:10 is evidence of our commitment to reduce greenhouse gasses and lessen the impact of our operations on the environment. Low carbon supply chains are increasingly important and we have a major role to play in helping our customers achieve them.

"In addition to reducing our own footprint, we are investing in rail to provide low carbon options beyond the port, and working with our customers and tenants to supply port-centric logistic solutions. There are already more frequent rail departures from Felixstowe, to more destinations, moving more containers, than any other UK port. This latest commitment reinforces our position as the low-carbon option for shippers and shipping lines."

In addition to 56 daily rail freight arrivals or departures to 13 different inland destinations, the Port of Felixstowe also has feeder services offering alternative low carbon options by coastal shipping.

HPUK is pursuing a whole range of initiatives to improve its environmental performance. These include an ‘Eco-RTG’ project to reduce emissions from its fleet of Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) by up to 50%, smart crane lighting to improve energy efficiency of its 24-hour operations, and a car-sharing scheme for employees.

HPUK’s Felixstowe South development, due to open in 2010, will bring with it environmental benefits as David Gledhill explains:

“The new development will be equipped with modern, state-of-the-art equipment including low-emission RTGs, and new equipment is inherently more energy efficient than old technology. In addition, the sheer volume of traffic we are handling helps us keep unit-carbon levels to a minimum through capturing economies of scale – these are as applicable to carbon as they are to cost.”

More information about the 10:10 initiative can be found at www.1010uk.org/.

News article courtesy of Port of Felixstowe